Prerequisites of a Group Discussion

Once you are aware about the myths, the next important thing is the essential requirements for success in a group discussion. Listed below are some of the prerequisites that need to be inculcated:

1. Knowledge: This is the most important prerequisite. The group discussion assesses the personality traits of an individual, including the intellectual and dynamic qualities, the social attributes and the power to motivate and influence others into participation. A candidate needs in-depth knowledge about the topics in order to succeed on all these points. Here, the knowledge has to be extensive and one cannot limit oneself. For instance, a candidate cannot say that since he is from a science background, he cannot speak on say, the WTO.

No, you are supposed to be well read and versatile. Today, such people are more successful than those who have command over a particular subject only. If you lack knowledge, you cannot speak fluently no matter how gifted a speaker you are. You will beat about the bust and end up talking about irrelevant things. Talking illogically is worse than remaining silent, because you exhibit your ignorance, and in a group discussion, this is speak with authority, confidence and interest and inspire others to speak well too. That is why you should be well read and well informed. If you go through the model group discussions, you will find that irrespective of the fact whether a candidate spoke in the beginning or the end, invariably the one with sound knowledge has always been selected.

2. Listening: Listening inculcates more knowledge than speaking. It is not always possible to know every subject, but if you keep your ears open, you will get some idea about the subject and be able to formulate some thoughts that can be verbally delivered. Even without proper knowledge, one can succeed in a group discussion; provide one has developed the art of skilful listening. Skilful or active listening calls for active participation. That means when a candidate is speaking, he should be encouraged, rather than stopped rudely.

3. Presentation: Being knowledgeable is most beneficial, but if your presentation is not good, there will be no positive impact of your knowledge. Always fine-tune whatever you have learnt and don`t get complacent. Many times, despite a compete command of the subject; a candidate fails to impress the co-coordinator, thanks to a poor presentation. A presentation should have proper beginning and a logical conclusion. In trying to exhibit their knowledge, a candidate sometimes gets overenthusiastic and goes overboard, only to end up in a confused manner.

4. Initiation: While perusing Model Group Discussion, the reader will notice that speakers who initiate discussions are usually selected. But this is due to their knowledge and command over the topic. Do not be under the illusion that if you initiate the discussion, you automatically stand selected or it reflects your leadership qualities. Only initiate a discussion if you are quite acquainted with the topic. Else, listen well and then speak at no. 3 r 4.

5. Body Language: This plays vital role in selection as it transmits signals about your frame of mind. Facial expressions and body gestures communicate more than spoken words. Expressions, eye contact, sitting posture and the tone of voice indicate the amount of interest a person has and also his feelings. In a group discussion, the coordinator is watching you and your body language conveys your feelings. It is very important to maintain eye contact with the person who is speaking. A smile while airing your views-even if you are agains the topic, helps in creating a friendly ambience and inducing the other participants to agree with your views without hostility.

6. Communication Skills: Communication is a two way process. When the message sent by a sender is received and understood by the receiver and the receiver than sends message to the sender, communication is complete. Communication skills mean effectively communication your thoughts to listeners. Besides, there are other elements in effectively communicating your thoughts to listeners. Besides, there are other elements in effective communication such as:

a) Being meaningful while communicating, taking care of the overtones as well as the basic contents of the message.

b) To take the opportunity, as and when it arises, in conveying something of interest and value to the receiver.

c) To seek not only to be understood but, more importantly, also understand what the other participants are saying. That is, being a good listener.

7. Cooperation: A cooperative attitude helps a candidate avoid unhealthy conflict. However if healthy conflict should not be avoided. It helps look at a problem from different angles and come up with alternatives. You have the right to disagree and state your reasons for this, but you should not be disagreeable. Good support ensures a good relationship with others and eventually brings success. Rapport building starts from the very first step of paying compliments, exchanging pleasantries and sharing experiences with others.

Hope this will help you all for campus interview and just be confident, respect the other`s viewpoint and the energy and effort put into expressing his ideas, you are bound to win their confidence, regards and reciprocation. Being helpful, accommodative and encouraging will make you popular in the group. Remember, good manners can sometimes open doors that the best education cannot.

All the best guys