Students’ Speak: Evaluation Parameters of a Group Discussion

By: Srinivas Goud

Wondering how Group Discussions are evaluated? Srinivas Goud lets you in on the evaluation parameters of a GD.

Learn about the evaluation criteria and parameters on which your performance is judged during a GD.

Initiative

It is the power to impart directional inputs and supply a flowchart for the next discussion.

The three ‘C’ approach helps in taking the proper initiative –

Clarity: This refers to the clarity in thought process and is manifested within the way you channelize the discussion. This assumes even more significance if the subject for discussion is an abstract one, thus making the discussion hooked into your perception.

Content: This refers to your ability to feature discrete material for the discussion at hand. Generally, candidates with an edge on current affairs and powerful environmental sensitivity have a competitive advantage here.

Confidence: This is often your ability to get comfortable with other members of the group and participate confidently.

Initiative isn't just limited to being the primary speaker within the discussion; even a speaker who participates later within the discussion could also be high on initiative. It merely depends on your ability to feature something new and relevant to the discussion.

Approach

Action/Reaction: You'll contribute in two ways- either initiate an action or react to someone’s action. Initiating an action requires the utmost clarity with reference to the subject at hand, also sufficient content. Reacting to a speaker’s viewpoint could also be either indicative of your agreement with the speaker or mark a disagreement. Just in case you accept the speaker’s point, it's advised that you simply add value to the purpose by giving an illustration or example. Just in case of a disagreement, you're required to construct effective arguments to support your contradiction.

Role Leader: During this role you showcase the capability to motivate your team members and coordinate the general discussion.

Fountain Head: This is often a task where you evince a capability to feature new and relevant points to the discussion so on keep it alive and active.

Communication

Verbal Communication

Fluency: This is often the power to talk in a continuous and uninterrupted manner. This could not be confused with the speed of speech. You will be speaking at a slower speed but should encounter as a fluent speaker. An optimum rate of speech including good fluency adds to the effectiveness of speech.

Non-verbal Communication

Energy: This is often indicative of your capacity for work. Participants with high energy levels have a particular advantage over the opposite lot. However, this could not be confused with impulse, which may be a negative trait.

Posture: You should sit straight in a right posture and be a poised candidate as your body language speaks a lot.

Eye Contact: This takes care of the way you acknowledge other participants and therefore the split between those adding value and otherwise. As per Pareto rule, 80% of the time you ought to check out the key speakers, and therefore the remaining 20% at other participants, including those who are absolutely quiet.

Gesticulation: While gestures, if appropriate and positioned well, increase the general communication effectiveness; an overdose of those may label you as impulsive and restless. Avoid pointing fingers at other candidates and also curtail unnecessary leg movements.

About the Author:

Srinivas Goud is a student at CMR Technical Campus pursuing BTech in Electronics and Communication Engineering.