Students' Speak: Focus areas for GD
By: Aman Vyas
Topics from political, legal, environmental, economics, social, science, cultural arenas are the most frequently asked ones in a GD, says Aman.
For many organizations, Competitive Admission Test is compulsory. In order to grab an opportunity, we must learn how we present ourselves in this era of tough competition. This article helps you in identifying the quality, requirement and topics for the upcoming opportunity.
Firstly we will discuss the qualities required for qualifying the GD-
1) Confidence: It shows your smartness and alertness in a tense situation. We should be confident enough about what we are speaking about and should not feel nervous.
2) Communication skills: We should have good command in English, proper eye contact and good body language. One should also clearly express his/her ideas with attitude.
3) Leadership quality: One should have the ability to listen and focus with the will to lead the group.
4) Problems solving approaches: Give solutions, new ideas related to the topics and read books or newspapers regularly.
5)360 degrees thinking: Topics from political, legal, environmental, economics, social, science, cultural arenas should not be ignored. These are the mostly asked topics during GD and PI.
6) Convincing power: For this, reports by some agencies, data, etc. can help you to make your point more trustworthy. So, you should be convincing enough to influence your ideas to others.
During a group discussion, you might face 3 situations -
1) You know the topic - Do not become too excited and start blabbering. Take your time to prepare a point that covers all angles of the issues and act accordingly.
2) You partially know the topics - In this situation, don’t take a chance to speak first. Try listening to all the other candidates first and understand the topics so that you can speak after gathering enough information.
3) You don’t know the topic - In this situation, don’t panic and wait for the others to speak. Grasp ASAP and then participate with confidence.
General mistakes committed by the candidates
1) Don’t speak unnecessary things which are not required, stick to the topic
2) Always maintain eye contact while speaking
3) Never interrupt anyone in the middle as it gives a wrong expression to the panellists
Here are a few expected topics for Group Discussion
1) Right to privacy
2) Internet pros or cons
3) CAA, NRC, NPR
4) Economy slowdown
5) E vehicles
6) Weaker section empowerment
About the Author:
Aman R Vyas has recently completed Bachelor in Engineering with a specialisation in Mechanical from Savitribai Phule Pune University. He aspires to become a civil servant with hobbies including reading books on current issues and laws, and trekking.
