5 tips for successful group discussions

Nowadays, group discussions have become an inevitable part of the business and academic sphere. Every organization that you associate with would make you participate in group discussions to test your listening, speaking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Group Discussions are the best opportunity to exhibit your confidence, leadership skills, and thus, your caliber as a whole.

Here are 5 Tips for a Successful Group Discussion

• Art Of Participation: The most important tip for someone to perform well in Group Discussion is to understand the art of participation. You should not expect someone else to insist you speak. Instead, step forward, take the initiative, and actively participate in group discussions. Never get loud or shout in a group discussion. Never be in a hurry to speak. Wait for your turn.
• Try to take the initiative: Do you wait for others to start the discussion? Don't wait; take the initiative, come forward and start the discussion in total energy and a confidant manner. Start by introducing yourself, your team members, tell them about the agenda of the discussion but remember to start the discussion only when you have in-depth knowledge about the topic. The one who takes the initiative is responsible for guiding the other members about the topic. Don’t only ask your acquaintance to speak; give equal opportunity to other participants as well.
• One must speak only if he or she is well prepared with the topic: Don’t speak just for the sake of being the initiator or to make an impression among the other members. Speak only when you know about what you are going to speak, and you are ready to answer the questions.
• Try to be flexible in group discussions: Always remember that other people are also as learned as you. Always be there to listen to what they are saying. Try to be a good listener. Don’t become rigid and just stick to your points. Debate logically and sensibly. Always try to understand the other person's point of view as well, you may learn something new.
• Stay alert: Don't just participate to speak what you want to, be an active listener too. As an active participant, try to stay alert on what discussions are going on. A participant gets around 15 minutes to think. You are supposed to think fast and cover as much as you can. Remember, always take care of your words. Whatever you are going to say must have some sense, should add value to the ongoing discussion.