Brief an essay on the purpose of group discussion

The importance of group discussion is told to every final year student as this is one of the most important criteria in an interviewing process. In order to understand why group discussion plays such a huge role in the selection process, it is essential for you to understand it from the perspective of an interviewer and also, how it is useful for you as a candidate, so as to enable you to improve your skills in a GD round.
A GD round is ideally conducted in order to understand a candidates interpersonal skills. Since group discussions in an interview involve discussing topics with individuals you have never interacted with before, how well you're able to put across your point and are able to lead a discussion is judged upon, based on which how you can work in a team or lead them can be easily assessed. It also portrays to the interviewer a side of your attitude which you might probably display in your workplace.
Since GD is given importance in an interview, it is best if you involve yourself in GD's during your education as this not only improves your listening skills, but also increases your confidence in speaking and helps you mold your attitude according to each group. Further, it also improves your ability to think critically and helps in problem solving.
In order to improve your skills, all you need to do is observe, practice and participate. To start off with, attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and observe various aspects such as, how they make critical comments, ask questions, disagree with others, interrupt others, and so on. Next, start practicing your discussion skills in informal groups and sessions and you can also ask others for their feedback. Finally, do not miss any opportunity to participate in discussions and contribute as much as possible with valid points and learn the skills of group discussions. Once you've already gone through the process of trial and error, at the time of an interview, you are better prepared to participate in a GD in front of an interview panel.