Group discussion is an important part of the decision-making process. It allows for the exchange of ideas and the opportunity to come to a consensus. However, there are certain dos and donts that should be followed in order to make the most of the discussion.
- 1) Dress Formally. …
- 2) Don’t Rush Into It. …
- 3) Keep Eye Contact While Speaking. …
- 4) Allow Others to Speak. …
- 5) Don’t be Aggressive. …
- 6) Maintain Positive Attitude. …
- 7) Speak Sensibly. …
- 8) Listen Carefully to Others.
15 do’s of group discussion
The following list of group discussion dos and don’ts can help you prepare for your next meeting and succeed:
1. Listen to other participants
In group discussions, participants learn about one another’s perspectives and areas of expertise while developing a conversation from similar ideas. You can learn more or gain a better understanding of a subject by paying close attention to what others are saying. It also demonstrates respect for the other participants because they can see that you value what they have to say.
2. Maintain eye contact with the group
Make eye contact with the other participants in the conversation when you speak in front of the group. Before moving on to the next person, try to make each person feel valued by giving them a few seconds of your attention. This can make your dialogue feel more personal. When you speak, make eye contact with the audience to let them know you want their attention. Make eye contact with the speaker when you are listening to others speak to demonstrate your interest.
3. Give others time to speak
In a discussion, it’s crucial to give others a chance to speak so they can express their thoughts, including any disagreements or agreements they may have about the subject. Try to mentally set speaking time limits for yourself, such as 30 to 40 seconds before allowing someone else to speak. Additionally, if you see someone who hasn’t spoken yet, get them to do so by getting their opinion on the matter.
4. Keep potential disagreements polite
In a group discussion, it’s crucial to disagree politely with someone in order to acknowledge your differences while continuing the conversation. Here are some phrases you can use to respectfully disagree with someone in a conversation:
5. Dress professionally
In a group discussion, what you choose to wear can have a positive impact on your performance and how your peers perceive you. If you appear professional by donning appropriate attire, it will be clear that you are serious about the conversation. Additionally, it can give you a sense of empowerment, which could enhance your performance.
6. Support your claims
If you are familiar with the topic of a group discussion before the meeting, do some research to substantiate your claims. Providing evidence for your claims gives your position more credibility and can foster trust among group members. Knowing you did your homework can help them more easily verify the veracity of what you are saying.
7. Welcome counterarguments
In a group discussion, other members may counter-argue your points. Someone may agree with you but not your evidence, or they may disagree with you completely. The best way to handle these situations is to respectfully acknowledge the opposing viewpoint while politely countering it. You can think about the opposing viewpoint for a moment before presenting evidence to refute it, if necessary.
8. Prepare for the discussion
There are still some things you can do to get ready for a group discussion even though you might not know what it will be about. You can review the following general subjects in advance of the conversation:
9. Acknowledge others before speaking
It’s polite to acknowledge what someone else has said before you explain your point when it’s your turn to speak after them. This can prove to the other person that you paid attention to their ideas. The following phrases can be used to thank another speaker:
10. Initiate the conversation
It might be advantageous for you to help start the discussion in a group discussion depending on your role in it. You might be able to reduce any tension in the room by giving the group some direction. Getting a discussion started can also help participants see where and how it might go.
11. Plan your entry points
Knowing what to say and when to say it in a group conversation can be aided by planning your entry point. Consider speaking after someone who has just finished speaking about a subject about which you are very knowledgeable. If it relates to the overall subject of the group discussion, you can also bring up your area of expertise.
12. Plan your exit points
You can prepare when to stop speaking in a group discussion by determining your exit point. You might be able to speak briefly and leave the conversation if your points are succinct and clear. If it takes you longer than two minutes to explain your ideas, you can break them up and only present a portion of them during the discussion. The discussion can then continue after you have finished sharing your idea.
13. Take notes
Taking notes during a group discussion can aid in better information processing and later review. Write down the main points that were discussed, such as questions to research or new information you learned during the conversation. You could also put any ideas or inquiries you have for the group in writing.
14. Ask for clarification
Ask someone to clarify anything they say if you’re not sure about it. If someone elaborates on their ideas, you and the group will benefit. You can then continue to contribute your ideas and comprehend the conversation in this manner.
15. Show confidence
When you project confidence during a discussion, your group members may be more inclined to pay attention to what you have to say. One way to demonstrate confidence is to speak with a firm, even tone. To show that you’re open to hearing what others have to say, you can also sit straight and stand or walk with wide steps.
