23 Nov 2020 6 min read communication skills

How to Prepare for A Group Discussion - 7 Stupid Mistakes

How to prepare for group discussion? Group discussions are an integral part of the selection process whether you want to join a good company or a premium institute. Once you start a business or job, you participate in group discussions every day.How to Prepare for a group discussion - The Foundation Many people are afraid of group discussion since they don't know the rules of the game. To win a group discussion, you need effective communication skills. To understand how to prepare for group discussion, I will take you through some common group discussion mistakes so that you can create a great impression everywhere.

What is group discussion?

Group discussion means a discussion where a number of people talk about a particular topic, consider different aspects of the topic to find out the best possible solution. Here are a couple of tips for group discussion:

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Finger Pointing

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This is one of the most common body language blunders people often make during an interview. One uses this gesture to blame others aggressively. Many people do finger-pointing inadvertently. They don't even they are making these mistakes. I once attended a meeting with one of my seniors who happened to be a very good communicator. I was shocked when he pointed a finger towards a client during a meeting. You can overcome this mistake by being conscious or aware. You participate in a discussion to bring some solidarity and understand other's point of views so that you can avoid any possible mistake. You cannot even think of being aggressive just because someone has a different opinion than yours; moreover, a difference of opinion is the beauty of a group discussion.

Palm Down Gesture

Palm down means you want to dominate someone. Why would you try to control someone during an open discussion? This gesture will spoil your impression in the eyes of an observer. Many people do it unwittingly and cannot take cognizance of it unless someone brings their attention to it. However, you may use this gesture while you discuss something with your junior or subordinate. Never use palm down gesture when you communicate with your senior, boss, client, or colleagues.

Your Aim is to Win the Argument

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You might think your job is to win the argument. When you discuss a topic with twenty people, you will get twenty different opinions. You will also come across bad, worst, average, good, and outstanding opinions. The very purpose of any group discussion is to come up with the best result or outcome by using the synergy of people with different background, mindset, and skills. When you just want to win the discussion, you may not think about a win-win situation. When you want to win at any cost you cannot consider appreciating others' point of view even if your opponent deserves praise. However, when you focus on the best result or outcome you will find some solidarity with your opponents.

Disrespect can be Costly

In the quest of defeating a fellow contestant, you may try to disregard his or her opinion by castigating the person. A group discussion should be a win-win situation for all participants. If you even think of disregarding someone's opinion it shows the lack of leadership skills on your part; this very reason can become a reason for your rejection. Additionally, it depicts that you are not fit to work with a team. Your opinion will always differ from other people. It doesn't mean that they should disrespect you. As we discussed, the purpose of group discussion is to reach the best solution or option. Unless there is a difference of opinion, you cannot get the best solution. If everyone carries the same idea, group discussion is a waste of time.

Lack of Articulation

It means you are not able to express your ideas clearly. You can become more articulate in everyday conversation through practice. If you are not habitual of speaking English, you might struggle to express your thoughts. You can join our 'Online English Speaking Course' to improve your English speaking skills and fluency. The course will help you improve your communication skills, articulation skills, vocabulary, and other aspects of English communication.

Not Being Assertive

Assertiveness means you speak with energy and confidence. If you fail to present your idea assertively, it shows that you do not believe in your opinion much. If you do not have faith in your ideas, you cannot expect other people to have faith in your ideas. Hence, you should speak assertively to create a lasting impression.

Inadequate Preparation

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Here is the best tip for group discussion. You might go to an interview with inadequate preparation. Let me explain how to prepare for group discussions. First of all, you need to improve your listening skills to improve your debating skills. You can listen to popular debate shows to improve your debating skills. You can also listen to the subject matter experts on Ted TV to improve your articulation skills. You can find rich content on any topic by exploring Google and YouTube. Please make sure you revise your content three-four times. It can be a research paper, article, or video. Moreover, take note of keywords so that you can have a look at them before the group discussion session. Revising your content will give you absolute clarity and confidence to present your opinion before others.

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. - Abraham Lincoln

You can also read How to Speak on Any Topic

One of the most important tips for group discussions

There could be a situation when could not prepare for an upcoming group discussion. Fortunately, there is a solution. I will not tell you to speak something for the sake of speaking. Somebody is there to judge you. Hence, you need the right approach when you could not prepare for the group discussion.You should listen to the other participants and opponents carefully. You can repeat or reiterate their important point in your words and show solidarity with them. You can also explain why you support a particular point of view. This approach will help you create a great impression.

How to prepare for a group discussion - Conclusion

Prepare well to win any group discussion. There is no shortcut to it. You are able to top your school or college because you prepare well. You are able to win a game because you prepare well. You are able to perform well because you prepare well. Additionally, you need to improve your English communication and articulation skills to present your views confidently. What is your biggest challenge in a group discussion? What is the biggest group discussion mistake you have ever made?

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