To help you better we have compiled a list of points that you should keep in mind while you participate in a group discussion.
Group discussions are an important part of the selection process for admission into a
B-School
of your choice. You have passed the intelligence test, with GD, your
oratory and communication skills along with your problem solving skills
will be tested.
Let’s read about the points that you should keep in mind:
1) Adequate matter/ Subject matter is essential
: You should have subject knowledge and be well aware of the latest
happenings around you, not just in India but around the world as well.
To be in a better position, make sure that you have in-depth knowledge
on the subject. Subject knowledge is a pre-requisite while you are
preparing for a group discussion because you will then have the power
to steer the conversation to whichever direction you want to. If you
can memorize some relevant data, it will be an added advantage.
2) Make Sure you Read Widely:
Being an avid reader will help you in group discussions. Last minute
preparations you are strictly a no no, while you are preparing for
group discussions. You should read over a period of time. 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.
3) Choose Magazines that are Rich in Content:
Always opt for magazines that are content rich and not just full of
advertisements. Often magazines have columns which are promoting a
particular institute etc. Avoid such magazines, do some research and
buy the best that will be beneficial for you in the long run.
4) Be Aware of Topics that are Repeated:
Often, there are topics which re-appear with minute changes and minor
variations. Be aware of such topics well in advance so that you have
ample time to prepare for the same. For example the issues of
terrorism, gender inequality, poverty, Ayodhya conflict, liberalization
and privatization, reservations in educational institutions etc often
appear as GD topics. Make sure you know these topics well and can come
up with some unique, insightful points along with dates, stating facts.
5) Work on your Communication Skills:
You should be well versed in your communication skills. You should have
a good vocabulary and a decent command over English. Much before your
actual group discussion, rehearse well. You can sit with a group of
friends and choose a topic and indulge in a friendly banter. Not only
will this increase your knowledge, you will be a better speaker by the
time it is time for your GD.
6) Listen to the Topic Given During GD Carefully:
Listen to the topic carefully and understand it... Be alert and
vigilant. Sometimes, the topic may be really simple but the manner in
which it is presented to you, can be baffling. The first thing that you
should do after hearing the topic is by structuring it on the sheet
that is given to you to make notes. Make a rough sketch of the points
that you would like to speak aloud. You will be at an advantage if you
open the discussion, but then beware of what you speak. Deviating from
the main topic, or passing strong statements like ‘I agree/ or disagree
…’ should be avoided. Your strategy should be to test the waters and
make a generic statement relevant to the topic. If you can, back it up
by relevant data.
7) Try and Maintain a Balance in your Tone:
Besides what you are saying, remember that the panelists are observing
your body language as well. If you do not agree with the other
student’s point of view, do not raise your tone in objection. Listen to
his point of view and instead of dismissing it upfront, try and draw a
common ground. .
8) Listening Skills are Essential:
Carefully listen to what others have to say. Just speaking throughout
the discussion doesn’t make you smart, you should also give others a
chance to speak. Try and listen to him/her, respect their view point
too. If the speaker is making an eye-contact with you remember to
acknowledge him by saying “yes, you agree” or just by nodding your
head, so that the speaker is aware that his listeners are listening to
him and paying full attention. This will also show that you are
vigilant and are an active participant in the discussion.
9) Body Gestures are very Important:
The panelists observe the way you sit and react in the course of the
discussion. . Body gestures are very important, because your body
language says a lot about you.In a GD, sit straight, avoid leaning back
on to the chair or knocking the table with pen or your fingers. Also,
do not get distracted easily. For example, if the door in room you are
sitting in opens, do not look back to see who it is , this will show
how distracted you are.
10) Be the first and also the Last to Speak:
As mentioned earlier, initiating a GD is an advantage. Closing it too
also adds brownie points. If you can grab the opportunity to close the
discussion, then you should summarize it. If the group has not reached
a conclusion try concluding it .
Imagine you are driving
and you have the power to accelerate or brake according to the
situation on the road and avoid any accidents. Try to be that
conscientious driver in a GD. Take the initiative, know when to apply
your brakes and when to seize the opportunity and accelerate the
conversation to reach to a desired destination; conclusion in your case.
, published byOxford University Press. Author Allan Metcalf ends the book by calling OK "so mighty yet so humble. . . . We ought to celebrate OK Day every year on its birthday, March 23."
"In today's troubled world, we should be happy when things turn out OK, even if they aren't perfect," Metcalf explains. "OK inspires us to keep going."The world-wide celebration is being chronicled on a Facebook page,OKDayMarch23.From a joke in that Boston newspaper (a deliberate misspelling of the abbreviation for "all correct"), against all odds OK has become an essential part of conversations around the world, a way of expressing agreement and acceptance, even in the face of difficulties.
