How to hold your own in Group Discussions?

Doing well in group discussions has become an important criterion for getting into a college/institute of your choice. In order to perform this feat one has to be clear about the purpose of holding a group discussion. Which qualities in a candidate make him stand above others? Which magic factor decides who is in and who is out?

In a group discussion, there are candidates of the same age group, possessing similar intelligence levels (as ensured by the cut off marks or written tests), discussing an issue informally. A group is generally made up of six to ten candidates, who have full freedom to discuss their views in the manner they please. This exercise enables the examiners to assess the personality traits of many candidates within the same time frame.

The candidates must understand that as opposed to a written exam which is an elimination test, a group discussion is part of the selection process. It means that from any one group of candidates, all, some or none may be chosen. It also means that you need not try to be one up on the others in your own group. Instead, you need to cultivate some winsome qualities and project them on the D-day. This way you will carry your team along with you.

What are these winsome qualities? Educational institutes are looking for intelligent, confident, visionary leaders who have tremendous communication skills, listening skills and inter-personal skills. A GD offers a great opportunity for natural leadership qualities of a candidate to emerge. How can you make sure that you come across as a leader with a vision? Here are some points worth looking at:

· A common misconception amongst candidates is that you must speak as much as you can and as many times. Yes, you must speak, but not all at the same time, as happens most often. Everyone trying to speak at the same time creates more mayhem but no winners.

· An important point is to learn to disagree agreeably. Remaining polite in the face of provocation is a great quality.

· Losing your cool and getting emotional about any topic is a strict no-no.

· Speaking fluently and convincingly is an art that you must inculcate.

· Knowledge of a subject is a great asset. You cannot possibly speak on a subject unless you know it thoroughly.

· Talk intimately yet audibly. Do not shout or mumble. Pronounce your words clearly.

· Approach the topic objectively and rationally. Offer authentic and convincing reasons in support of your arguments and conclusions.

· Create a strong and favorable impact upon your group.

The key to holding your own in a group discussion lies in displaying initiative, intelligence, patience, tolerance, tact, and faculty of speech. A GD is not about being competitive; it is about being assertively co-operative!!

‎

Read more!

How to beat nervousness before an interview..

Most of us talk dime a dozen when we are with our friends, but the moment we are asked to face an interview or participate in a debate, we get tongue tied. We start fidgeting, sweating, and looking around; rather than focusing on the topic being discussed. Why is it so? What makes us so nervous? Is it the fear of failure alone or is their something else at play? Whatever be the reason, it is more important to know how to overcome this situation. How can we beat nervousness before an important event? Here are some suggestions:-

· Before you start an interview, you would be required to shake the interviewer’s hand. Make sure to wipe the sweat off your hands prior to entering the interview room. A sweaty handshake is not the best way to start an interview.

· Do not start asking too many questions at the beginning of the interview. Speaking too much is a sure sign of nervousness. Just sit there as directed and let the interviewer handle the interview. Give straight, intelligent answers. Save your questions and comments for the latter part of the interview.

· Look into the interviewer’s eyes in order to stay focused. If you feel uncomfortable doing that, just look at one point near their eyes. In any case do not look around the room or at the ceiling, as if looking for something. Doing this is a sign of either nervousness or disinterest. Both these traits won’t get you anywhere.

· Sit up straight with your back against the chair. A slouching posture or sitting at the edge of your chair not only makes you look unintelligent; it also shows your lack of pride in yourself. Do not move or fidget in your chair. It shows that you are uncomfortable being there.

· Don’t smirk or laugh that nervous laughter when faced with a question that you can’t answer. It will surely give away your uncertainty. Employ a serious, business-like expression and answer the questions honestly.

· Take a small pause before you answer. Don’t start answering immediately. Don’t try to keep repeating your answer or give explanations. That shows lack of self-confidence.

· Do not scratch your head, rub your hands together, crack your knuckles, jiggle a foot, bite nails, tap your fingers, touch your face un-necessarily, adjust your tie, clench your fists, rub your nose, or twirl the ring on your finger. All these movements give away your nervousness and insecurity.

· Your tone of voice easily reflects your nervousness, so speak deliberately and clearly. Remember, it isn’t only what you say, but the way you say it that makes the real difference.

One vital thing to remember is that everyone, without exception, feels slightly nervous before an interview. The success embraces those guys who know how to beat this nervousness…….

‎

Read more!