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Tips for Success in GDs (Group Discussions)(EXTRA)

a) Initiate - Break the ice, be the first one to start the discussion, if somebody else has started, relax. There are a lot of opportunities later. 

b) Listen - Carefully. Communication is a lot about listening. Listen, Comprehend, Analyse. When you listen carefully, it allows you to contemplate and analyse which helps in speaking the right thing at the right time. 

c) Remember - Names, Facts, Figures, Quotations. It helps a lot if you know who has spoken what. If permitted, you can use a notepad to write. 

d) Observe - Body language, how conversation shapes up, gets diverted. Then do the right thing at the right time. 

e) Manage - People. At times there are people who create difficult situations. These are best opportunities to demonstrate assertive attitude. 

f) Communicate - Be frank, clear, firm and jovial in your communication. Your voice should reach out but not irritate people. 

g) Summarise - If you did not initiate the talk, this is the right time. If you have been listening carefully, your summary will be the best one. 
The following language may be used in structuring a GD:

Entering a discussion: Make comments on previous contributions and show one’s own relation to them. Change the trend of discussion by agreement, disagreement, and amplification or by restriction.

Some Patterns of starting a discussion:
  • We have assembled here to discuss …
  • We are here today to discuss …
  • Let us get down to business …
  • Let’s start how to proceed with the discussion …
  • Let’s start off with No.1 …
  • Shall we make a start?
  • Shall we set the ball rolling?
  • Can you please give your views on?

Some patterns for interrupting a discussion:
  • Sorry to interrupt you …
  • Excuse me, but …
  • Could I make a suggestion, please?
  • Could I say something ….?
  • Sorry to disagree with you …
  • If I could make a point here …
Some patterns of ending a discussion:
  • I think that covers everything
  • It is time to wind up
  • Shall we close the discussion then?
Comments:
What I think is …
I feel that …
The main point I wish to make is …
I agree up to a certain point but …
I must disagree with your opinion …
I would question whether …
It seems to me that …
As far as I am concerned …
I don’t agree with the previous speaker …
Please don’t interrupt. Let me finish
Can you wait till I finish?
I think we are moving away from the main point.
If I may turn now to …
Turning now to …
I want to comment briefly on …
I intend to make … points about …
Now to elaborate on the first point …
I strongly believe that …
With all due respect
I am not in a position to say anything about …
If we look at it in another light …
On the contrary …
I don’t think any one could disagree with …
I can’t help thinking …
Can I finish please …?
Finally …


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