How to Cast an Impact in Group Discussion

Group Discussion is a part of the Group Tasks. It is the first task that is conducted in the GT series. Thus it becomes a very important task, as it is an opinion formation stage for the GTO. Based on the candidate’s performance in this task, the GTO decides whether to put that candidate in a passable category or not.

Of course, this is not the only important task and your average performance decides your selection but it is of course essential to give your 100% in every task, and as you would have heard half done that begins well. So it is quite important for you to do well in this task. Given below are some tips which will help you in casting a good impact in the GD:

1. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that it is a Group Discussion and not a debate. Many candidates tend to make it a debate; it never casts a good impact. It is supposed to be a gentlemen’s/ladies discussion, do it in that way only. Never make it a debate.
2. If you want to disagree with somebody’s point do it politely. Never gang up against a particular person. As mentioned above, keep it a discussion only.
3. It is not very advisable to be the first speaker if you are not very good in GD’s. Listen to two people first, what they are saying, in which direction the discussion is going, then accordingly open your cards. In a rush to be the first speaker many times candidates choose a side about which they do not know much. It is always better to speak late but effective points, and that can happen only if you think for a while.
4. Too much hand gestures, getting up from your chair shouting etc. are a big no for the GD. This GD is very different from the corporate GD’s you attend. Here lots of things are being observed.
5. Help the weaker members in the group to speak. Now by help we mean that give them a chance to speak by not cutting them every time they are trying to speak. It does not mean that you say continuously say that let chest number so and so speak. You are not responsible for anyone, a good leader helps others but not drags them.
6. A good posture casts a good impact. Sit upright, do not slouch or move unnecessarily. If you are sitting upright with a confident smile then it reflets a confident personality.
7. Do not speak very long points. Give powerful points in fewer words. The content should have power, it should not be very lengthy. Do not keep on speaking again and again pointlessly. If you think that the point is relevant then only say it.
8. If you do not know anything about the topic don’t panic. Listen to others, try to draw inference from that and speak something.