Page 227 - Graphic1

218 | SSB

wants-to give everyone the opportunity to speak. It is subsumed that a candidate of higher potential,
calibre or strength of knowledge will have better knowledge or information or argument. Similarly, an
average or an ordinary candidate will present these things in ordinary quality. This difference is for the
consumption of the group.
As you speak, you give the listener the opportunity to evaluate yourself and make a
‘comparison vis-a-vis’ to him. If the listener feels that the speaker is superior to him, he
subconsciously accepts his influence whereas if he finds the speaker inferior to his ownself, he
will exert his influence on the speaker. This is the first step towards division of group into the
leader and the led.
The group-testing officer gives maximum chance to let the first group discussion go without his
presence being noticed by the participants. Sometimes, you may find that the GTO gives the impression
of a non-involved or non-attentive person. By this attitude, he allows the members to speak freely
without making them feel inhibited or evaluation conscious even before the beginning of his main test.
As a result of the first group discussion, the participants get a fair idea about each member in a
broader sense. I reiterate that you reveal so many things about your personality qualities as you speak.
The listener gets fairly good input to evaluate your knowledge, information, tact, tolerance, flexibility
and firmness. The process of spontaneous comparison with his own self also takes place and acceptance
of influence also starts working.
Group Discussion II—After initial interaction and superficial revelation of qualities the serious
business of ‘quest for a leader’ begins. The second group discussion is the first serious exercise towards
this. There is no difference between the first and the second group discussion in terms of structure and
function except for the fact that the topic for the second group discussion is of a higher level. It calls for
better knowledge, more information and more mental application for evaluation. Obviously, an average
or ordinary candidate will find himself in a difficult situation to sail through. He will hardly leave his
mark in the discussion. Only well informed candidates can contribute/participate in the discussion
impressively.
How to Do Well in a Group Discussion—We must not forget that first impression is the last
impression. You must strive to perform well in the group discussions and achieve mileage from the
beginning itself. One can do well in the group discussions by paying attention on two factors :—

Matter Manner
(What to present) (How to present)

Matter (What to Present)—You must have sufficient knowledge or information of the matter.
Preparation of matter is a slow and continuous process. Regular reading, watching the news and
information channels of televisions and active participation in group-discussions, debates etc. help you
organise your matter well. No short-term preparation can be prescribed. Fortunately in the world today
information travels with the speed of lightening. And the happier aspect is that even a common person
can have easy access to it for its cheaper cost. Without going into details further, I reiterate that you
have to prepare your ideas, thoughts and knowledge through consistent hard work of reading, watching,
observation and your own thinking.
Quick and Spontaneous Editing of Matter—You may have enormous knowledge of a subject.
Remember, in a group discussion situation, your ability to quickly edit your knowledge will benefit you
maximum. In a highly burning competitive environment where it is difficult to get more than two or
three minutes for oneself. People are ready to pounce on you at your weaker point. You must be able to
maintain a pragmatic course without drifting.