Many companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to
check on your interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with
other people. The GD is to check how you behave, participate and contibute in a
group, how much importance do you give to the group objective as well as your
own, how well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are you
in accepting views contrary to your own. The aspects which make up a GD are
verbal communication, non-verbal behaviour, conformation to norms,
decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try to be as true as
possible to these aspects.
General Tips
A good level of general awareness will come in handy so that you aren't at
a loss of words on certain issues.
Understand the topic and analyse it mentally before speaking.
Be clear about the purpose and content of your viewpoint.
One should be able to communicate his views in an effective manner to
everyone. Be clear in speech, audible but not too loud and above all remain
confident.
Remember the six C's of effective communication -- Clarity, Completeness,
Conciseness, Confidence, Correctness and Courtesy.
You should mantain eye contact with all others in the group and not
focus on a particular person for he may benefit from that.
Be responsive to ideas from other people and seem to be very receptive and
open-minded but don't allow others to change your own viewpoint..
Starting the discussion is considered to be good however it isn't that
important; what is important is that you speak for a period long enough for
you to be able to communicate your viewpoint .
Always mantain your calm and never get aggresive. If you haven't
been able to talk then one can cut in saying "Excuse me, but what I think is
.........." or something of that sort.
Never lose your temper and never attack anyone on a personal front. Your
attitude should be one of cooperation and not one of conflict.
Don't lose sight of the goal of the discussion.
Listen to any criticisms and give them a thought before trying to defend
your views