Group discussion, as an evaluative tool has a few advantages over other methods. Though a group discussion can never be used in isolation or as a parameter that is complete in itself, it is immensely useful in getting a pointer to certain traits that a company is looking for in a candidate. Companies often use it as a part of the recruitment process and institutes lean heavily on it during times of admission. The paradox is that while most of us are quite comfortable in a group under normal circumstances, there is a sense of nervousness and uncertainty during formal group discussions that tends to affect spontaneous performance. So it would be helpful to keep a few things in mind.


Firstly, you should be very clear about what the objective of a group discussion is. In most cases, it seeks to find those qualities that are not always evident or even apparent in a written examination or a personal interview. Say for example qualities like assertiveness, team participation, listening ability, concentration, reasoning ability and openness to disagreement. Therefore, in a group of eight to ten, when in all probabilities you will not have enough time to prove your point conclusively, make sure that whatever scope you can make for yourself is used to your best advantage.


The best way to do so is by 'making your presence felt'. Here you have a tricky situation. Most candidates who are not naturally assertive tend to overdo the 'effort' by shouting their lungs out. This is a strict no-no even for people who are more confident. Please remember that 'assertiveness' and 'aggressiveness' are two different qualities, as any book on management basics would inform you. The important thing is to be heard; so make your chance and speak up. Your voice will not be able to suppress other opinions, your logic would.


This brings us directly to the content of what you wish to say. After the panel has given the group its topic for discussion it is best to just think for a few moments, weighing the issue from all angles, so to speak. It is always better to prepare in advance by being abreast of current affairs, as this would naturally make you more confident. However, don't panic if the topic is not all that familiar to you. Listen for a while and you are bound to pick up the general trend of information. A good communicator does not necessarily use language that is bombastic and high-flung and beyond the reach of understanding. Try to get your reasoning clear and use simple sentences to make your point. One way of 'being noticed' by the evaluators is to say something that is a little different from the general flow of arguments. It is always better to substantiate your point through examples rather than making comments at random. But don't say anything that is irrelevant just for the sake of standing out. You will be noticed for all the wrong reasons in that case.


Though it is not imperative that a group should always arrive at a consensus, you should at least try to move in the positive direction. A group that diverges in as many directions as there are members does not present a very good team picture. Agreed, the onus of reaching an agreement does not rest on you alone, but you could try to be the initiator in this regard. The evaluators no doubt would appreciate that. Remember not to introduce any new point in the discussion when its time to wind up the loose threads.


Believe in the adage 'Practice makes a man perfect'. Try to participate in mock GDs before appearing for the real exercise. If GD is not your strong point, do not lose heart if you are not able to crack the GD round on the first few occasions. A little experience is going to make you a lot more confident. Don't make this your watchword and wait eternally but polish up your skills to sail through the GD round with ease. In the final analysis, the group discussion is just the beginning. The qualities it puts to test will help you at every turn in your chosen path in life.