gd skills - strategies for improving your gd skills

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Group Discussion Skills - Strategies for Improving Your Discussion SkillsStrategies for Improving Your Discussion Skills

Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills for jobs. If you find it difficult tospeak or ask questions, try the following strategies.

Observe

Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice what other students do. Askyourself: How do other make critical comments? How do they ask questions? How do they disagree with or support the topic? What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicingdisagreement? How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

Practise

Practise outside to improve your discussion skills. Start in an informal setting or with a smallgroup. Begin by:

asking questions. Ask for their opinions. Ask for information or

ask for advice.

Participate

If you find it difficult to participate in discussion, set yourself goals and aim to increase yourcontribution

An easy way to participate is to add to the existing discussion. Start by making smallcontributions; agree with what someone has said or ask them to expand on their point (ask for anexample or for more information); Prepare a question to ask beforehand. You can then work up toanswering a question put to the group, providing an example for a point under discussion, or

disagreeing with a point.

What is an argument?To `argue' is to present an opinion through the process of reasoning, supported by evidence.

An argument seeks to persuade through rational and critical judgement.

How do we argue at?The everyday meaning of the term argument implies a fight: an aggressive conflict orconfrontation between adversaries, where one tries to dominate the other in order to `win'. In GDthis kind of arguing is not appropriate.The aim of GD argument is to explore a question, proposition or an area of knowledge andachieve reasoned mutual understanding. It is not important who'`wins'what matters most is thequality of the argument itself.

When you engage in GD argument in tutorial discussions, you are developing your ideas,advancing and clarifying your knowledge and learning to think critically.Participation: Voicing an opinion and arguing a point effectively

1. Voicing an Opinion in a Seminar

Participating in a tutorial discussion can be a bit scary,specially when you want to disagree with apoint of view and are not sure how to, or of which language structures to use. Voicing your


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opinion and using effective arguing techniques are valuable skills.You may have a great idea, but you need to communicate it effectively and support it. The threeessential parts to a point of view are:

1. A valid opinion (a believable point of view)

I believe that ...

I think that ...

From what I understand ...

As I understand it ...

2. A reason why

This is due to ...

Because ...

What I mean by this is ...

3. Evidence (relevant and up-to-date examples, statistics, explanations and/ or expert

opinions). If you have actual data, examples or expert opinions on hand, refer to thesource.1.o This can be seen by

o For instance ...

o For example ...

o An example can be seen ...

o (Author's name) states that ...

o (Author's name) suggests...

o Statistics from (give a source) indicate ...

1. Arguing a Point: How to disagree effectively

Disagreeing can be problematic as people often speak before they think things through. It is alsoimportant to disagree politely. You may be trying to disprove another speaker's point, but

1. Acknowledge their point

I can see your point--however ...

That's a good point, but ...

I see what you're getting at, but ...

2. Then explain why you disagree

That's not always the case because ...

That's not neccessarily true because ...

This idea isn't supported by statistics/ evidence ...

I thought the author meant that ...

3. Offer your opinion complete with reason and

support

From what I've read ...


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The statistics seem to show that ...

I think what the author may actually be suggesting is ...

Other studies by author/report show that ...

Now, be prepared for counter-argument and further discussion!Remember, confidence is the key. If you do your tutorial preparation and think things through, you

can speak with confidence and believe that your contribution willbe valid.

Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners)In order to successfully negotiate discussion, courtesy is important. The following are a fewground rules for good conduct.

Do

Respect the contribution of other speakers. Speak pleasantly and with courtesy to all members of the group. Listen well to the ideas of other speakers; you will learn something. Remember that a discussion is not a fight. Learn to disagree politely.

Respect that others have differing views and are not neccessarily `wrong'. Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/contribute to the topic? Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information. Be aware of your body language when you are speaking. Keep it `open' and friendly. Avoidgestures that appear aggressive. Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting. Stay with the topic. If the discussion does waiver, bring it back on topic by saying something like`Just a final point about the last topic before we move on' or `that's an interesting point, can wecome back to that later? Try to speak clearly. Don't whisper; even if you're feeling uncertain about your ideas orlanguage.

