Ways to clear Group Discussions (GDs)

Group Discussions (GDs), today, are considered one of the most important aspects of getting into some reputed college or institute. It is a process where exchange of ideas and opinions are debated upon. GDs are mostly used as a part of entrance examination for admission into Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

Now, there are mainly four areas that are tested in your GD, namely, Content, Communication skills, Group dynamics and Leadership.

Content: Content is a combination of two things, knowledge and making logical arguments based on that knowledge. Merely cramming some facts is useless. You need to have an in-depth understanding of issues as well as an ability to analyse and make arguments on that issue. You can get both general and specific topic. Example: Kashmir Conflict or just a phrase saying "Where there's a will there's a way".

Communication skills: Communication skills are very important these days and GDs are the best medium to judge one’s communication skills. Thus, always take care of expressing your ideas in a clear and concise manner. Build on others' points and sum up the discussion made by the entire group.

Group Dynamics: In a GD formal language and mutual respect are obvious requirements. Also, you must take care of some other points like willingness to listen and discuss various points of view, learn to disagree politely, if required and show appreciation for good points made by others.

Leadership: In a GD, leadership does not mean controlling the group but giving the group a direction in terms of content. A good leader is one who allows others to express their views and channels the discussion to a probable decision or conclusion on the given topic.

Other than these four main areas, some other points that you should keep in mind while preparing for GDs are:

·         Read as much as you can: Last minute preparations of GD are generally of no use. You should read over a period of time. This will ensure that you have in-depth knowledge on the subject. Reading not only adds to your knowledge database, but enhances your vocabulary skills as well. Plus reading over a period of time, helps in your understanding of a particular subject/ topic better.

·         Always try to keep the discussion on the track: If by any means group is distracting from the topic or goal then simply take initiative to bring the discussion on the track. Make all group members aware that you all need to come to some conclusion at the end of the discussion. So stick to the topic.

·         Prepare some common topics in advance: There are certain topics which always repeat in GDs with some minor changes like issues of terrorism, gender inequality, poverty, Ayodhya conflict, liberalization and privatization, reservations in educational institutions etc. Make sure that you prepare these topics well.

·         Be positive: Be positive and be confident. Do not try to dominate anyone. Keep positive body language. Show interest in discussion.