Do's and Don'ts in Group discussion

The Don'ts

1. Don't be nervous, shy or emotional
2. Don't try to bluff as the panel will easily figure out that
3. Don't allow the criticism bother you
4. Don't be frivolous, keep yourself to the point
5. Don't criticise other members
6. Dont use foul language or slang, like yaar, princy, shit etc.
7. Don't loose your temper or calmness.
8. Don't ridicule or make fun of any of the members
9. Don't impose on others yourself or your arguments
10. Don't interrupt a participant, unless he finishes his speaking.

The Do's

1. Stick to the point and address the group as a whole.
2. Be logical while reasoning
3. Be assertive while putting your views
4. Listen to others attentively
5. Motivate others to speak
6. Keep calm and polite
7. Be positive and provide full contribution to the entire discussion
8. Use body language to your maximum advantage
9. Speak in Clear terms
10. Maintain a cordial atmosphere, cooperate with all, in order to reach the final goal.

Group Discussion Blunders

Note the following blunders, usually made by the candidates during group Discussion

1. Emotional outbursts Sometimes the candidates feel offended by a remark or by a argument of a member of the group and they vent thier anger when they get a chance during the GD. Their behaviour would be perceived as immature and demotivating to the rest of the team. such behaviour would go against the candidates
2. speaking Toomuch Some candidates beleive that the more thay talk the more likely they will get good scoring in GD. So, they speak more than required. thay speak just for the sake of speaking. They try to interrupt other candidates on some , because of this they loose the game and get very negative marking by the evaluators. remember, evaluation is based on quality and not on quantity. your contribution must be relavent.
3. Too much Statistical  Some candidates use too much statistical data while putting their arguments in group Discussion. Manytimes the figures are not true and just self cooked up material.  remember that facts nd figures need not validate all your statements. your analysis and interpretation are aqually important- not just facts and figures. such an approach indicates your inability to work in a team.
4. Toomuch Hurry  Some candidates are in toomuch hurry. they start speaking without listening or understanding the topic. this hurry can cause loss of chance of success in GD. once the topic of a GD was "discuss the negative effects of India signing the nuclear Test Ban Treaty". A candidate started speaking for the sake of earning points, marked for the initiator without hearing the topic fully. he started peaking about benefits to India by joining this treaty and thus lost the game.
5. Reflecting lack of confidence  (Keeping mum) Some candidates think that pther candidates are better prepared than they are and they keep mum, do not speak, even asked by the members to speak. Ultimately they loose the game, remember your personality is also being evaluated in the GD. Your verbal and non-verbal cues are being read. you are the participant in the GD not the evaluator, so rather tahn evalauting others and your performance, participate in the discussion confidently. Your confidence level is also being evaluated. decent communication skills with good confidence is a must to crack the GD's successfully.
6. Using slang or obusive language  A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to be avoided. A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to express their veiwpoints. In the second part of the discussion, candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral. Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward. Never use abusive language even for the enemy.