15 don’ts of group discussion
You can review the following list of group discussion dos and don’ts before your next meeting:
1. Enter the conversation quickly
Quickly entering the conversation may show that youre unprepared. To prevent this, pay attention to what others are saying and wait for an appropriate opportunity to speak up. Plan when would be the best time for you to contribute your thoughts if you don’t know what to say but know you must.
2. Overspeak
To avoid overspeaking, keep your points succinct. Try asking another participant for their opinion on the subject of the discussion if you feel like you are talking too much. You can express your ideas in this manner while allowing another participant to speak. If you want to add more ideas, you can also speak again later.
3. Speak about other topics
Make sure what you are adding is pertinent to prevent diverting the conversation from the main subject. Before you speak, consider whether it is relevant to the overall discussion. If a group member veers off topic, see if you can bring up a relevant point to help bring it back to the main topic of discussion.
4. Repeat other participants
In a group discussion, it might not be beneficial to reiterate other people’s points in order to advance the conversation. It’s best to pay close attention to those who are speaking in order to prevent this. You can evaluate their responses and then prepare your comments for the conversation.
5. Speak or gesture boldly
Take a few deep breaths before speaking or gesturing vehemently when you disagree with someone. Consider what they said and how you can politely respond to it. Learning requires the establishment of a secure environment where group members can voice their opinions.
6. Interrupt others
When others have finished speaking, wait before adding your thoughts. For group discussions where everyone can share their ideas, listening and considering what others are saying are crucial. Another way to respect your group members is to wait patiently for your turn to speak up.
7. Bring irrelevant or false statistics
Verify statistics before speaking to prevent presenting irrelevant or false data. It’s best not to share information that you aren’t 100 percent certain is accurate. Before presenting the data, consider whether it will advance the discussion.
8. Appear insecure
You could convey insecurity by avoiding eye contact or appearing uninterested in the other group members. Keep your arms uncrossed and your head up to avoid coming across as insecure. You’ll be more likely to participate in the group discussion if you appear secure.
9. Share information that isnt valuable
In a group discussion, the moderator might insist that everyone share something. When it’s your turn, think about whether what you’re going to say will be useful for the discussion. If it doesn’t, you might wait until another chance presents itself so that you can join the conversation when you have something more significant to say.
10. Have negative body language
Projecting negative body language can show disinterest in a discussion. Instead, adopt a positive attitude and imitate the other group members’ body language. By doing so, you’ll be able to demonstrate that you’re listening and interested in what’s being said.
11. Share participants space
Be aware of the area around you when you’re having a conversation with someone while sitting next to them. Keep to your designated area to avoid occupying another participant’s space. If you have a strong disagreement with someone, keep your composure and speak up in private.
12. Make eye contact with the evaluators
Making eye contact is a powerful way to demonstrate your confidence, but avoid doing so when the discussion’s judges are present. Since your fellow participants are engaged in the conversation, try your best to pay attention to them. By not looking at the judges, you can convey to them your interest in the discussion.
13. Focus on only one participant
Try to look at everyone in the group when you make eye contact with them rather than just one. One group member won’t feel like you’re speaking to them alone in this manner. This also allows you to fully engage with everyone else.
14. Use judgmental language
There is a possibility that others in the group discussion will know more or less than you because it is a place for learning. Recognize that everyone works at a different pace and has a different educational background to avoid passing judgment on others. Instead, try to concentrate on imparting your knowledge to the group.
15. Worry if the topic is unfamiliar
Try to remain calm if you feel uncertain about the discussion topic. Listen to everyone’s remarks and, if necessary, take a few deep breaths. Try to find an opportunity to share your opinions or pose a question to learn more about the subject after hearing from others.
8 Tips To Master Group Discussion | Group Discussion Techniques – Tips, Tricks & Ideas | Simplilearn
FAQ
What are the dos and don’ts in group discussion?
- Listen to other participants. …
- Maintain eye contact with the group. …
- Give others time to speak. …
- Keep potential disagreements polite. …
- Dress professionally. …
- Support your claims. …
- Welcome counterarguments. …
- Prepare for the discussion.
What are the rules of group discussion?
- Listen respectfully, without interrupting.
- Listen actively and with an ear to understanding others’ views.
- Criticize ideas, not individuals.
- Commit to learning, not debating. …
- Avoid blame, speculation, and inflammatory language.
- Allow everyone the chance to speak.
What must be avoided in a group discussion?
Which of these should not be used in a group discussion? Justification: We should speak clearly and based on facts. We must never mumble, shout or speak very fast. If a point is unclear, it is preferable to ask a question.
