Speaker 1: Group discussion is a crucial round in any interview process. Whether you are applying for your dream job or trying to get into the top tier colleges, group discussion is undoubtedly one of the eliminating rounds that you need to face. Many candidates panic about group discussions, but not to worry, as we have a few important tips to help you crack your GD. Today, we bring you this interesting video on mastering group discussions. But before we begin, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell icon to never miss an update from Simply Learn. Before listing our tips, let's understand what a group discussion means. In short, GD is a process in which a group of people sit together and discuss various aspects of a given topic. In the meanwhile, the GD panel will be gauging you on a set of criteria. So what are you tested in on a group discussion? What does the interviewer wish to see? The panel evaluates your leadership skills, listening skills, confidence, and teamwork qualities through a group discussion. In addition to these qualities, they also wish to see how well you can logically present your perspective and how gracefully you can conduct yourself in a group. The GD round strains the right candidate from a large pool of applicants. So here is a list of the top eight tips that will help you master group discussions. One, before you participate in a group discussion, it is advised that you have some knowledge on the given topic. Yes, you cannot be aware of every topic under the sun. However, there are a few general GD topics that you could research on. A few such topics are, women make better managers? Agree or disagree? Social media is a boon or a bane for the society? Your views on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency? Given the current scenario, you can also prepare on topics around COVID-19. Topics like coronavirus, impact on global economy, how effective virtual learning is, and is social distancing the new norm? To name a few. Different topics can be given to you, starting from general topics to controversial to case studies. Before stepping into the GD, research on a few topics that are frequently asked. You don't need to carry out a detailed study on these topics. It is enough if you have a rough idea about it. In the end, you are not judged on your knowledge, but on how wisely you present your answers. Two, next, we will speak about how you should initiate a group discussion. Many of you might think if you speak first, you can grab the attention. Well, yes, you definitely can. However, it can also backfire on you. Our tip to you is that speak first only if you have meaningful information on the topic. You could start the discussion with a relevant quote, story, or fact. If you are confused about the topic and unsure how to start, it is fine to wait and listen to the others and then rephrase your answer. Three, once the group discussion is in full swing, be careful about how you speak. There will be many candidates with different views. You need to respect that and assertively put across your view, but not aggressively. At no point should you shout and get angry. There are a few phrases that can help you respectfully communicate your opinions. Firstly, if you disagree with someone, be graceful and control your emotions. You can use phrases like, I beg to differ, I do not support your point of view, I have a different opinion, and so on. In situations where you agree with someone, use phrases like, I second you, I have the same opinion. Apart from this, there will be scenarios where you might partially agree with someone. At that time, it's best to say, you are right, however, I don't fully endorse your statement, and so on. At some point, if you are required to interrupt someone, think before you do that and say, sorry, I wish to interrupt you there. Lastly, if you would like to add a few pointers, you can start the conversation by saying, in addition to that, you must use the right words and phrases through the course of your GD. This shows you respect the other person and your flexibility in accepting others' points of view while sticking to your own. Remember, you have a positive attitude throughout the discussion. It is important to carry out a healthy discussion. Group discussion is not a process to judge your current affairs knowledge, but evaluate your interpersonal skills and behavior. Four, using the previously mentioned phrases allow you to speak. Hence, it would be best if you spoke with clarity and put across your opinions. Communicate confidently, have a good command over English and speak comfortably. Take a pause and think of what to talk. Do not try to be dominant while speaking. Finally, everything boils down to how you present your opinion and how well you can convince the rest of the candidates and leave a positive impact on them through your speech. Remember to talk well and catch the attention of the panel. Another point to remember is not sitting back after talking once. Try to have more than one entry. Five, our next tip to you is to listen carefully. Not just hear, but listen. A vital skill the panel judges you on is on your listening skills. Listening is a sign of respect. Do listen to understand your teammates and not just to reply to them. This may sound easy, but it is one of the most challenging tasks to carry out in a group discussion. Listen carefully and then reply. Give others a chance to talk. Make eye contact with the speaker and acknowledge him or her by nodding your head. This shows you're active participant in the discussion. Six, body language also plays a prime role in a GD. The panelists notice the way you sit and react. Body language speaks volumes about you. Hence, sit straight, avoid constant impatient or tensed movements. Stay calm and maintain eye contact always. You should also remember to dress professionally and be presentable. Seven, do not deviate from the topic. Focus on the content rather than the length of your speech. Group discussions also provide you with an opportunity to display your leadership skills. Suppose the group is drifting away from the given topic. Take an interest in helping the group stay on topic and head in a positive direction. Having said that, it is not your role to be the interviewer. However, make a conscious effort to have the group stick to the topic. Eight, summarizing or stating your conclusion gives a good chance to grab the panel's attention. Our tip is that you summarize the entire discussion and highlight the key points. Try to find the middle ground and do not have a one-sided summary. Keep the summary short and relevant. So those were our top eight tips to master group discussions. Make sure you follow these tips and put them to practice to ace your next group discussion round. You can research various GD topics, improve your language and communication skills. You could have mock group discussions with your friends and family. This way, you will have a good experience, be more comfortable and confident while participating in the real group discussion. That brings us to the end of this video. I hope these group discussion tips were helpful and we wish you all the very best. Thank you for watching the video and stay tuned for more from Simply Learn. ♪