Group strength is usually 8 to 12 members

When the group discussion topic is announced and if you do not get the topic properly, just request to repeat the topic. Do not show surprises.

Correctly saying what you want to say- speaking effectively and efficiently is very important.

Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.

A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.

Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.

Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.

Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.

Be a good listener

Do not use high vocabulary

Never use technical language while speaking

Not knowing is not a problem , do not try to bluff

Do not criticize on religion

Do not criticize foreign policy of India

Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.

Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.

Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally.

Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object' or `I disagree'. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…' or `One difference between your point and mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"

Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle),and listen to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.

Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and creativity.

Here are some tips for effective participation in a GD:

-A good level of general awareness will come in handy so that you aren't at a loss of words on certain issues

-Understand the topic and analyze it mentally before speaking

-Be clear about the purpose and content of your viewpoint

-One should be able to communicate his views in an effective manner to everyone. Be clear in speech, audible but not too loud and above all remain confident

-Remember the six C's of effective communication -- Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Confidence, Correctness and Courtesy

-You should maintain eye contact with all others in the group and not focus on a particular person for he may benefit from that

-Be responsive to ideas from other people and seem to be very receptive and open-minded but don't allow others to change your own viewpoint.

-Starting the discussion is considered to be good however it isn't that important; what is important is that you speak for a period long enough for you to be able to communicate your viewpoint

-Always maintain your calm and never get aggressive. If you haven't been able to talk then one can cut in saying "Excuse me, but what I think is .........." or something of that sort

-Never lose your temper and never attack anyone on a personal front. Your attitude should be one of cooperation and not one of conflict

-Don't lose sight of the goal of the discussion.

-Listen to any criticisms and give them a thought before trying to defend your views.

If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.