Group Discussion

DOS AND DONTS OF GROUP DISCUSSION

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DOS AND DONTS OF GROUP DISCUSSION

Do’s of Group Discussion

  1. Do listen to the subject carefully when it is given to the group at the start of discussion
  2. Do put down your thoughts on a paper
  3. Do ensure well-planned first entry into the discussion with a specific strategy, rather than random waffle.
  4. Do initiate the discussion only if you know the subject well, which must be done by creating an overall direction to the discussion with an agenda for the entire group
  5. Do acknowledge active or key participants more frequently with proper oculesics (eye contact) and kinesics (body movements and facial expressions) without ignoring the other participants
  6. Do present yourself as a team player with an ability to balance individual and group performance.
  7. Do respond to the others’ perspectives also and enlarge the scope of the discussion because the group discussion is not just sharing your perspective and opinion only
  8. Do show professional courtesy and etiquettes by addressing other participants with respect and dignity
  9. Do follow the right exit strategy that must incorporate adding value at appropriate points of the discussion instead of trying to be at the centre of discussion all through
  10. Do maintain a calm and balanced disposition throughout the discussion, which would demonstrate your stress management skill and emotional intelligence
  11. Do acknowledge the previous speaker before putting across your point of view because every discussion implies an action-reaction interface and not responding to the preceding input may depict your unwillingness or inability to follow that.
  12. Do support your viewpoint with relevant examples and authentic facts.
  13. To demonstrate an ability to look at a topic from multiple dimensions, which will demonstrate your lateral thinking ability.
  14. Do use a strong voice, clear diction and correct grammar, which obviously will give you an operational advantage.
  15. Do create your likeability and acceptability by following the rules of group dynamics and collaboration with appreciation and acknowledgement of others.
  16. Do follow the rules of proxemics (study of space) by appreciating the private space of the participants
  17. Do take counter arguments gracefully and display good listening skills, projecting you as a good listener and learner.
  18. Do follow the points given by the others in case you are not very much prepared for the given topic.
  19. Do give others sufficient chance to speak.
  20. Do respond with valid facts, relevant examples and cogent logic to the criticisms, objections, counterarguments and contradictions posted by other participants.
  21. Do speak politely and pleasantly and respect contribution from other members.
  22. Do disagree politely & agree with what you consider to be right.
  23. Do recapitulate the main points of the discussion and the overall stand of the group, not just your individual perspective at the end if you get the chance or if the group has not reached to a conclusion or if you are asked to conclude.

Don’ts of Group Discussion

  1. Don’t start the discussion without sufficient knowledge and preparation merely for the sake of speaking first since it may project you as an impulsive person with lack of planning and organizing skills
  2. Don’t speak randomly without a plan and structure, since that may give an impression to the panel that you are not adding any value to the discussion.
  3. Don’t show a lack of attention or energy since that may show that you are indifferent to the task at hand.
  4. Don’t over speak, intervene and snatch other’s chances to speak.
  5. Don’t indulge in cross discussions when the main discussion is in progress, since this will amount to transgression and disturb the group harmony
  6. Don’t try to dominate the discussion or form cartels to visibly monopolize the discussion, which will violate the norms of group dynamics and project you as a person vying for undue control or power.
  7. Don’t condemn or severely criticize anyone’s view point.
  8. Don’t argue and shout during the discussion to prove your point as it will negate the importance of poise and composure required for group discussion.
  9. Don’t over gesticulate as this may project you as an impulsive person.
  10. Don’t get restless and jittery when someone counters your point since it is natural that in a discussion, not everyone will accept your point
  11. Don’t get into unnecessary arguments or futile conflicts with other speakers.
  12. Don’t pose negative or informal or casual body gestures like touching the nose, leaning back on the chair, knocking the table with a pen, folding arms or crossing the legs, which will not be considered fit for a formal occasion like group discussion
  13. Don’t point fingers at the other participants
  14. Don’t use any judgmental word or expression to others
  15. Don’t be arrogant or overaggressive in your verbal and non-verbal communication since that may demonstrate your negative attitude and poor interpersonal skills.
  16. Don’t look at the panel while making a point since that may project you as an attention seeker or an insecure person.
  17. Don’t try to please other participants by shying away from making constructive arguments wherever required.
  18. Don’t talk irrelevant things and distract or digress the discussion
  19. Don’t mention irrelevant or unfounded statistics.
  20. Don’t display low self-confidence with your shaky voice and trembling hands.
  21. Don’t put others in an embarrassing situation by asking them to speak if they don’t want to.
  22. Don’t show any kind of lack of interest when other participants are talking

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