How to prepare for a Group Discussion?

Interview Preparation Management
#1

Group Discussion forms an integral part of the selection of a candidate in a B school. Group Discussion topics range from current affairs, social issues, and questions of decisions taken on an international level or important policy changes. A candidate can best prepare for GD by keeping in touch with the happenings in the country as well as prominent events taking place in the world. A small diary can be prepared wherein the potential topics can be noted down. An important suggestion here would be to note down the points both in favor of and against any topic as it would help a candidate frame the arguments accordingly. Going through some basic statistics and macroeconomic factors comes in handy when the topic is related to the country. There are certain social topics that are always in question and form a great discussion topic. These topics have a high probability to be asked and reading up on them and forming arguments both for and against them proves helpful. Every college has a bent towards providing topics that are based on certain parameters. It is necessary to go through the previous topics asked and prepare some topics along the same lines

#2

How to prepare for the group discussion before the processes start?

Create a knowledge base
No one knows what the subject of GD will be. As a result, it will be beneficial to keep up with themes such as:

Recent Events
You must be meticulous when it comes to current events. This may be accomplished by reading newspapers on a daily basis and watching news on television. Understand the world’s current crises, the latest developmental efforts, and the relationships between other countries, among other things.

Topics of Historical Significance
Have a good understanding of the country’s history as well as the history of other countries. Although the topics may not be directly related to this field, possessing historical background will allow you to cite examples and provide references as needed.

Sports, arts & literature
These three domains are three of the most popular pastimes in every community.
Try to have a good understanding of what is popular, who the leaders are in each field, and what has recently occurred in these fields. If your GD topic comes from one of these areas, you will be in command of the issue; otherwise, you may undoubtedly draw references from the facts.

Crunching Data
Make sure you’re up to date on vital information. Incorporating some facts into your GD, if necessary, will leave a lasting impact on the evaluators.

#3

It is very important for a person to understand what to keep in mind while being in a GD

Understanding the topic

When the topic is delivered, pay close attention to it. If anything is unclear or you have a question about a topic, ask right away. To score well in the GD, you must have a clear understanding of the material. After understanding the topic it is very important for you to break the topic into parts and understand it in bits & pieces. This also helps you in arriving at the structure of the GD.

Thoughts that are precise and crisp

Try to keep your thoughts exact and succinct as you collect them. Remember that what you communicate is more important than how much you communicate when it comes to communication. In a group discussion, quality always takes precedence over quantity. Allow your opinions to be pertinent and to-the-point. To a large degree, strive to think beyond the box so that your point of view stands out.

Communicating your view points

You may have wonderful opinions on the subject, but the key is whether you can effectively articulate them. This is where your ability to communicate will come in handy. If you have strong communication skills, that’s great; if not, you’ll need to focus on improving them. You may select a topic, stand in front of the mirror, and start talking about it to improve your communication skills. Predict a few questions from a hypothetical audience and attempt to answer them as you speak. Analyze what you’re doing, look for holes in your communication (if any exist), and then work on them. During the GD, this will help you come off as a confident person. On the day of the Group Discussion, your goal should be to organise your views and effectively communicate them to the rest of the team and the assessors.

Making the first move

If at all feasible, try to start the Group Discussion. By taking the lead, you will give the conversation structure and define how it will go. This will demonstrate your ability to enable activities by breaking the ice. A word of caution: only strive to be the leader if you have a good understanding of the issue and know exactly what you’re talking about.

If you take the initiative to take the lead and fail to follow through, it will utterly backfire on you. As a result, make sensible decisions.

knowledge of the subject

When you’re speaking about the subject, pick your points such that they demonstrate your breadth of expertise. As the assessors will be able to see through any superficial discourse, it will be a definite no-no. Try to think about the issue in a more abstract way and to make connections to various events or happenings. Citing relevant instances might also be quite helpful.

Group dynamics are important to understand.

When participating in a group discussion, attempt to maintain control of the conversation. This is easier said than done, because the majority of the group members will be doing the same thing. What you can do is pay attention to the conversation and attempt to contribute where you can. If you have any strong points, attempt to make them and sway the conversation in your direction. Do not be a bully. Do not hammer your points home. If there is a dispute over the points you’ve presented, try to rebut with even more compelling arguments. This will not only demonstrate your expertise, but also your ability to listen. Whenever feasible, try to add to the conversation.

#4

More tips for GD rounds for MBA entrance.

  1. Logical conclusion :- When the discussion is ready to come to a close, try to wrap it up by taking in all of the points that have been raised and arriving to a reasonable conclusion. This will reveal your analytical abilities as well as the way you organize your thoughts.
  2. Find time to put forward your arguments in a group discussion :- In GDs, there are very few chances that group members will allow you to talk unless you make a concerted effort to do so. You must look for gaps in the discussion and enter it while picking a side of the debate.
  3. Convincing power :- The capacity to persuade others through your speech is a valuable skill for any business. The applicant should be able to influence the other candidates’ cognitive processes, and this is a skill that must be learned.
  4. Avoid Dominance :- Always keep in mind that this is a dialogue, not a fight. Never lose control of your speech or decency in the heat of the moment. You’ve come to give your perspective, not to start a debate. Respect other people’s opinions and don’t try to impose your own. Patience and calmness are essential.
  5. Body language :- Assume an open, welcoming, polite yet assertive demeanor and speak with confidence. Make eye contact with the other members of the group on a regular basis. Avoid slouching, wincing, or fidgeting, which give off a bad vibe.