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Recruitments are scary, aren’t they? There are multiple rounds to the selection process and a Group Discussion or GD is one of them. If you’ve been a part of GDs as a fresher, you know how nerve-wracking they can be. But GDs will continue to be a part of the hiring process whether you’re applying for your first job or switching jobs. Overcoming the fear of group discussions isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Read on to explore effective group discussion tips and tricks. See how you can make an impression at GDs by brushing up on your communication skills.
What Is A Group Discussion?
Let’s break down the term ‘group discussion’ to understand it better. A group is a collection of individuals who work together to achieve something. The performance of the group rests on effective teamwork and collaboration. A discussion is a process of exchanging ideas or information between two or more people, typically to reach a conclusion.
A group discussion, therefore, is an activity where several individuals meet face-to-face and exchange thoughts, ideas and opinions to decide on a particular topic. An important aspect of group communication is that it stimulates creative and reflective thinking among people. Group discussions serve various purposes:
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They help you reach a conclusion or solution on an issue or concern
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They lead to the generation of new ideas or problem-solving approaches
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They provide an avenue to brush up on your communication and interpersonal skills
Group discussions are often employed by organizations (e.g., group discussion in the interview and hiring process) to gauge whether the individuals have the necessary skills and qualities. They’re also instrumental in strategizing and rethinking business growth. (Zolpidem) Furthermore, effective group discussion skills help in career advancement. Let’s look at the importance of a GD in a professional setting:
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It enhances critical thinking as you engage with open-ended questions. You think for yourself and try to push yourself to think innovatively
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It improves communication skills as you’re required to make and accept suggestions; you need to listen attentively to respond appropriately
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It helps to create a feedback loop when group members try to reach a conclusion through discussion and posit reasons for why something will or won’t work out
What Does A Group Discussion Entail?
Understanding the basic characteristics of a group discussion will help you prepare for group communication better. Here are a few essential features:
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Participation:
The effectiveness and efficiency of group discussions rely on the way members interact and participate in the process. You need to be alert, proactive and listen attentively to continue the discussion and make it constructive.
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Pressure To Conform:
There’s always pressure to agree with what others in the group suggest. However, there will be times when you disagree with others and it’s important to put your foot down and state your argument confidently.
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Conflict:
Conflicts are inevitable in group discussions because different people bring diverse perspectives to the table. Moreover, a conflict isn’t always bad—it lets you look at a problem from different angles. However, you should disagree respectfully and try to keep your emotions separate from your statements.
How To Prepare For A Group Discussion
A group discussion is usually used to assess communication skills, management skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills and presence of mind. Here are some simple yet effective tips for group discussion that will help you prepare better.
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Do Your Homework
Whether it’s a group discussion in an interview or a business strategy meeting, always arm yourself with the necessary information. It’s always beneficial to familiarize or memorize data, which you can use to support your arguments.
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Keep It Simple
When you gather your thoughts for presenting arguments, make sure you keep them precise and concise. Try not to overthink or over analyze a topic. Instead, think of the simplest way to go about it. Quality over quantity is one of the most effective group discussion tips, so think outside the box and keep it simple.
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Continue Monitoring Yourself
Pay attention to details such as body language and tone. Maintain eye contact to show that you’re confident about your arguments and value what everyone else has to say. Make sure that you’re not slouching or appearing bored; it reflects poorly on you. If there is a conflict during the group discussion, ensure that you manage your emotions and tone.
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Take The Initiative
One of the most important tips for group discussion is taking initiative—it shows that you’re confident about the topic and displays leadership qualities. Additionally, it breaks the ice and steers discussion in the direction you desire. However, you must be well informed about the topic before you decide to lead the discussion.
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Talk, But Let Others Talk
Communications is a two-way street. Knowing how to speak in a group discussion is important but it’s also crucial to let others express themselves freely. Don’t interrupt when someone is speaking, and if you do, apologize immediately. Remember to respect others’ views and try not to dominate discussions.
Harappa Education’s Speaking Effectively course will arm you with powerful frameworks that will help you stand out as an effective speaker. Aristotle’s Appeals Framework will show you how to reason, establish credibility and navigate emotions. The Non-Verbal Cues Framework will teach you about crucial body language techniques to reflect self-confidence. This high-impact public speaking course will help you build a lasting impression on your audience and shine at group discussions.
Explore topics such as What is Communication, Assertive Communication, Passive Communication, How to Improve Your Communication Skills, Channels of Communication & Types of Communication from Harappa Diaries and fine-tune your communication skills.
