8/6/2019 GDs Why, What and How

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By Prof Rajagopalan

September 15, 2009

8/6/2019 GDs Why, What and How

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Basics Dosy Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.

y Respect the contribution of every speaker.

y Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn todisagree politely.

y Think about your contribution before you speak. How bestcan you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?

y

Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduceirrelevant information.

y Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.

y Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

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Basics Dontsy Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.y Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.y Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger

pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive.y Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow

quieter students a chance to contribute.y Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote.

Although some tutors encourage students to reflect on

their own experience, remember not to generalise toomuch.y Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying

before you speak.

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Scoring Brownie Points Some Tipsy Leading a discussion

y introducing yourself and the members of the group

y stating the purpose of the discussiony inviting quiet group members to speak

y being objective

y summarizing the discussion

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Scoring Brownie Points Some Tipsy Chairing a Discussion

y introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,

y making sure all members have approximately the sametime, (i.e. no one dominates the discussion by taking toomuch time)

y thanking group members for their contribution

y

being objective in summarizing the group's discussionand achievements.

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Why GDs? What abilities do

companies look for?y Grasp and understand a subject more deeply.y Ability to think critically.y Solving a particular problem.y

Data Centricityy Group / Team player - to make a particular decision as teamy Take and synthesize other students' ideas.y Listening skills.y Confidence in speaking.y Persuasiony Communication

Bottom Line: To assess your attitude. GD is a test of your abilityto think, your analytical capabilities and your ability to makeyour point in a team-based environment.

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Types of GDsy Factual Topics

y Controversial Topics

y

Abstract Topicsy Case Based

y Situation Based

Bottom Line: Linking Topics to Abilities to Roles forwhich a company had come to recruit for

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How to face a GD? Critical Skills to

Build / Practicey Communication Skills

y Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject

y Capability to co-ordinate and leady Exchange of thoughts

yAddressing the group as a whole

y Thorough preparations

Bottom Line: Prepare, Practice, Prepare,Practice.among yourself

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Common GD Mistakes to avoidy Emotional outburst What will happen?

y Deviate from the subject

y Treat the discussion as a forum to air her/his own views.y Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.

Bottom Line: Behavior would be perceived as immature

and demotivating to the rest of the team

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Common GD Mistakes to avoidy Quality VsQuantity

y Assessment is not only on your communication skills

but also on your ability to be a team player.y Evaluation is based on quality, and not on quantity. Your

contribution must be relevant.

Bottom Line:"Contributing meaningfully to the team'ssuccess." Domination is frowned upon.

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Common GD Mistakes to avoidy Egotism Showing off

y Exercise restraint in anything. You will end up being frownedupon if you attempt showing-off your knowledge.

y Facts and figures need not validate all your statements.y Its your analysis and interpretation that are equally important

- not just facts and figures.

y You might be appreciated for your in-depth knowledge. Butyou will fail miserably in your people skills.

Bottom Line: Behavior indicates how self-centered you areand highlights your inability to work in an atmosphere wheredifferent opinions are expressed.

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Common GD Mistakes to avoidy Get noticed - But for the right reasons

y False starts are extremely expensive. It is very important tolisten and understand the topic before you air your opinions.

y Spending a little time analyzing the topic may provide youwith insights which others may not have thought about. Use apen and paper to jot down your ideas.

y Listen! It gives you the time to conceptualize and present theinformation in a better manner.

Bottom Line: Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off thegroup discussion with a mistake is one such mistake, unless

you have a great sense of humor.

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Common GD Mistakes to avoidy Managing one's insecurities

y Your personality is also being evaluated. Your verbal and nonverbal cues are being read.

y Remember, you are the participant in the GD; not the evaluator.So, rather than evaluating others and your performance,participate in the discussion.

y Your confidence level is being evaluated. Decentcommunication skills with good confidence is a must to crackthe GDs.

y If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better notto initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a badimpression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch

attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be ableto come up with a point or two later.

Bottom Line: Focus on your strengths and do not spend toomuch time thinking about how others are superior or inferior to

you. It is easy to pick up these cues from your body language.

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