Group Discussions
At both Briefing and Mainboard you will participate in group discussions.
A group discussion is held within a syndicate led by the syndicate leader who is a member of the Selection board. The purpose of the group discussion is to see how well you communicate verbally within a group. This tests both your group oratory skills and current affairs knowledge.
Prepration
Before you dive headfirst into our 9 Hints and Tips for Group Discussions you will be expected to contribute a discussion topic to the group at AOSB, it is recommended that you have two prepared before you attended. Why two? This is so if someone else shares your genus and says your top topic then you still will have an original topic to offer!
9 Hints and Tips for Group Discussions
Below are a range of top tips to help in your preparation for group discussion activities at AOSB:
1. Have good subject knowledge
Having good subject knowledge and rich content is the first and foremost tip to enter a group discussion. You should prepare on a variety of topics: military, global current affairs and societal issues. The better the subject knowledge, the greater opportunity to contribute and influence the conversation. If you can memorize some relevant data, it will be an added advantage.
Go to the Current Affairs page to find resources that will help develop you knowledge and understanding.
3. Take the opportunity to lead on a discussion
Beginning the group discussion gives the chance to make an impact, but if you are not able to make your point well, it will create a negative effect. Therefore, it is not necessary to speak first, but it is essential that when you talk, you are heard and can make your point well.
4. Be relevant
When you speak, you should speak to the point without any ambiguity of thought. Express your ideas and do not follow the other speaker or their opinions. Wherever possible, emphasize your point with facts and figures.
5. Be a good/active Listener
Listening skills are essential for group discussion, so carefully listen to what others have to say. Just speaking throughout the discussion doesn’t make you better; you should learn to give others a chance to speak and encourage others into the conversation.
6. Improve your Communication Skills
Good ideas and rich content are only of use if you can communicate well. The best way to improve your communication skill is to practise, practise, practise. Record yourself speaking on your phone (use the memo function) and listen back to it.
7. Body Language
Remember, you are being observed throughout. Body gestures are meaningful as they say a lot about you. Think about your posture, avoid leaning back on to the chair or knocking a table with a pen /your fingers or tapping your feet. Do not get distracted easily; nervous body movements, folding your hands across your chest, having sceptical expression, continually moving, evading eye contact should be avoided at all costs.
Use positive open body language, positive body gestures are a sign of confidence and security. They are a sign of active participation and leave a good impression. Don't over do it as it might come across over confident and arrogant.
For more information on body language check out this website.
8. Remain calm
It is expected during the group discussion that you are firm on your ideas and are audible enough to make an impact on the group. But being aggressive, shouting and not allowing others in the group to speak, will be noted.
9. Consider the role you are playing during the group discussion
Your role will change through out the group discussion but it is important to know what it is you are contributing to the discussion:
Beginner: The candidate who starts Group Discussion. They may suggest new ideas, define the topic but may not necessarily have sufficient subject knowledge to present their viewpoint effectively.
Facilitator: Leads the while keeping track of the discussion.
Seeker of Information: Tries to gather and solicit information from others.
Disseminator of Information: Prefers to share information and facts.
Seeker of Opinion: Tries to gather some opinion from others and ask the fellow participants for their opinion.
Giver of Opinion: Promptly jumps to give an opinion on the views shared by the other participant.
Analyst: Analyses and clarifies the ideas and opinions discussed during the group discussion.
Community Supporter: Supports the ideas of all participants but has none of their own.
Reliever: Presents and discusses the problem with a broader perspective and relieves all of any tension.
Energy spreader: Encourages other participants to explore some new ideas during the discussion.
Bridge creator: Creates harmony between different opinions by giving a solution with varying ways of compromise.
Summary maker: Summarizes and concludes a discussion by including all important points discussed