I have watched many group discussions. The loudest student rarely wins. Yet many students think that to be noticed they must shout. Let me explain what actually works.
In my book I say that a group discussion, though it looks like a confrontation, does not mean you have to show your triumph over others. You do not have to defeat anybody by loud argument. It is about winning over by persuasion and finding a solution.
What happens in a GD
A GD is usually held with around ten participants, seated in a circle or on both sides of a table. They are given a topic or a case study. The moderator moves away and watches. There is generally no leader. The time is usually 10 to 30 minutes.
A GD has three phases. The initiation, where someone defines the topic. The main discussion. And the summarisation, when the moderator asks for a closing summary.
Why do companies do it? To shortlist quickly from many candidates, and to see your reasoning, leadership, openness to others' ideas and how you behave in a team. In most workplaces people work in teams. A GD is a small rehearsal for that.
Remember who you are convincing
It is not your fellow participants. It is the moderator. If you are convincing, he will give you good marks even if the others never come round to your view. So speak to be understood, not to win.
The rules I would follow
- Do not start the GD unless you really know the subject. The initiator should have accurate facts. If you cite figures, they must be right.
- If you know a fair bit, speak second. You can build on the first speaker and add facts and reasoning.
- If you do not know the subject, listen. After three or four people have spoken, you will be able to add something towards the end.
- If you still have nothing to add, stay silent. Silence can be forgiven. Wrong statements are not. Or you can briefly sum up what others said and say which side you agree with, and why.
- Do not repeat a point that has already been made.
- Never misrepresent a fact, even if others do not know the topic. The moderator does.
- Never be sarcastic. If you find an argument weak, at most look a little puzzled.
How to get your turn
Nobody will hand you the chance on a plate. If you only wait, you may not speak at all. Watch for the moment a speaker is about to finish and start at once.
If two people begin together, turn to the other person, smile and say, "May I?" and carry on. It works, and you do not look rude.
If someone is dominating, you can say, "My friend has a point, but I would like to say..." And if someone cuts you off, raise your hand a little and say, "Please let me finish." Say it politely, but firmly.
How to disagree
Avoid sentences like "I totally disagree" or "I object." Say instead, "There is a lot of truth in what my fellow participants have said. But one point I would like to make is..." This is polite and still lets you put your point across.
It also helps to bring in others. If someone has not spoken at all, you can say, "Perhaps we should also hear what participant number five has to say." Then speak right after him, so that someone else does not take your turn. Courtesy makes you popular in the group, and it shows leadership.
Prepare points for both sides
This is my favourite advice in this part of the book. Whatever your stand, prepare points for and against. You might need to change your side. If the first four or five speakers all argue against the topic, repeating them will bore everyone. If you have prepared both sides, you can take the contrary view without difficulty. It also helps you meet the counter-arguments.
Strong evidence is a real incident that has happened because of the issue. That beats any general statement. Also, give your talk a clear opening, a body and a conclusion.
Do this today
- Pick a current topic from today's newspaper.
- Set a timer for five minutes. Write three points for and three points against.
- Choose a real example for each side.
- Now speak for one minute in favour. Then one minute against. Record it if you can.
The book gives questions to ask yourself after a GD. Did you contribute? If not, was it because of knowledge, speaking, or failing to get a chance? Be honest. Then do more mock GDs with friends. Practice is basically the only way to learn.
A GD has less tension than an interview, because you have company. Face it with an unruffled mind. You may even enjoy it.
This is one chapter from my book Get That Dream Job.
