Group Discussions and the Expectations of the Companies

It is a talent developing, ability enhancing and an instinct espousing exercise that are inculcated in students where their communication and knowledge skills are tested.

It helps to identify you with qualities of dimensional leadership and moderation application. The features high-lighted for better GD performance is:

1.  Confidence 

Self- confidence, assertiveness, involvement and determination develops your confidence. The determination of the mountaineer, the fighting spirit of the captain of a ship on a troubled ocean or the nerve-taking decisiveness of a pilot is examples of showing confidence.

2. Content

Understanding the subject and forming of an opinion on  the same and present the ideas with proper analysis and with insight into the pros and cause and clarifying them with reasoning and substantiation and possibly with examples or analogues where in other words one needs to be conscientious of the topic and with the inside feelings of same.

3.  Competitiveness and contribution.

The Spirit of competition, applying lateral thinking articulating fresh thoughts, attributive positive critical expressions and availing the delight of the appreciation by the group will add to the GD presentation.

4.  Enthusiasm

Alertness, energy, punch, and stress with consistent powerof expression and conviction need to be maintained. Voice modulation and application of various connectors should be adopted. We need to be conversant with practice of using methods of WPM and ERP to grab opportunities for expressing our views.

5.  Assertiveness

Expression of facts with a strong will and conviction is essential in vocal presentation. The points dealt with need to be of substance and could be corroborated with facts and figures. While quoting data and information one needs to take care to give reference of sources. 

6. Thought process

Full concentration and a sustained mind-set will help initiate Comprehensive and cohesive thought process. The expressions will therefore be spontaneous and meaningful.

7. Speaking and Listening

Both these features are equally important. A speaker will project fresh points and give dimension to the discussion while listening will help him to add value to others points ensuring proper interventions.

8. Body Language and Eye-contact.

An alert and straight posture will add to your participation. The hands should be free, the feet on the ground having the eye-contact maintained properly while speaking as well as listening are the points to be noted. Along with verbal expression non-verbal communication need to be effectively implemented.

9. Group Skill and Peoples Handling.

One must remember that GD is a group activity where Individual is measured. Group consideration is valuable as the participant should act a speaker as well as as a listener too. Interventions should be at the right interjection of the expression like when the speaker is at the verge of PR(E). One should take care not to interfere and cut other’s point While should be considerate allowing others to speak.

10. Communication

GD is after all a test of your communication skill. What should be said and how should be said and what way it should be projected will depend on your selection. While all the qualities discussed above are relevant for making an effective communication, the other points to be noted are such that, one should maintain clarity and completeness of expression, proper fluency and flow, and grammatically error-free with right pronunciation. Long pauses and repetition of words should be avoided. Humbleness and humility will be added qualities. The communication need to be absorbing and receptive. The facial expression should bemaintained soft and cheerful.

While on the subject it is imperative that one should observe certain Don’ts.

They are:

• casualness and callousness
• Hasty and speedy expression
• Dominance and Superiority
• Obstinacy and Cavalier attitude
• Nervousness and passiveness
• Wavering with thoughts and repetition of words
• Personal criticism and extreme stand
• Reacting and repulsive
• Parasite approach and blunt expression
• Lacking in focusing and direction
• Ignorance avoidance
• Aggressive gesticulations and extending arms and Reluctance and delaying tactics and non-stop-speaking.

The GD actually reveals your personality and the eligibility to be selected.