Students’ Speak: Tips to prepare for Group Discussion round during placement drives

By: T. Deepthi

GD refers to a communicative situation that allows its participants to share their views, ideas and opinions with other participants. And it is a systematic exchange of information. It can decide the participant’s capacity and their strategy.

The main purpose of this GD is to explore and discover their ideas. It helps each of their group members to bring out their skills and talents. Much of our everyday talk is made up of their descriptions which we seek in one way or different ways to convey ideas and goals to other people.

The main advantage of this group discussion is to improve their descriptive thoughts, keen observation, interests and engagement – lectures mixed with discussions can help and maintain their focus. And it develops their speaking skills and improves body language and it boots their confidence and it helps to mingle with others. Speaking in a group discussion is essential for different types of fields. It provides job opportunities and promotions.

Preparation Method for GD

As you all know GD is a crucial phase of any good opportunity. For instance, in competitive exams of both the private sector and government sector, group discussion plays a major role. GD provides the opportunity to go to the next level.

In GD (Group Discussion) or PI (Personal Interview) the panel members or jury will select only those candidates who will show leadership skills, ability to handle pressure and stress, good command over their language, fluency and are updated on the current situations and current issues.

In GD, a topic will be given ranging from the current situation or current issues and other events to a group of candidates and it is then discussed in the group.

• Approximately more than 10 candidates are in a single GD group.
• Jury members or Panel members of 3-4 people to monitor the discussion.
• Questions may be asked to the individual participants based on whatever they say during the group discussion.
• The topic will be provided by the Jury members or Panelist and the topic might be changed if people are not comfortable. It might depend on the majority of the candidates.
• If you don’t understand the topic you may ask the panel for clarity.
• Everyone will be given time to express their views and opinions.

Key points to remember in GD:

In GD you will be interacting and debating with other candidates and your performance will be evaluated by the panel on the basis of following points like-

Knowledge about the topic: How well you are expressing your views and opinions.

Leadership skills: How well you are able to discuss among the group i.e., how you are putting your points, listening to others and trying to manage the whole discussion with confidence. How well you are listening to and articulating other points. How well you are communicating over the topic and command over the language. The preferable language will be English.

Group Discussion Tips:

You will be judged on how you are interacting and debating with other members in front of the panel. If possible try to make a small study circle among your friends and have discussions on various current topics and issues. You should have control over your voice i.e., you must know the right pitch according to the discussion. You must look presentable and formal in your attire. A group discussion also tests your presentation skills and body language and your attire which describes your personality and seriousness towards the role. You must listen to the instructions or rules laid by the panelist at the beginning of the Group Discussion. While expressing your points ensure that you are not repeating the same points. You must also allow others to speak and don’t try to interrupt while someone else is sharing his/her points.

STRATEGIES FOLLOWED:

Evaluation Criteria:

• Content
• Communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Group dynamics

 Topics based on Group discussion:

• Factual topics
• Controversial topics
• Abstract topics

Types:

• Topic-based
• Case study
• Group task

Don’ts:

1. You should speak relevant content.
2. You should not dominate other candidates.
3. You should not project yourself more in style.
4. You should not make others agree to your points.

About the Author:

T. Deepthi is a student at Sri Padmavati Mahila Vishvavidyalayam Tirupati. She is pursuing Bachelor's in Technology with a specialisation in Electronics and Communication.