Struggling to Speak Up in Group Discussions Despite Good English Skills – Any Advice?

My name is Bish. I am pursuing an MBA. I am facing a problem with GD. Whenever I am in a GD, I am not able to speak up. At that time, I don't feel good about it. I know I don't have that much knowledge about GK and all, but I want to do well in that. Even though my English is fine, I am still not able to speak up. Can anyone help me out with this problem?

Reading your post is like reading a puzzle. You could have paid more attention and read the draft again before clicking the submit button. If I make the correct guess, GD is Group Discussion; is it not? GK (written in small letters as 'gk' – is it General Knowledge?) To do well in Group Discussion, you need to practice with exercises in "spoken language."

Make sure you devote sufficient time every day. In my opinion, your English needs a lot of improvement. Read your draft again and see how you can break it into smaller sentences so that the mistakes get eliminated.

Regards,
V. Raghunathan

Thank you, sir, for your help. I will follow what you have said. Yes, I do know that my English needs a lot of improvement. I will try to do whatever you have suggested. Sir, may I know what type of exercises I need to practice?

Group Discussions (GD) in My Class

For Group Discussions (GD) in my class, people who don't have a good command of English speak very nicely. So, my question is, even though their English is not good, how are they able to speak well? Is it because their General Knowledge (GK) is good?

I think you should forget comparing yourself with others. Be your own competitor and raise the bar every time. To do better, please try Cite HR archives. Type “Spoken English” inside the box WHAT DO YOU NEED that you find in the title bar right above. After typing in the box, press the 'research' button next to it. You will get a lot of information. You can also refer to "Related Information" and 'Download Thread' that you find on the right side of this message. Repeat the process for “Improving English” and the likes, one by one of your choice. Sincere efforts would always be rewarding.

Regards,
V.Raghunathan

Others have given you sound advice, though your query lacks enough details. Could you kindly provide some examples of the topics used in GDs and your knowledge about those topics?

Dear Bishi, your problem doesn't lie in a lack of English or knowledge, but in the lack of ability to express your own convictions. Be brave enough to speak up. In group discussions, what matters most is the initiative taken by individuals to voice their opinions. Don't struggle with yourself about whether to speak or not; instead, come forward and express yourself. Lack of knowledge might be a problem sometimes, but not every time.

General Suggestion

My general suggestion to you is to analyze whether you can speak loudly and confidently when you are with your family and friends. If your answer is yes, then it's surely a confidence issue, nothing else. Just believe in yourself and move forward. Skills are developed over time; all that is needed is to start and then continue trying.

Ensure there is a single line break between paragraphs.

Regards

If you swim, then you know that without entering into the river or swimming pool, you can't learn it. So, the best way is to start speaking in GDs without any hesitation. You may not perform well in the first 3 GDs, but then surely you will be the winner.

Regards,
P. Agrawal

Thank you all for your help and guidance. I will surely practice those spoken English questions and will improve my English. Every Saturday, we will have a group discussion in class, and some of the topics are: "Are Modi days gone?", "FDI in Retail," and "Import-Export in India."

To improve your English language skills in both spoken and written forms, you need to devote time to listening to English news broadcasts 24/7 on leading English news channels. You don't have to sit and watch TV all the time. Simply switch on the news and continue with your work while listening to the audio. This way, you will certainly improve your English speaking skills over time. In addition to enhancing your general knowledge and awareness of current affairs, you will involuntarily grasp the essence.

Furthermore, read quality English articles or make it a habit to read English dailies like The Hindu and Times of India to fast-track your English vocabulary and, more importantly, your confidence levels. Many non-English medium students have improved their English skills effortlessly.

Have the will and confidence, and you will come out with flying colors.

In addition to what others have suggested, try these as well:

1. Whenever you try to speak in English, don't think in your vernacular and try to translate into English; instead, think in English and speak out. Initially, you may make mistakes, but gradually, you will improve.

2. Make sure that whenever you are with your friends and family, you speak or converse only in English. Share with them the mistakes you are making and correct them.

3. For a simple conversation, you don't need an in-depth vocabulary; commonly known English words are sufficient. Also, correct your grammatical errors by discussing them with your close friends.

4. Practice discussing your subject for a group discussion in front of a mirror at home. If you practice with a close friend who is proficient in English, they can help you improve your speaking flow and body language.

5. Read printed materials on the topic of group discussions frequently. Memorize important sections and recall them during discussions.

6. Approach the group discussion without an inferiority complex. Think that others are also like you, and you are well-prepared. Have a mindset full of confidence.

7. Listen, read, watch, recall, and present. Keep your eyes and ears open at all times.

I hope these tips help you improve your English speaking skills.

Best regards

Thank you all for your help and guidance. I will surely practice those spoken English questions and will improve my English. Every Saturday, we will have a GD in class, and some of the topics are (Are Modi days gone, FDI in Retail, import-export in India).

Preparation for Group Discussions (GD)

First and foremost, be better informed, if not thorough, on the subject you are expected to discuss during the GD deliberations. Collect all possible relevant information and thoughtfully memorize it. This is very important; without enough knowledge, details, and statistics, one cannot manage the GD convincingly, no matter how at ease they may be in speaking English. It will help you not to fumble at crucial junctures and struggle for words to continue the subject.

Keep yourself up to date on current affairs and events. This will only be possible by continuously reading newspapers and magazines in English. While doing so, note down important data and details in your handbook as a routine, which will help you to use them during the GD. Discussing them with your friends will make your perception on the matter somewhat clear. Make this a habit.

Presenting Your Problem Clearly
First of all, please present your problem in an understandable manner. This will help others give you suitable advice.

Improving General Knowledge
General knowledge can be acquired by improving your reading habits and using the internet. Once your knowledge improves, you will automatically feel more confident.

Enhancing English Skills
Secondly, if your knowledge of English is poor, make full attempts to speak and read more articles and interact with friends, office superiors, etc. Interaction will help improve your conversational English. Never lose confidence in yourself.

A few attempts will give you exposure and the ability to sail through. Best of luck.

Dear Bishi, Many senior persons have given a lot of advice. Here are some points from my side:

Improve Your Language and Knowledge

First, read newspapers. This will provide you with ample information and help you improve your language skills and knowledge. Regarding the topics, they are quite common. You will be given preparation time, so make good use of it. Note down what you know about the topic and express your views from your perspective. Have faith in yourself and maintain a positive attitude. All the best.

You will feel more confident with the knowledge and information you possess. So, my recommendation for you is to read as much as possible. Below are a few resources you can look at:

Read English Newspapers

This will help you improve both your communication and knowledge.

Read Business-Related Books

Reading these books will boost your confidence.

Attend Meetups

Multiple meetups are happening in and around the city. Just visit Meetup.com, Eventshigh.com, and check for events you are interested in. By attending these events, you will have the opportunity to meet more people, which will increase your confidence and courage.

Regards,
Akash Kumaran