Writing PPDT and TAT Stories in SSB: The Optimal Tense Choice for Effective Narrative

When preparing for selection boards (SSB) interviews, storytelling forms a critical aspect of one's preparation. Two unique storytelling techniques that are often employed in SSB interviews are PPDT (Person, Problem, Decision, and Target) stories and TAT (Thought, Action, Thought) stories. The success of these narratives often hinges on the correct tense choice. This article delves into the nuances of choosing the simple past tense for PPDT and TAT stories, detailing why it is the optimal choice for effective SSB performance.

Introduction to PPDT and TAT Stories in SSB

Person (P): The protagonist of the story, often a character from your life who significantly impacted your actions or decisions.

Problem (D): The situation or challenge faced by this person or a collective group.

Decision (T): The actions taken by this person or the group to resolve the problem.

Target (D): The personal or collective goal pursued as a result of these actions.

The Evolving Trend: Tense Choice in PPDT and TAT Stories

In recent selections, there has been a noticeable shift towards writing PPDT and TAT stories in the simple past tense. While the use of present tense can also be effective, the simple past tense brings certain advantages to the narrative structure of these stories.

The Advantages of Using Simple Past Tense in PPDT and TAT Stories

Clarity and Authenticity

The simple past tense enables a clear and authentic recounting of past events. It mutes the immediacy and personal nature of the story, making it seem more like a recounting of past experiences rather than a fabricated scenario. This distancing effect ensures that the narrative is perceived as genuine, aligning with the evaluators' expectations of real-life situations.

Emphasis on Lessons Learned

The simple past tense underscores the lessons learned from past experiences. By describing events that have already occurred, the emphasis shifts from the current or future implications to the outcomes and the knowledge gained. This focus on lessons learned is crucial for demonstrating personal growth, understanding, and maturity during SSB interviews.

Enhanced Memorability

Memorability is a key factor in successful SSB interviews. Stories recounted in the simple past tense are easier to remember and relay. Recalling past events in a clear and structured manner reflects well on your organizational skills and memory retention capabilities, which are essential traits for defense and military roles.

Consistency and Coherence

Using the simple past tense consistently throughout your PPDT and TAT stories creates a coherent narrative flow. This consistency not only makes the story easier to understand but also demonstrates your ability to handle complex scenarios systematically. The seamless progression of past events showcases your logical thinking and analytical skills, both of which are highly valued in SSB evaluations.

Practical Application and Example

Let’s illustrate the use of simple past tense with an example of a PPDT story:

Person: My friend John
Problem: John was struggling with time management in his class projects.
Decision: We decided to set up a weekly meeting to discuss progress and allocate time efficiently.
Target: To improve John’s performance and ensure all projects were completed on time.

Recanting this in the simple past tense:

I had a friend named John who was struggling with time management in his class projects. We decided to set up a weekly meeting to discuss progress and allocate time efficiently. The goal was to improve John’s performance and ensure all projects were completed on time.

This example clearly demonstrates how the simple past tense adds clarity, authenticity, and emphasis to the narrative, making it more suitable for SSB interview scenarios.

Conclusion

The simple past tense is the optimal choice for writing PPDT and TAT stories in SSB interviews. It enhances clarity, authenticity, and memorability, while emphasizing the lessons learned and consistent narrative flow. Choosing the right tense can significantly improve your storytelling techniques and, in turn, your overall performance in SSB interviews.

Further Reading and Resources

To enhance your understanding and effectiveness in writing PPDT and TAT stories, it’s recommended to study successful narratives shared by previous SSB participants and seek feedback from mentors or trainers experienced in these interview processes.