Well-versed in English and blessed with the gift of the gab, Priya had always been the star orator in extempore competitions throughout her college. When she could not successfully crack the Group Discussion (GD) round of her campus interview, everyone was shocked. After the initial setback, she contemplated over the entire GD and identified the problem areas, top 10 of which are mentioned below!

Endless Talking and Sweeping Statements

After her initial failure, Priya understood that while she was expected to talk and put forth her views in the GD, endless speaking gives a negative impression, and making sweeping statements without proper factual support or logical reasoning will not get her anywhere.

Emotional Outbursts

She recollected from her GD experience that people get carried away by the topic of the discussion. This is a strict “No No,” even if you are emotionally attached to the topic. Keep a calm and neutral approach even if you find something unacceptable. Handle your emotions maturely and keep your composure.

Drifting Away from Topic

Being careful not to drift away from the topic and remembering that what you speak is more important than how you speak is also equally important.

Nervous Silence

Just as speaking unnecessarily will score badly for you, keeping quite or not actively participating in the discussion is equally bad. Remember that your knowledge is of no good if you cannot showcase it properly.

Complex English

Priya reflected that the language used by her was convoluted and complex, making it difficult for others to understand. Focussing on making the speech understandable and interesting by using simple but correct English, without unnecessary ornamentation, scores positively in a GD.

Speaking Fast or Using False Accent

Every word you speak counts. They can either make or break your future. Also, do not think that speaking faster will give you time to speak more.

Interrupting and Grabbing Attention

Will you like to be interrupted when making a point? No, right? Respect this for others and wait for your turn. Interrupting or physically trying to grab attention in midst of someone else’s speech is bad manners.

Body Language

Priya knew pointing fingers or thumping on the table while speaking would score negatively. However, she indulged into this throughout the session at her own peril. Sitting straight, showing attentiveness toward others’ views, and a positive body language is something your GD conductor will look into and mark you on.

Failing to Keep Track

Listening keenly to what everyone else is speaking is crucial and even a moment’s distraction can land you in trouble because you will need to build your net statements based on what others say. This is exactly where Priya failed since she was concentrating more on her next move. Be careful to avoid this.

Looking at the Moderator

Looking constantly at the moderator while speaking might come naturally, but one should try to consciously avoid this, or looking at the wall or the floor. It is important to keep an eye contact with group members while talking.

After her face-off with reality during her first GD, Priya understood that making mistakes is integral to our life. Whatever seems insignificant to us might work against us in GD scenarios, unless we put in conscious effort to avoid the aforementioned mistakes. Understanding her mistakes, and working towards improving them, Priya is determined to succeed in her next GD. We wish you good luck, Priya!