Campus Recruitment – Group Discussion – Steps to Approach a Group Discussion

Campus Recruitment – Group Discussion – Steps to Approach a Group Discussion

Steps to Approach a Group Discussion

A Group Discussion is facilitated by a moderator. The moderator generally keeps a check on time and presents the topic. He intervenes if the Group Discussion is being monopolized by a single candidate and ensures that the Group Discussion is conducted smoothly and fairly. Before you want to jump into the Group Discussion topic, there are a few basic etiquette to follow. First and foremost, introduce yourself before you speak (“Hello,I am so and so.” then the topic).

Initiating a Group Discussion:

• If you want to initiate, remember there are pros as well as cons.
• Initiating a Group Discussion requires you to have a near 100% mastery over the topic.
• You must be confident about what you speak because, you would be one of the first candidates to grab the limelight and to be noticed by the observers and other participants.
• If you initiate well by means of a good introduction, you would be evaluated as having good initiation abilities and would also strengthen your image as a leader.
• However, one must also be aware of the pitfalls of initiating.
• If you open a Group Discussion with some statement that is vague, off topic or totally incorrect, there is a very bright chance that you may end up confusing the others there by lessening your chances to get through the Group Discussion.
• Enthusiastically starting the Group Discussion but, faltering mid way would also pronounce a disaster. So, the golden rule here is, when in doubt, wait for the others to start.
• You may initiate the topic by a Definition, a Quote related to the topic, An anecdote, a humorous story related to the topic, facts and figures.
• Address your group as ‘friends’ and use first name basis for referring to the other members rather than using ‘he’ or ‘she’ which may sound rude.
• If you are doubtful of the topic, wait for the others to begin and speak only when you have a clear idea as to what the discussion is all about.
• Do not be loud and rude. If you want to agree, show your consensus by using phrases like
  “I agree with xyz’s view etc”.
• If you are disagreeing with someone’s view, use phrases like “XYZ’s opinion is so and so,
  but I feel.”

Summarizing a Group Discussion:

A Group Discussion may be summarized either by a candidate or the facilitator. If you decide to summarize and conclude the Group Discussion, make sure that all the points that have been discussed are presented concisely but completely in one or two sentences. Summarizing should be objectively done, without focusing on any one candidate’s points alone. New points should not be brought up while summarizing. All points discussed should be effectively incorporated in the summary.

Reasons For Failing in the GD

1. Being in hurry. Being loud and argumentative.
2. Getting personal and emotional about the views on the topics.
3. Exhibiting negative body language.
4. Speaking of things that are irrelevant to the topic.
5. Appearing eager to show off if you know more about the topic.
6. Changing your opinions on the topic. Repeating the views.
7. Speaking fast and throwing many ideas in one go.
8. Getting distracted. Dominating the discussion.
9. Remaining silent or talking very little through the Group Discussion.