Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT) is done on Day 1 as it is the second test of the Stage-I screening series. It consists of story writing, narration, and group discussion. The narration is parallelly as crucial as story writing and GD. And as we know most of us have a fear of speaking in public therefore it is of prime importance that the story narration be practiced well and moreover, the ability to speak in public is one of the most important skills today. Fear of public speaking is estimated to affect a lot of adults. Rethinking the way, we understand stress may strengthen and improve our physical and mental performance. For some people, with just a little effort they have the ability to handle these fears. For others, it takes a lot more time, and below are some tips for masking these mental pressures while undergoing PPDT narration which is sure to help you ace out the same.

Ways to improve your PPDT story narration:

1. To get the flow and fluency of thoughts and speech right on the spot and the ability to use your thoughts as well as your written expressions, a candidate needs to practice and implement a lot. One way of getting fluency on point is to practice the story narration and rehearse the same freely in front of the mirror or with your friends. You will do mistakes or be stuck at times and that’s for sure but again, it will give you a chance to correct your weaknesses and you can improve them gradually.

2. You must remember one very crucial thing that most of the candidates tend to forget. Everyone will get some time in the form of a short interval of around 15-20 minutes after your story writing finishes off. When everyone is gossiping around and chatting, you can use that spare time to narrate your story and use that spare time productively. You have drafted the story just a while ago and your brain needs to function in order to speak it without any hurdle or barrier. You just have to keep on narrating the entire story to yourself and you will find that it will help you in your narration.

3. Confident narration by the candidate is a sure shot way to begin with your story narration. A candidate should greet the group in a bold and confident manner and narrate the entire story without fumbling or hesitation. It can be done in a power pack manner by remembering that you don’t need to address the assessors and rather your group members all around you. Maintain a steady posture and light smile coming from your heart during the entire activity and be alert at all instances.

4. When it comes to addressing the group effectively, you have around a minute time to narrate the story in a confident way. You do not have to take the long run by wasting time in introducing yourself. You can start away the narration by simply saying “Good Morning, Gentlemen!! I have perceived x no. of characters; their age is around y years and the combined mood of the picture is seemingly positive.” This could be a better start for your story narration and it’s simple but a very effective approach for gaining edge over your situation.

5. The assessors have no time as well as the interest to listen to the extra additions of your story in the form of greetings as there are many candidates in the screening and they are just looking out for the basic intelligence level as well as the perception of the candidate over there. The candidates in screening should speak precisely and in a concise manner without boasting or decorating your words that don’t hold any value. Also, they should be attentive and know when to conclude and stop the narration while the dice is in their hands.

6. As we all know that everyone has just a minute’s time, so you should narrate the summary and main points of your story because all they want to understand is about your thoughts regarding the picture that how and what have you perceived. You don’t have to speak mugged up or crammed up lines from the story written on the sheet. You should know the jist of the story and should focus on speaking only the major pointers that can be covered well within the stipulated time limit.

7. The thing that attracts everyone to the narration is the way how you narrate the story. A candidate with cool and calm composure, having good control or flow of thoughts in narration, and giving equal attention to everyone in the group attracts other candidates and assessors alike and becomes the centre of attraction and one to whom others look up to.

8. The best way of narration is keeping your ears and mind open to everyone’s stories and then approaching the group with a dash of a personalized approach in your way of narration. It is advised though not to outsmart anyone else or prove that you are much superior to the rest of the group in any manner because this will impact you negatively and will lose your chances to succeed.

9. Your voice should be loud and audible enough so that your group of 12-18 candidates along with the 3 assessors can hear you appropriately. You should be able to adjust the tone of your voice and know when to raise the voice in the group while discussion or when to keep it low. The way of speaking along with adjusting the tempo of your voice should be relaxing and should be displaying your confidence.

10. Do as you are advised to do and follow every instruction given carefully. The candidates should address their group and not the assessors. Many candidates think that they need to narrate the story to the assessors or they want to see the reaction of the assessors while they are narrating the story. The best way to deal with it is not to feel like a test or something that needs to be praised is going on but rather narrate it with confidence just like you are talking to a bunch or group of your friends but in a formal manner.

So, above mentioned are certain trips which if you follow diligently shall increase your chances of selection and you can definitely achieve your dream of becoming an Armed Forces Officer. 

Centurion Defence Academy offers a comprehensive 21-day SSB (Services Selection Board) course designed to prepare candidates thoroughly for the SSB interview process. This intensive program covers all aspects of the selection process, including psychological tests, group tasks, personal interviews, and physical fitness training. The course is structured to enhance each candidate’s confidence, leadership qualities, and decision-making skills—key attributes assessed in the SSB.

Expert mentors, including former SSB assessors, guide students through simulated SSB tasks, providing personalized feedback and strategies for improvement. The program also includes motivational sessions and personality development workshops, ensuring holistic preparation. With Centurion Defence Academy’s 21-day SSB course, candidates receive targeted coaching to significantly boost their chances of success in one of the most challenging defence selection processes in India.

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