Don't

Don't take offence if a person disagrees with you. There will be times when other speakers willhave different points of view. They may disagree with your ideas, and they are entitled to do so. Don't ridicule the contribution of others. Don't use comments like `that's stupid', that's ridiculous,or `you're wrong'. Don't try to intimidate or insult another speaker. Don't use a loud or angry tone. Others will not want to listen to you if you are being aggressive.Use a moderate tone and medium pitch. Avoid negative body language when speaking. Gestures like finger-pointing and table-thumpingappear aggressive. Try not to dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chanceto contribute. Avoid drawing too much on personal experience or anecdote. Remember not to generalise too

much. Don't interrupt or talk over another speaker. Let them finish their point before you start. Listeningto others earns you the right to be heard.


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WINNING IN GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Group Discussions (GD) are conducted by many companies as part of their recruitment and infact one of the most important tool for elimination of a major number of candidates, thusnarrowing their selection procedure.

Thus, it has immerged as a very important technique in campus recruitments where a largenumber of students participate for a single vacancy. Not just campus recruitments, GDs are infacta part of our day to day life. We may have a group discussion in our social life, official life andeven in our family life .In all these areas, we can be effective only if we are able to express whatwe want to , in the right way. For this, you need to hone your GD skills.

GD skills become more relevant in case of campus recruitments for jobs. Here you are actuallycompeting amongst your own classmates and how you perform in this process actually decidesyour selection or rejection. I know this aspect sends an electric shock across your nerves and youstart shivering, right?

Well, friends, the happiest fact is that GD skills can be actually learnt! And that learning can occuronly through continuous practice and self effort, of course along with a right mentor or trainer whocan help you correct your mistakes at the right points!

Remember that GD is considered as an elimination tool and not as a selection tool:- this means ,only if you perform well , you will be selected into the next round .So it actually means Do orDie ! You may or may not get a second chance to prove your mettle .So make the best use of itnow.

In a GD, the judges actually make stages of elimination based on the following aspects

Whether the candidate is speaking or not whether the candidate actually speaks up or remainssilent assessing the communication skills If speaking what is he speaking about ? Is it relevant and to the topic? and his /her knowledgelevel in this topic assessing the knowledge The way he communicates it the body language , attitude and interest shown by the

candidate- assessing the behavior and interpersonal styles, leadership stylesSo , only if the judges are convinced that you are good at all the above three aspects , you willget selected

TIPS to become winners in GD everytime and anytime!

Before taking part in a GD

Keep yourself updated on latest news, happenings, and general knowledge, read the dailynewspaper.Discuss amongst your friends about the days important news and factsDress for the occasion .Be professional and appear confidentCarry a notepad and pen

Relax and envision yourself as being successful

While Taking part in a GD

When you are speaking for the first time in the group , introduce yourself by giving your name andthe institution you are representingSpeak to the group and not looking at the invigilators.Smile and be confidentEnsure you have proper body language


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i. lean forward and show interestii. avoid unnecessary facial expressions and gestureiii. use hand gestures carefullyiv. Do not stand up or make aggressive moves towards the others until the GD is over.

Make note of the points discussed when the other person is speaking and then give yourviewpoints rather than disrupting when the other person is speakingSpeak loudly and clearly so that each member can listen to you.Do not shout or become aggressive towards the other membersSee that you do not go astray from the topicIf the invigilators give any special instructions, follow it carefully.If you are following a round robin method, follow it rather than jumping the queueIf you have any objection to any point , handle it carefullyObey the instructions of the leader (if any)

Concluding the GD

The GD should be concluded by one or two members of the group. (in some cases, the recruitersmay ask one person to come forward and make a presentation on the same)

All the major points and viewpoints discussed in the GD can be given as a conclusion (it is for this

, that the written points will be helpful)Even though you may sometimes feel that, you have not completed your discussions, it is idealthat you do not continue your discussion once the invigilator asks you to stop your discussion.

After the GD

After the GD ,thank each member for their participation and shake hands with them and leave theroomDo not continue your discussion outside and lead to argumentsMaintain your professionalism and wait for further instructions from the recruiters

Selection or Rejection

If you follow the above points, you can get through the GD in most of the cases. As I said earlier,the ultimate objective of conducting a GD is to know the communication skills and to a certainextent the interpersonal skills of the participant. So, if you are successful in communicating well ,you are sure to pass this test.But in case, you are being rejected, dont feel upset. Take it as a learning opportunity, analyseyour mistakes and make corrections for future. Moreover, GD skills can be learnt and polished bycontinuous rigorous practice only. Make a support group of your friends who are interested inGDs (include one or two successful members also) and conduct GDs regularly. After the GD,discuss each others plus and minus points. Give and get feedback immediately after eachperformance. Keep trying until you succeed!


