Performance Self-Appraisal for Group Discussion

A group discussion is a dynamic, unpredictable and often tense experience. You

can benefit greatly by analyzing your own performance objectively and formally
after each GD. This section gives you a framework for self appraisal and
consequent improvement.
Guidelines for Self-Appraisal
Conduct the self-appraisal within
6-8 hours of the GD, lest you
forget important details.
Be objective and honest in
conducting the appraisal.
Replay the sequence of events,
right from your exit, and
document significant events and
happenings.

Seek clarifications from a senior

and experienced faculty or
coach, only after you have done
your own rigorous analysis.

Keep the evaluation criteria in

mind
when
analyzing
your
performance.
Do
not
rate
yourself on unnecessary criteria.
Make note of group members
who stood out for the right and
wrong reasons.
Do not be disheartened by a
poor
performance.
Stay
optimistic and have self belief
that you can improve and
perform
much
better
with
intelligent practice.

Ten Questions for Self-Appraisal

Q1. Did I really understand the topic given? Did I spend the time given for
preparation meaningfully?
A1:...........................................................................................................................
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Q2. Did I provide any new direction to the group anytime during the GD? Was
there any scope for interpreting the topic in some innovative way? Did I fail to
see and seize this opportunity?
A2:...........................................................................................................................
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Q3. Did I lose my cool? Was my voice breaking under the strain of emotion,
competition or tension?

A3:...........................................................................................................................
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Q4. Was I lapsing into a regional dialect or using Hinglish during the GD?
A4:...........................................................................................................................
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Q5. Did I find myself repeating the same point at different times during the GD?
A5:...........................................................................................................................
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Q6. Was my body language such that it inhibited teamwork and cooperation from
other group members?
A6:...........................................................................................................................
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Q7. Was I making eye contact only with a few member of the group? Worse, was I
looking at the GD panellists during the GD.
A7:...........................................................................................................................
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Q8. Did I speak clearly and loudly so as to be heard by the other group members
as well as the GD panellists?
A8:...........................................................................................................................
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Q9. Did I use sufficient examples and facts to buttress my statements, conclusion
and arguments? Was I stating facts without any good reason?
A9:...........................................................................................................................
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Q10. Was my participation even? Did I speak too much or too little?
A10:.........................................................................................................................
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Guidelines for Students:

Based on the pointers given above, appraise your performance at the GDs you
have attended. For each GD you have participated in, write your appraisal
comments in the space provided below. The ten questions given above are
indicative and you can add your own observation as well. Do remember to fill
other details of the GD (Date, time, Place, Group Size and Topic) to allow better
tracking of your progress. Do also document any new angles, perspective and
approaches that come to your mind with respect to the topic.
Success in highly competitive situation like GDs requires a methodical approach
to preparation and it is critical that you practice and analyze your performance
over at least 5 cycles.

Understanding Yourself through Group Discussion

Group Discussion 1:
Date: ____________ Time: ___________Place: _____________Group Size:
____________
Topic:
____________________________________________________________________________

Self Appraisal:
Communication (Listening, organization of thoughts, articulation, voice
modulation, assimilation, fluency, eye contact, body language, etc.)
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Content (Basic understanding of the subject, thought leadership, creativity,
analysis, synthesis, quality of argument, facts and figures, example, etc.)
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Participation (Enthusiastic, supportive, goal-oriented, involved, contributing on

key issues, etc.)
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Teamwork (Aggressiveness, interruption, persuasiveness, adaptability,
attention, willingness to listen, etc.)
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Leadership (Encouragement, direction-setting, control, conflict resolution,
facilitation, creativity, conclusion, etc.)
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Delivery Skills
(Speaks in an audible voice, clearly articulates ideas, conveys enthusiasm, and addresses
comments to entire
class.........................................................................................................................

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