DO’S AND DON’TS IN GROUP DISCUSSION

For an individual, success during the group discussion depends upon a unique combination of various skills, personality characteristics and practice. In order to make an effective group discussion, one must strike a balance among these factors. Many of the traits are inherent while few can be acquired through practice. An individual before participating in a group discussion must go through the following guidelines. These guidelines work as a proactive measure to perform better during a group discussion. There are several things about which you have to be careful while group discussion.

• Keep yourself calm. Speak pleasantly and politely in the group.
• Respect and recognize the contribution of every member and represent it with a nod or a smile.
• Be respectful to others. Agree and acknowledge whatever you find interesting.
• Disagree politely because it is a discussion and not an argument.
• Do a mental revision of what you are going to say. Think of how you can best answer the question or contribute to the topic.
• Stick to the theme of discussion and not get engaged in other irrelevant discussions.
• Follow etiquettes while speaking.
• Read more and more for having basic understanding about varied fields. Support your arguments with factual information
• Always organize your thoughts before speaking. Present your strongest argument first.
• Try to understand the context of the given topic.
• Start the discussion only if you are confident.
• Compliment your body language with the words you are saying. Strike a balance between verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Listening carefully to the viewpoints of other members. Motivate non participative members to speak.
• Always maintain eye contact with group members.
• Handle criticism gracefully.
• Finish the discussion within allotted time.
• Work towards getting a consensus of group members.

Some of the don’ts are listed below about which you have to be careful while presenting yourself in front of others.

• Don’t lose your temper. It is a group discussion, not an argument.
• Don’t speak loudly or aggressively. Always use a moderate tone and a medium pitch.
• Don’t do gestures like finger pointing and table thumping. This can appear aggressive, so limit your body gestures.
• Don’t dominate the discussion. As confident speakers should allow the quieter, a chance to speak up and contribute to the discussion.
• Don’t draw too much on personal experience.
• Don’t interrupt when someone else is speaking. Wait for a speaker to finish before you speak.
•  Never address a judge or moderator during group discussion.