Do’s and Don’ts in a Group Discussion

Group Discussion Preparation Tips is a critical step in the recruitment processes of several organizations. It scrutinizes several aspects of a job aspirant and hence it becomes important for an individual to understand how a typical GD should be.

How much should be your contribution?

A contribution of 25-30 seconds 3-4 times is considered to be ideal. However, it also depends on the duration of GD.

DO these in a Group Discussion Preparation Tips !

Group Discussion: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s	Don’ts
Address the group with dignity and respect Stick to the professional etiquettes The first entry should be well-planned Enter the discussion with a strategic input Understand the difference between initiating and beginning the discussion Organise your thoughts before speaking Be yourself Be a good listener Put your views in an easy to understand the language Be receptive to others’ thoughts and opinions Establish eye contact with others (key participants) Don’t overlook the passive participants completely Strong voice, correct usage of grammar, clear diction and good language Constructive arguments Accept counter arguments gracefully Be a good learner React to others in a positive way and acknowledge the preceding before putting forth your opinion Show good interpersonal skills Give facts and figures to support your viewpoint To conclude, sum up the discussion with some key points Show a well-maintained disposition	Don’t be an impulsive participant Don’t initiate a conversation without solid planning Don’t repeat any point unless it is highly required Don’t use a dominating tone Don’t take anything personally Don’t lose your cool Don’t object without a solid reason Attributes such as arrogance, overaggressive, loud, etc. should be avoided Don’t carry negative energy or attention Don’t show poor interpersonal skills Don’t give all the attention to the main participants. Give equal attention to others as well Don’t deviate from the main topic Don’t ask stupid questions without a base Don’t get involved in cross discussions if the main topic is being discussed Don’t violate the essence of the discussion Avoid futile discussions or unnecessary arguments Don’t come to the discussion with improper attire Don’t shout or scream to provide your viewpoint Don’t over gesticulate Don’t interrupt others (their private space) while making your points Don’t breach the code of conduct

DO these in a Group Discussion Preparation Tips !

#1 Listen & understand don’t hear & judge

Understand the topic of the GD before forming opinions. Else there exists a high risk that you might take a GD away from its intended topic.

#2 Pen down your thoughts

As soon as you know the topic, your brain will present you with scores of ideas. Some of these ideas may be in favour of the topic and others against. Make sure you pen down every single thought that flits across your mind so that you don’t miss out on conveying important points.

#3 Be the initiator if you know the topic well

A person who initiates the GD plays a crucial role as he sets the foundation on which the GD proceeds. Hence, initiate only if you are confident about your views on the topic. Also, make sure that you keep it short without deviating from the main topic.

#4 Support your point with some facts and figures

Always try to provide some examples and illustrations along with the ideas you convey during the GD. It not only conveys the message that you are knowledgeable about the topic but also builds credibility towards your ideas.

#5 Speak politely and pleasantly. Respect contribution from other members

The more polite and pleasant you are in your way of speaking, the easier it is to get the attention of everyone. Respect others when they speak.

#6 Look at the evaluators or a particular group member

Eye contact and body language are very important in a GD. Your best ideas might go waste if not conveyed properly due to poor body language or no eye contact. Don’t pose negative body gestures like touching the nose, leaning back on the chair, knocking the table with a pen etc.

#7 Summarize the discussion if the group has not reached a conclusion

Summarizing a GD is as important as initiating it. A GD that ends with no conclusion is like a meal which ends with no dessert. Make sure you summarize the points at the end of GD.

#8 Allow Others to Speak

Do not interrupt others during the GD. Even if you don’t agree with their thoughts do not snatch their chance to speak. Instead make a mental note and state your points when it’s your turn. This will show that you are not desperate to blow your own trumpet and are mindful of other people’s opinion.

#9 Maintain Positive Attitude

GD is a team activity. Be confident but do not try to dominate anyone. Remember it’s a discussion and not a debate, so express your feelings calmly and politely. Ensure a positive body language. Show interest in the group discussion when others express their thoughts. This will make you appear as someone who is a team player.

#10 Keep the Discussion on Track

If you find the group is digressing from the topic or goal then simply take the initiative to bring the discussion back on track. Uphold and emphasize the group’s common objective to stick to the topic to arrive at some conclusion at the end of the group discussion. This will exhibit your leadership skills.

Don’t do these in a Group Discussion!

Also Read:- How To Prepare For Group Discussion Tips

1. What Group Discussion Skills Required
2. How to Start a GD
3. What Skills Are Judged In GD?
4. How to Enter a GD in the Middle of the Discussion
5. How to prepare for Group Discussion

#1 Be Arnab Goswamy!

If you know what I mean! Try to respect freedom of speech of others. Speak and let speak.

#2 Panic if you are not familiar with the topic of your GD

If you don’t know the topics listen to others and then speak. Often it so happens that an individual won’t have any idea about the topic and so becomes nervous. It’s nothing to worry about as this happens with nearly 30-40% of people who are part of a GD. Just listen to others, interpret what the topic is all about and then speak.

#3 Contradict Rudely

Don’t be rude when you are contradicting someone’s views. Be as polite as possible when you convey your contradiction.

#4 Over speak, intervene and snatch other’s chance to speak

Never interrupt others when they speak. This distracts the entire GD and might also fetch you negative points.

#5 Argue and shout during the GD

You are in no courtroom. Keep calm and let the GD run.

#6 Don’t try to dominate the discussion and also try not to put others in an embarrassing situation by asking them to speak if they don’t want

#7 Don’t be Aggressive

Speak politely and clearly. Use simple language to convey your thoughts without being irritable. Don’t be aggressive even if you need to disagree with someone. Express your feelings calmly and politely.

#8 Don’t Rush Into It

Initiating the GD is a big plus. But it works in your favour only when you understand the GD topic. If you are not sure about the topic, take your time, take a cue from others and then frame your argument. It will help you appear more measured when you speak and bring out your analytical skills.

Also Read:- How To Prepare For Group Discussion Tips

1. What Group Discussion Skills Required
2. How to Start a GD
3. What Skills Are Judged In GD?
4. How to Enter a GD in the Middle of the Discussion
5. How to prepare for Group Discussion
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