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Group
discussion tips
The
Career Enrich team shares with you some tips to give you the edge
during your group discussion.
- Be
as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are
not. Be yourself so the employer gets to know the real you.
- A
group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The
point of interest to the evaluator is to hear you speak.
- Take
time to think of what you are going to say - if allowed,
take a piece of paper and a pen with you and jot down your thoughts,
before verbalising them. This could help you create the right
framework for your discussion.
- If
you have any doubts regarding the subject or about what another
team member has said, ask for clarification.
- Don't
start speaking until you have clearly understood and analysed
the subject.
- Work
out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate
the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move
onto express your views.
- Do
not be swayed when you are told that opening the discussion
is the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you
do not give valuable insights during the discussion,
all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.
- The
score you receive depends not only on your verbal communication,
but also on non-verbal skills. Your body language says
a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely
to reflect your attitude than what you say.
- Language
skills are important only to the effect as to how you get
your points across clearly and fluently.
- Be
assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone
in your discussion and analysis.
- Be
patient; don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object
to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion
personally.
- Always
be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly
object' or `I disagree'. Instead try phrases like: `I would
like to share my views on…' or `One difference between your
point and mine…'
- Brush
up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members
of the team to speak, and listen to their views. Be receptive
to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
- If
you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock
group discussion where you can learn from each other through
giving and receiving feedback.
Apart
from the above points, the panel will also judge team members
for their alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities,
ability to work as a team without alienating certain members,
and creativity.
Don’t
be disheartened if you don't make it after your first group discussion…
the best possible preparation for a group discussion is to learn
from your past mistakes…
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