A common concern for many is: "How do I perform in GD with no knowledge of the topic?" Here’s some guidance based on experience:
1. Maintain Positivity and Composure
Stay positive. Don't let your body language disintegrate. Your confidence can make a difference even if your knowledge is limited.
2. Listen Actively
In this case, don't take the lead initially. Hear the first few speakers carefully. You should then get some idea of the subject or pick up on keywords.
3. Contribute Thoughtfully
Once you have some keywords or a basic understanding, you can contribute. Don't exactly repeat points mentioned by others; try to add your wisdom or a slightly different perspective to it. Obviously, you won't be able to add much, but that is fine. Aim to make a couple of relevant points.
4. Take on a Facilitator Role
After adding a couple of points, consider taking on the role of a group administrator or facilitator. Ensure that everyone is getting a chance to speak. When too many people are speaking at the same time, gently calm them down and try to restore order.
5. Guide and Summarize
Lead the group towards exploring new facets of the topic if possible, or help summarize points on which the group has agreed. This shows leadership and active participation beyond just domain knowledge.
By focusing on these strategies, you can still make a valuable contribution and demonstrate key skills like active listening, facilitation, and maintaining composure, even when you're not an expert on the discussion topic.