GD sucessful group disscussion

October 20, 2008 by craig

After going through demanding times to bell the CAT, the battlefield is all set for aspiring managers to show their mettle in Group Discussion and Personal Interview to get into India 's premier Business Schools.

Our endeavour at IMPACT is to try and make your ride through the journey of GD/PI as comfortable as possible. We unravel the experience of our students during their GD/PI rounds across institutes over the years through this section.

General Tips

* The GD topics may range from current affairs to very abstract ones. So read extensively news articles related to current affairs, politics, and macroeconomic issues. The flavors of the season last year were: Globalization, India - China , India emerging as an economic power etc. Abstract topics were also aplenty during last year like "Do we really need education to be successful".

* Content is definitely important in topics related to current affairs, while real life illustrations of enterprises and/or living personalities, happenings will help you in abstract topics.

* Even if you don't have any faint idea of the topic assigned to your group, don't panic. Listen to others' points and try to get hold of the matter. Race your minds, build up the points and present them beautifully.

* Don't try to enter the discussion more than 5-6 times in the entire course of GD. Remember your entries should be based on strong points which should add value to the discussion.

* Allow others to speak, encourage people who are being cut down by others frequently to participate and try to maintain a cordial and healthy environment for discussion.

* Remember your mission is not to prove your point but to help your group reach a conclusion.

* It is not that important to always start the discussion. Don't be the first one to speak if you are doubtful about the topic or you don't have a point strong enough that can make a mark!!

* Try to use phrases/Contextual quotes that fit into the discussion and don't overdo it!!

* Relevant facts and figures are a huge plus but only if you are very sure about their authenticity.

* Examples/ references to entities living or dead/ illustrations will add weight to your points.

* Don't reiterate your points just because you don't have any more points to speak on.

* A new angle to the discussion will definitely help you only if you can substantiate and sell it to the group.

* Never feel overshadowed by people who try to dominate the group. Your composed mind will help you come out with some good points. Let your point dominate the discussion and not your voice!!

Want to win the show? Read on

Welcome to the corporate board room! Yes, this is the first point you should keep in your mind. So make sure you are not aggressive, but you should definitely bank on one factor which all panelists like in common: "assertiveness".
Being assertive will be simple for you from now, if you follow the following:

* Put across your point; explain it in a crispy manner and pack you point with an example.

* Put forth in your point only if you are sure that it will add value to the discussion and if your point is able to give direction to the discussion, you will be well ahead of the pack.

* If someone interrupts your value packed point , courteously turn him down and continue your point. Remember you should neither give in if you have a valid and important point nor you should forget the word 'courtesy' while turning him down.

* Try saying something like: "Please let me conclude my point"

* Remember, you have to sell your point to the group in a peaceful manner. If you wish to contradict any point put forth by other candidate, present your best self in doing so: remember you have to make aides in the course of a discussion and not foes.

* Try saying something like: "I am afraid I don't second your point."

* Don't ever raise your voice, if the discussion is going peacefully. Be subtle in putting across all your points, but make sure it gets across the board to the panelists. Even if, unfortunately GD is moving towards a chaotic situation, remember you can hit gold if you are able to bring back normalcy to the discussion: Remember, the objective of the discussion is to reach to a conclusion amicably .

Dos and Don'ts!!

• Address your point to the group, and never indulge in one to one discussion.

• Never maintain an eye contact with the panelists during the course of discussion.

• Don't ever argue with a person having contradictory views on a point for long.

• Make sure that you have the right posture: sit with your backs straight, don't fold your legs etc.

• Don't trespass the space of your neighbors by your hand movements while explaining your point.

• Never leave an open question to the group, without you answering it first.

Example:

You: "Before coming to a conclusion, let us discuss whether education is really important for development?"

• Don't stop here after throwing question to the group, you bear the responsibility of answering it first before it is open to discussion.

• Don't show impatience or nervousness if you are not able to participate in the discussion for a while. There will be a momentary silence and that is the juncture when you should definitely come up with a good point.

• Be a good listener: This will help you build up your points which are not redundant and already discussed. Moreover, you would be in a much better position to give concluding touch to the discussion for your group either voluntarily or if asked to do so by the panelists.

A well drafted conclusion that encompasses the entire discussion will be a huge plus !

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