Topmost Do's and Don'ts
in a Group Discussion
By following these dos and don'ts, students can improve their performance in group discussions and increase their chances of success during campus placements.
Group discussions (GDs) are a common part of the campus placement process. Here are some important dos and don'ts to help students crack a group discussion:
Dos:
Understand the Topic: Before the GD, make sure you understand the topic clearly. If there's any ambiguity, ask the moderator for clarification.
Research and Prepare: If you know the topics in advance, research and prepare some key points to discuss. Having relevant data and examples can be a significant advantage.
Listen Actively: Pay attention to what others are saying. Active listening not only helps you understand the discussion better but also shows respect for others' opinions.
Initiate the Discussion: Don't wait for others to start. If you have a good point to make, start the discussion confidently but politely.
Maintain Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with other participants. It conveys confidence and engagement.
Speak Clearly and Confidently: Ensure your voice is clear, and you speak confidently. Avoid mumbling or speaking too softly.
Respect Others: Be respectful and polite, even if you disagree with someone. Avoid interrupting or dominating the discussion.
Structure Your Arguments: Organize your thoughts logically and present your arguments coherently. Use a clear and concise language.
Use Examples: Back up your points with relevant examples or personal experiences. This can make your arguments more persuasive.
Time Management: Keep an eye on the time. If the discussion has time constraints, be mindful of it and ensure that you get a chance to speak.
Stay Calm: If someone disagrees with you or the discussion gets heated, remain composed and avoid getting into an argument.
Body Language: Maintain open and confident body language. Avoid crossing your arms, slouching, or fidgeting.
Conclude the Discussion: If the GD has a concluding phase, summarize the key points and try to conclude the discussion with a clear and memorable statement.
Don'ts:
Don't Interrupt: Avoid interrupting others while they are speaking. Wait for your turn to speak and politely make an entry for yourself.
Don't Be Overbearing: Being confident is good, but don't dominate the discussion. Give others a chance to express their opinions.
Don't Use Filler Words: Avoid using excessive filler words like "uh," "um," "like," etc. It can make you appear less confident.
Don't Be Negative: Avoid negative or derogatory language. Criticize ideas, not individuals.
Don't Ramble: Stay on point and avoid going off-topic. Rambling can confuse others and dilute your message.
Don't Use Jargon: Use simple and understandable language. Don't use technical jargon that others may not be familiar with.
Don't Shout or Get Aggressive: Getting overly emotional or aggressive can be a turn-off. Stay composed.
Don't Focus Only on Your Points: Acknowledge and respond to what others are saying. Engage in a meaningful exchange of ideas.
Don't Repeat Yourself: Once you've made a point, don't keep repeating it. It's better to bring in new perspectives or ideas.
Don't Lose Track of Time: If there's a time limit, be mindful of it. Avoid long-winded discussions that might lead to incomplete discussions.
By following these dos and don'ts, students can improve their performance in group discussions and increase their chances of success during campus placements. Remember that practice and feedback are key to refining your GD skills.
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