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GROUPDISCUSSION

DO's For a GD:-1. SPEAK - very important2. Be a good listener3. Address the whole group,not a single person

4. Initiate & Begin - BUT only if u have a good point5. Utilize the lull - speak when others r quite6. Be Involved7. BE Coherent

DON'Ts For a GD:1. Don't be INERT2. Don't be too AGGRESSIVE either3. Avoid one to one discussions4. Don't Rush5. Avoid Hindi6. Don't Interrupt Abruptly - to calm down say" you are right..............but I Think ..........."

GD - Points Marked on :1. Audibility : Communication skills , Sell urself2. Analysis : supported by facts & examples3. Content : Obtain by good reading4. Team Work5.Demeanor : Body Language counts,don't sit cross-legged6. Leadership : People should listen and agree to u

GD Types :1. Factual : Disinvestment , India's GDP ,software scenario2. Controversial : Foreign Indian-PM

3. Abstract : The Blu Dot , Girl4. Case study : 1> a situation is given, we have to find a solution to the problem existing2> order things according to priority and give reasons5. Group Task : Important for SATYAM

Necessity of a GD:-1. Clarity of thoughts.2. Team spirit.3. Listening skill.

Points to be remembered for a good GD.1. Body language.2. Thinking a few minutes before starting of a GD.

3. Dont feel anyone is better than you.4. Dont mix your personal emotions in GD.5. continues with your ideas. Dont let it down when any body try to stop in chaos period.6. Select a different point of view; stronger one that attracts other eyes and idea.7. Never blame anyone there. Dont talk to one person talk to all of them so that there is apleasing atmosphere.8. Lend your ears to every ones point of view and timely attack them considering all.9. Dont look at conductors.10. Speak slowly and confidently.11. Tell a lie confidently but some relevant data so that you could not be caught.


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12. Never contradict yourself.13. Always support the IIMA guy; may be that is you.14. What ever is the topic dont leave fighting; something about that you always know.15. Never conclude the topic, until it is asked to do so.16. Fight for speaking, snatch chances.17. Be precise and have a strong point to speak.

Different parts of a GD: - (considering a 15 minutes GD).

Chaos period. (1-2 minutes).

Generating ideas. (7-8 minutes).

Building on ideas. (5-6 minutes).

Conclusion. (rarely comes; - 1 minutes)

Group discussion is a rejection procedure not a selecting one.Any body is winning means you are losing the game.

One is always better than you, believe this.

Tips

Tip 1 #Brushing up on your general awareness is a must. Being aware of current affairs and issues andhappenings, which affect our lives, however remotely, shows a well-rounded personality. Interestin one's environment is an essential quality for a manager, as only when he is well informedabout all the facets is he able to take correct decisions. Make a habit of reading newspapers like

TOI and Economic Times and general interest and business magazines like Frontline, Outlookand Business India.

Tip 2 #Being aware of current happenings is not enough. One must also form opinions on thosehappenings and issues that arise. Think about what you feel about different issues, say,terrorism. Write down your thoughts. Ask yourself why you feel that way, what are the premisesunderlying your thoughts and beliefs. Also question whether your point of view is based on facts,or on opinions and hearsay.

Tip 3 #The process of opinion formation is incomplete without getting inputs from others. Get into thehabit of discussing issues with your friends and family. Hear multiple points of view. Listen,question and argue. Express your opinion. If you are proven wrong, accept it with good grace.Modify your opinions as you go along. This will help you clear your own thought process plus itwill get you into the habit of discussion.

Tip 4 #While discussing, learn to check your temper. Maybe you'll find others holding view which are


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abhorrent to you. But remember that they have a right to their opinions. Everyone does. Learn torespect their points of views even if you don't accept them. It shows maturity on your part. Thiswill be a goodtraining for controlling your emotions, which is of utmost importance in a GD.

Tip 5 #Practice: Try and mobilize other people who are interested in GDs and simulate GDs. Getsomeone who has been through GDs before to observe it and give you feedback on yourperformance. It is better if the group consists of people who you don't know too well

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