HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN A GROUP DISCUSSION

By Our Special Correspondent

It is said that to find the remedy for any problem, one should first seek out its causes. This also applies to failure in group discussions. Most of the candidates who participate in a group discussion do not understand the real purpose behind this test. Nor are they aware of the attributes or qualities they have to display in order to emerge successful in a group discussion. Most candidates hold the erroneous view that their debating quality is being tested, or their capacity to dominate others in the group. The result of this misconception is that many good candidates, who are otherwise intelligent and well educated, do not get selected in group discussions because they make some common mistakes. One of the most common mistakes is that they feel they must dominate the other members of the group during the discussion. They believe that effective speaking means not allowing other members to speak and to take the maximum time for themselves.

Another reason for failure in group discussions is that the participants often do not argue their points logically and are unable to support their arguments. Sometimes they try to contradict a certain point without giving reasons. Some participants keep interrupting while others are speaking, thus not allowing other participants to express their views. Some participants believe that by speaking in a louder voice or using their vocal cords to the highest pitch, they will be able to dominate in a group discussion. All this results in ultimate failure in the group discussion. To be successful you must first learn the following basics of group discussions.

1. Decide your strategy

Someone has said that a group discussion is a battle in which you fire arguments instead of bullets. In other words, like a soldier you should know how and when to fire. Once the topic for discussion is selected and the testing officer gives the signal to commence discussion, you should immediately decide your strategy and how you are going to implement it. You have to mentally plan whether you are going to speak in favour or against a particular issue. You should think of arguments with examples to support them in advance. If you plan to disagree or speak against some issue, you should be able to explain why and try to convince the members of your point of view

2. Mind your language and behavior

Try to maintain a serious, sophisticated and decent style of language and behavior throughout. You have to be courteous as well as tactful. Do not bluntly say, “No, you are wrong” or “No, what you are saying is baseless”. Such an approach indicates negative behavior. Instead say, “You may be correct, but…” Disagree without sounding rude or losing your temper.

3. Be a good listener

Wilson Mizner has said, “A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he knows something.” A good listener is not someone who has nothing to say. “A good listener is a good talker with a sore throat,” according to Katherine Whitethorn. While any participant is speaking, try to listen to him attentively and do not interrupt him unless he has finished his arguments. In a group discussion, every participant has to speak and listen to each other; otherwise the discussion will become meaningless and irrelevant.

4. Don’t make fun of other participants

You must know when to contradict and interrupt the other participants while also ensuring that the discussion remains friendly and cordial. If you are criticizing an argument extended by another participant, do not make fun of him and laugh away what he is saying by dismissing it as rubbish. As has been said earlier, be courteous and at the same time tactful. Be polite while rejecting or contradicting the arguments of other participants. For example, say “I beg to differ” and then give your reasons to support your argument. Simply disagreeing violently without substantiating it with valid reasons is meaningless.

5. Support your argument with valid reasons

If you are supporting an argument or you plan to agree with something, then your support should be total. You must give valid reasons why you are supporting a particular point which is different from those which have already been extended by other participants.

6. Take criticism positively and hold on to your temper

If any member of the group criticizes your views, do not get upset. Don’t get angry if your argument is not accepted. “Anger is a brief madness” said Horace. Take the criticism positively and if you accept it, then say yes, otherwise give your own reasons to convince the participant criticizing you.

7. Make maximum contribution

Make sure that you make maximum contribution. Participate wholeheartedly and continuously throughout the discussion. The moment you get an opportunity to intervene take it immediately and say your bit otherwise it will be difficult to steer the discussion back on a particular point.

8. Show leadership and coordinating ability

Your leadership qualities are evaluated in a group discussion. You must therefore give ample opportunities to the examining officer to test your leadership ability. You should also be able to influence your group-mates to accept your leadership. James F. Linchol has said, “A strong leader knows that if he develops his associates he will be even stronger.” Therefore, try to carry your group-mates with you.