Today I read a post on Big K’s superblog about group discussions which made me to write this post. I have attended few group discussions (GDs) in my college days. My role being as a participant. GDs were allotted time of 10-15 mins for a group of 7-8 participants. This leaves time of 1- 1.5 minutes per participant to talk. and then someone had to conclude. The subjects of GDs were often heavy. By the word heavy I mean tough to finish within allotted time. Now how can you expect to conclude a discussion on subject “Can man conquer nature ?” within 10 minutes. One more topic that I remeber is “Technology : A boon or curse”.

So the group of all enthusiasts was always trying to put forth one’s own point. Nobody used to listen to other’s views. Of course how can you ??? How can you listen, digest, think and then talk on that !! All in just 10 minutes: that too in a group of 7-8 people. Before I started attending these GDs in college I was advised by a senior. He told me that I have to speak minimum of twice and maximum of thrice. Now I agree to this ! If I don’t speak, how would I get judged. Also speaking more than thrice or speaking continuously for more than 2 minutes will create impression as : This guy doesn’t listen to others.

One more tip was: Do not cut down anybody. But that didn’t work out. Everybody had to start his/her speech by cutting down the speaking guy. and the same way you will be cut down. We all were too enthusiastic to stop.

In one of my GDs, I had to perform a role of coordinator. Some or the other way discussion was being lead to aggressive talk. Then I pitched in to say: “OK, let this guy also talk”, “let her also say”. That was funny.

Conclusion of a GD was the toughest part for me. Generally group is divided into two opinions, both firm on their own opinions. What will you conclude for that ??

Now the question comes, are these GDs really meant to get the conclusion and implement it ! No. The judges see the performance of an individual based on different parameters. A participant has to take care that he’s getting good marks on those parameters.