Students’ Speak:Check out the key assessment parameters of a GD
By: Kandarp Patel
Being a good listener is as important as being a good speaker in a GD. Likewise, standing out in a group discussion is good while keeping in mind that allowing others to speak would help in fetching marks and get selected for the next round.
Group Discussion (GD) is one of the important tests through which skills of students are tested in few minutes. These days, GD is conducted for jobs, college admissions, etc. In this article, we would discuss skills required for GD and parameters which are taken into account by moderators or evaluators for assessment during GD.
Moderators or evaluators focuses on several factors like body posture, respect for other speakers, communication skills and so on. Keep one thing in your mind that the time taken by each speaker does not matter; what matters is the content of the discussion and how the message is delivered. During GD, convincingly showcase your skills, that the moderator is left with no choice but to select you for Personal Interview.
Some parameters for assessment during GD are given below:
- Attitude: Positive attitude of the participant matters a lot during GD. Be positive while speaking and positively consider other people’s opinion. Show patience while waiting for your turn.
- Knowledge of the topic given: Complete knowledge of a particular topic is essential in a group discussion. In case, you are not familiar with the topic given, then try to take points from other speaker’s content and present the same differently.
- Listening Skills: Effective listening skills are also essential in a GD. A good listener is always attentive; this is important in the group discussion.
- Communication Skills: Speaker should have good communication skills like correct pronunciation, politeness while speaking, clearly audible to everyone, etc.
- Leadership: Leadership in a GD includes starting and concluding the discussion. This would highlight your leadership skills while working in a group.
- Presentation Skills: The way of presenting thoughts is also a very important parameter in a GD. There should be a proper flow while presenting your thoughts in front of the group.
- Interaction: A participant should not only speak well during GD but interact with others on the point being discussed and back the answer with an example.
- Participation: Active participation is required in a GD. Try to put forth your point in a polite manner.
- Body Language: Always ensure proper body language during GD. Sit straight and comfortably and express your thoughts with correct hand movements.
- Confidence: Confidence is always required in any discussion. Look in the eyes of other participants while speaking and listening. Focus on the content and state your opinion firmly not rudely.
About the Author:
Kandarp Patel is a student at Nirma University, Ahemdabad, pursuing Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering (final year). He is also a campus representative with Shiksha.com since 2016.