Etiquettes of GD
- PC : Careers360
Cracking the Group Discussion (GD) round is an art because the interviewer judges you on how you speak but not what you say.
During campus/ job interview, GD plays a very important role.
It helps the interviewer to evaluate the skills of the candidates. When freshers, who are unaware of the corporate world, appear for the interview they fail to crack the GD round.
Let us discuss the important points to remember before appearing for GD.
What is GD?
Group Discussion or GD, in simple words, means discussion among a group of people about a particular topic.
The group comprises 5 – 12 members who express their views on a given topic. Within a time limit of 20 to 30 minutes, the abilities and soft skills of the members are measured. It is a systematic exchange of information, views and opinions about a topic.
What the interviewer judges about the candidate?
During the GD round, the interviewer judges following things.
* Ability of the candidate to work in a team
* Communication skills
* Reasoning ability
* Leadership skills
* Creativity
* Confidence
How to speak during GD?
Whatever you say must be logical and maintain the flow. It is always good to validate your points with a proper example. Be short and precise. Make only accurate comments. Modulate the volume, pitch and tone.
How to start a GD?
It is always better if you start the GD. The following is an example to start a GD round.
Good morning friends.
My name is ..(your name)
I am glad to start the discussion.
Friends, the topic is given to us for discussion is (the given topic..).
In my opinion, it is a topic of current relevance.....
Sensitive.. Controversial... Interesting...
I believe that ‘tell about the topic’.
Techniques of starting GD round
Quotes
Try to relate the topic with quotes of renowned personalities coming from different walks of life.
GD Etiquettes
Always remember that GD is neither a debate nor elocution. You are judged on the basis of your general knowledge and confidence. Your intention should not be to oppose other speakers. But express your views in a polite manner.
The etiquettes to be kept in mind during GD as follows:
Interruption
Interrupting others makes a negative impact. Express your views once the other participant is done with his/her speech.
Stick to your point
Stick to the point whether it might in favour of or opposing the topic. Speak in favour, example: establish your position and stand by it stubbornly.
Laughing
Laughing in a GD shows your immaturity. Do not make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funny.
No argument
Do not argue with a participant who opposes your point. If any member of the group criticises or disapproves of a point, it is unwise to get upset immediately.
Understand the point
First, understand the point and then raise your words either in favour of or opposing it. Be appropriate to the issue.
Listen more
Listening to other participants helps you to protect yourself when the topic is not known to you.
Body language
The perfect the Body language, the more is the chance of you getting selected for the job. Sit straight and be confident.
Appear calm and relaxed
Sit straight and don’t constantly change your body posture. Use steady hand gestures. Steepling is the sign of confidence.
Eye contact
Maintain direct eye contact when interacting with your group members.
Different types of GD topics
In a broad category, there are two types of GDs - topic-based or case-based.
Four Bs of GD
Be yourself:
Be as natural as possible. When you are behaving as yourself there is a better chance of you being able to convey your views in a natural way.
Be a great communicator:
When you know well about a topic you also want to facilitate contribution. For example, when someone is sharing his point, you should maintain eye contact and maintain the flow of communication without interruption.
Be assertive:
They are times in a group discussion when a group member shares a view which is not similar to yours. As much as you are allowed to share your feelings about it you should do it in a humble way.
Brownie points:
Grab the opportunity to start the group discussion. Don’t shy away. When you initiate the topic it leaves a very good impression with the evaluator. But there could be a time when you don’t know much about the topic. At that time you definitely should not be the first to speak on the topic.
Topic-based GDs can be classified into three types. These are as follows:
- Factual Topics
- Controversial Topics
- Abstract Topic
Case-based GD
The case study tries to simulate a real-life situation. Information about the situation will be given to you and you would be asked as a group to resolve the situation.
