Group Discussion.
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Every management line has the most important and prelimnary round of discussions to further the candidate to the next stage of interview.This is called the "Group Discussion" Round and is mostly dreaded by aspiring mangement candidates.
Why? Because there are so called myths to the trainings imparted,different techniques that are considered wonder techniques or magic techniques to get you through.Like every exam there are a few do's and don'ts that you should know about.
Any MBA graduate would tell you that Group discussion is an area you have to clear if you want to get into management and be successful.Group Discussions may seem a meaningless exercise to many,but it is the most powerful tool for any recruiter to judge many skills and abilities of the cnadidates infront.This has proved to be a powerful interview technique and as much as it may hurt to know but yes,this is a knock-out round.
A topic is given to a group of candidates and a time limit is set wherein these candidates are left to discuss the topic.Its the best time you use wisdom and dont jump the gun.Be very sure the interviewers who are there know exactly what they are looking for,you have to be well prepared for this round,well prepared with your words and always use your mind to be on the alert.
This is what you are told in the coaching institutes of personality development.You should be the first one to start,always have figures on your tips,you should know what going on the news,you should not let anyone cut you through and you have to be loud to dominate the group!
Believe me,not all of it works.So just read the points below to make sure you understand how you plan to get through this crucial round.
1.Present yourself well.
When people say "looks matter"....its better to believe them,It really does.Nobody wants to talk to someone sloppy or sluggish.Remember this is an interview.Just as you pull your socks up and buckle up to look good to present the best of yourself to an interviewer when its face to face,the same applies here.This also adds to the confidence and the looks you carry adds to the content you say.
2. Understand what they want.
If you are feeling cold and you are offerd ice-tea,will you take it?Well the same applies here.Suppose a creative agency is looking for someone to fill the executive post of advertising and you go on discussing jargons with technical numbers instead of adding creativity to the topic,you probably will not shine out. Understand their requirement and try and display those skills in your discussion.
3.Avoid jargons.
Gone are the days where people were impressed with techy definitions and jargons.Use simple language to make your point clear.Or else you would just confuse the group,your point will go unnoticed and all your efforts further from there would be in vain.
4.Look for gaps in the discussion.
If a group of 10 are discussing,7 out of those 10 will think on the same lines.Wait for a few seconds,listen to the opener and understand which way the discussion is headed and try and steer your way through.The old sage of "Patience pays" holds good here.Don't wait too long,but see the gap and fill it immidiately.This will catch the interviewers eye.
5.Control the discussion.
Always learn to control the discussion by listening actively to what others have to say and always use positive phrases like "I agree with what is said about.." , " As you are aware abou the current situation.." , "Friends, I believe that...", " In my opinion ...".In case you disagree with a topic, again be polite and do not uprightly cut into the discussion or reject anyones idea.Again use smart phrases like " The point made right now is good but I beleive that there is another side to this.......", " Yes that is true, but let us consider the following as well " , " Iit may be so but we cannot ignore the fact...". Use smart phrases to fill gaps and be in control.
6.Maintain Eye- Contact.
This is something that many fail to do.Maintain eye contact with eveyone in the grioup while you speak including the interviewer,do this and you will notice that your pictch and clarity will automatically increase.Remember,you are a part of the group and its a discussion.Include everyone.
7.Be a part of the group.
There will be candidates that will cut through,will shout over your point and will even speak things that may seem ridiculous to you.Avoid giving out sight or smiles.Nod your head in affirmation to the things said and then pitch in your opinion of approval or dissaproval.But be sure to listen to everything said. Why? Well because it helps you summarize easily incase you are asked to do so!
8.Use your knowledge.
Use your knowledege at this point,what you have read about the topic,what you might have heard friends say about it,what you have surfed on the net about it,use it wisely here.Don't spill out everything you know about the topic in one go,use your data precisely and also be aware of the source.Remember every point you make is being observed.
9.Be calm.
In a group discussion,people tend to get excited and agitated very soon.There's alot of shouting,banging on the desks,cutting of points that will happen.Be calm and composed.Never try to shout in a crowd to make you point heard.Its a discussion,not a fish market.So incase you feel the discussion is going out of hand and some people are busy howling,its wise to let them settle.Don't join them because the point said can't be heard anyway.
10.Summarise immidiately.
As soon as you make your point in the discussion,summarise the main point immidiately.This brings focus to the main point said.People will be listening to your examples and facts said but you should interpret the point immidiately so that the focus is not lost.The interviewer will also see that you have made your point and there is no scope for twisiting the topic further.
There are a few more things you should do:
A. Carry a notepad and pen to avoid repeatition of same examples and points.
B. When the topic is given,write all the points that come into your minf.
C. Note what others are saying,it will help you summarize.
D.Maintain decorum while you are in the room.Let others howl,shout,bang,but you keep calm.
Keeping it simple is the key.If you overcomplicate the discussion,its going to be harder to put across your point.Remeber one more thing,this is a discussion,its nothing personal.You don't have to repond vehemently or sarcastically in case you disapprove.You also have to understand,its an interview,so whatever you do,give it your all and give it your very best.
And again as the old sage goes" Practice make a man perfect".Leave no opportunity to practice and be ready.