After clearing the MBA entrance exam, the next stage is the Group Discussion round. GD is a key component of the B-school selection process. It involves groups of 8-10 participants who express their opinions/views upon a topic given to them by the moderator, who also assesses their performance.  Overall, it assesses the communication skills, problem-solving skills, critical thinking ability, listening skills, leadership skills, social skills and confidence of the candidate.

How to crack Group Discussion (GD)?

In order to crack the GD, prepare yourself with following tips and tricks

Stay abreast of the latest news and happenings and strengthen your knowledge

The GD topics range from issues based on current happenings to social, economic, legal and political issues. So, keeping yourself familiar and up-to-date with the latest issues and news that have happened over the last one year will be helpful in cracking the GD. To stay abreast of the current events and enhance your general knowledge, browse through the business pages of newspapers and read general magazines. Try to develop a habit of reading the newspaper every day. Be an avid reader!

Take a Stand

GD assesses one of the important personality traits, and that is, the “thought process”. While reading newspaper or magazine, consider all the aspects, think holistically and analyse the argument/issue from different angles and build a viewpoint. Doing this regularly will bring clarity in your thoughts and help you form a viewpoint. What views you present in a GD make it possible for the evaluators to assess your profile.

Either initiate the GD or close the GD

You can initiate a GD or close it; it’s up to you! Both can earn you brownie points. Initiate a GD only if you have a concrete knowledge about the topic and you can give a meaningful and appropriate direction to the GD. This will leave a good impression on the judging panel.  If you get an opportunity to close the GD, summarise the entire discussion and reach a conclusion.

State Facts & Figures

Factual information will make your stand strong. Support your argument with relevant facts, figures and some well-known quotes. This will certainly provide you an edge over others.

Structuring is the Key

To put across your point, follow this three thumb rule: An introduction of the topic with a solid statement; followed by stating relevant facts and quotes that supports your opening statement; and at the end, summarize everything with a solid conclusion.

Make an effort to speak

In GD, you have to make an effort to put forth your point. There is a group of 8-10 people, so the possibility that the group members will allow you to speak is less. You need to pull yourself up and get involved in the discussion. Even if you get an opportunity to speak for two or three times, make relevant and meaningful points.

Be a good listener

GD is a group discussion, not a group debate! So allow others to put across their viewpoints and listen to them carefully as it will help you to add points or frame counter arguments.

Be assertive

Difference of opinions is natural in group discussion. These differences tend to make you loud and aggressive, which definitely put a negative impression of you in front of the judging panel. Being assertive exhibits that you respect the viewpoints of group members, you have control on yourself and you are a team player, and all this will help you get through.

Do not use flowery words or language

Use understandable and simple words. Clarity of thoughts and coherence is crucial. Speak clearly and do not go off the track.

Maintain a positive body language

Body language reflects your personality. The gestures and body movements speak volumes. So here are a few things to keep in mind to maintain a positive body language during group discussion-

● Maintain eye contact with other participants while speaking
● Show interest and keenness in the GD
● Exhibit confidence and maturity
● Be courteous, calm and polite
● Dress professionally
● Sit straight, no slouch posture

Regular practice

Take part in mock GD’s as this will help you to confidently put across your points during the actual GD. Also, it will improve your communication skills. A good command over English and a decent vocabulary is a must. So, before the actual GD exercise, sit with a group of friends or family, choose a topic and discuss it. Not only will this boost your confidence and enhance your knowledge, you will also become a good speaker by the time the actual GD happens.

Remember your performance in GD matters, as it can make or break your chances of getting into the b-school of your choice. So, get cracking!

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