How to Crack a GD (Group Discussion)

GD is one of the ways to test problem solving skills, team coordination, leadership role,
initiative taking ability, boardroom behavior, corporate culture fitness etc.

How to Crack a GD (Group Discussion)

GD is one of the ways to test problem solving skills, team coordination, leadership role, initiative taking ability, boardroom behavior, corporate culture fitness etc. Here is a brief list of Top 10 suggestions to crack the GD round.

For companies like L&T, HCL and Deloitte, Group Discussion forms an important part of their selection procedure. GD is one of the ways to test problem solving skills, team coordination, leadership role, initiative taking ability, boardroom behavior, corporate culture fitness etc. among the candidates who participate in the group discussion. If you look ahead and imagine the corporate role, an employee has to have all these skills and should be able to exhibit when required.

Here is a brief list of Top 10 suggestions to crack the GD round,

1. Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is always helpful.

2. If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

3. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The moderator wants to hear you speak. Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or appreciate someone's point and then move onto express your views. Remember, a GD is a formal occasion where slang is to be avoided. Language used should be simple, direct and straight forward.

4. A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to express their viewpoints. Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.

5. Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: “I strongly object” or “I totally disagree” or “How can you say that?”. Instead try phrases like: “I would like to share my views on…” or “One difference between your point and mine…” or "I intend to differ with you"

If you have a group of like-minded friends or fellow learners, you can have mock group discussions
so as to learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.

6. Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint, speak of you positively.

7. Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.

8. Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what Kiran has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.

9. 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.

10. If you have a group of like-minded friends or fellow learners, you can have mock group discussions on Frequently Asked GD Topics so as to learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.

Wish you a successful Campus Placement ahead!

Wish you a successful Campus Placement ahead!

*If you like this blog post and wish to share your experiences/ remarks/ views with me, you are most welcome to write to me at pdpbygauravmisra@gmail.com. Thanks!