Here is a list of what should be done and what should be avoided at a Group Discussion (GD)
- Be as natural as possible. Do not try to be someone you are not. Be yourself. In an attempt to be someone else, your opinions will not be portrayed.
- Sit straight with a confident posture.
- Be assertive yet humble. You need to stick to your values and beliefs, but learn to respect the values and opinions of others too.
- Grab the opportunity to speak first, i.e. to start the group discussion with your opinion. It generally leaves a good impression on the evaluator, but take the move only if you have complete knowledge of the subject.
- Do not repeat a point, or be lengthy or irrelevant. Also, intervene if someone else is going on an irrelevant track.
- Facilitate contribution from others. Do not just go on and on and on with only your opinionated view. Remember, it is a group discussion. Allow others to speak too.
- Make an eye contact with all the participants. It creates more room for conversation. Also keep nodding, when others speak, it shows receptivity.
- Be an active and dynamic participant. The examiner wants to hear you speak. So do put forth your views.
- Be positive and prepare your thoughts well but do not be over-confident.
- Think well before you speak. You are being heard and judged upon.
- When raising an objection to a point kept by another speaker, back it up with a solid reason to get the point across.
- Use quotes, facts and figures, statements, everyday life examples to express a clear chain of thoughts. It might also leave a good impression on the examiner and help you score well.