To be or Not to be the first Speaker
Saying about Group Discussion.. Some says that its not good to speak first in the Group Discussion but some says that it gives an initial importance for you.So lets look deep into it about this topic.
Lets see both sides of the coin...
Advantage of being First speaker
The opening speaker is the person who is likely to get the most uninterrupted time and attention of the group.This is due to the reason that the first speaker throws open the floodgates of conversation. He takes the lead while the other members of the group are still trying to analyse the issues involved in the topic. Some of them may be too nervous to speak first and may be waiting someone else to start discussion.Therefore, at this time, only one person will be speaking and the idea expressed by him will be original (not previously taken up by anyone). In such a situation,the evaluator gets the best chance to observe the opening speaker. If the opening speaker is talking sesne, and not speaking merely for the sake of being the first speaker, he will get good score because he has acted as initiator as well as the navigator. Initiator, because he has spoken first and navigator, because out of his speech the course of further discussion will emerge. However, in case your knowledge about the topic is hazy, it is better to listen to one or two candidates first, and then to join discussion. But try to join the discussion at the earliest.
Disadvantages of being the first speaker
Imagine what will happen in case the first speaker, instead of opening the floodgates of conversation, open floodgates of sewer water! If the first speaker does not have something worthwhile to sayand has simply started speaking,just in order to be the first speaker,the evaluator will not fail to miss his shortcomings. The evauator will label him as an irrational and irresponsible person who wastes precious time and speaks without having any contribution to make.
Overall, when saying...
Speaking first is a high-risk high-gain strategy.It is just like lending someone a lot of money at a very high rate of interest but without any security. If the borrower returns the money, he returns it with a lot of interest. If he does not return, even the principal is sunk. It can make or flop your performance in group discussion. If you are right, you are a hero. If you are wrong, you are a zero. Consider the following opening sentences, by way of example:
"A vast variety of our imports come from countries outside India.
It is not the pollution that is causing the problem; it is the impurities in water and air."
The first sentence does not contribute anything to the discussion. The second sentence clearly shows that the candidate does not know that pollution and impurities in water and air,is the same thing. Therefore, speak first only if you have something worthwhile to say. If you are in the slightest doubt about your capability, it is better to keep your mouth shut and let the evaluator think that you cannot initiate discussion, than to open your mouth and prove that you are irresponsible. In such a situation, stay quiet and let someone else initiate the discussion. Listen to one or two other persons before you open your mouth. However, make sure to join discussion at the earliest. In any case. Do not delay beyond being the third speaker.
But always remember...
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