Strategies for Improving GD Skills

1. Content

• Initiative leader

• Contribute systematically - good general knowledge and awareness of current affairs

• Keep the discussion alive and lively

• If the topic is unfamiliar, wait till someone comes up with important information

• Create conducive atmosphere – tending to promote or assist

• Promote optimal participation

• Moving the discussion along

• Handle conflict

• Impactful closure

2. Communication

• Use simple and appropriate words with right pronunciation

• Use grammatically correct sentences, concise and unambiguous expression

• Use simple language without exaggeration

• Speak fluently but with a moderate speed, pauses and volume

• Use tone variation and do not let your speech become monotonous

• Do not interact just in monosyllables and do not use non-word fillers too often- uhh, umm, err, ahh..

• Do not use slang

• Use linking phrases to link arguments

• Make use of polite expressions to disagree or to interrupt others

3. Critical Thinking

A good discussion always involves a lot of networking. Networking involves active thinking, building on one another’s points, negotiating , persuading and collating views.

• Restraining your emotions

• Looking at things differently

• Analyzing information

• Asking Questions

• Solving Problems

4. Knowledge of Group Dynamics

• Generate agreement on a common viewpoint

• Be adaptable

• Show positive attitude

• Do not Distract others

• Accept Criticism sportingly

• Motivate other participants

• Deal with hostile members and conflicts tactfully

• Join the Discussion

• Never enter the discussion with a disagreement

• Do not make a personal remarks

• Have a shared leadership

#discussion