Students’ Speak: 6 assessment criteria to ace Group Discussion round

By: Aayushi Pandey

The way of expressing your thoughts plays an important role in defining your overall personality.

In every Group Discussion (GD), the criteria for assessment may be different but overall the GD is evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Knowledge of the topic: The knowledge of the topic is a must for the discussion and even if you are not confident, for the first few minutes just observe what others are discussing and then accordingly form your arguments. One should be well prepared with the topics in advance and should have also gone through the previous year’s GD questions.
2. Presentation of ideas & arguments: It is important that you present your arguments in a systematic way. The arguments that you present should not seem like they are in a totally different direction with what point is already going on in the discussion. Even if you are interrupting any candidate in discussion try do it politely. If you do not agree with someone’s arguments, then you can begin with, “I understand what you are trying to say however I think,”. This way, you are not demeaning anyone and you have politely put in your point forward.
3. Thought process (optional criteria): This criterion is however not essential but it plays a very important role. If for any given topic it is more obvious that everyone is going to say similar kind of things or can be a possibility that everyone is in its favor, then you can present a different side of it or may go against the topic. This will help you earn brownie points.
4. Confidence level: It is necessary that whatever you say, you say it firmly and confidently. Loose argument or a half-hearted attempt at presenting your argument do not leave a good impression & lead you to lose your own point. Maintaining a positive attitude and proper body language during the whole discussion process is very necessary. So, be confident in what you are saying and try to keep your point during GD.
5. Voice modulation, vocabulary: However, not very significant but it is important that your diction, grammar and choice of words should be proper. The way of expressing your thoughts plays an important role in defining your overall personality. You should practice and make your vocabulary up to the mark beforehand.
6. Leading the discussion: Many times group divert from the topic so if you are able to take the lead and bring the discussion to the point, it will help you to gain positive points.

About the Author:

Aayushi Pandey is a BCom graduate from DAV PG College, Dehradun. She is currently pursuing PGDM from IMI, Bhubaneswar. Her hobbies include reading fictional stories & writing while her areas of interest are Research, Strategy & Human Resource.