<p>Group discussions (GD) are an essential component of admission process of any Indian B-school. It is a method of assessing students’ personality. GD rounds are not only useful but have also become an crucial part of B school admission process as it helps to pick over the best from the rest.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Group Discussion is regarded as both a technique and an art as it checks how you behave and contribute in a group, how much significance you give to the group objectives, listening skills and how well do you accept criticisms. The term GD suggests a discussion among a group of persons ranging from 8 to 10 members who will express their views freely, openly in a friendly manner, on a topic of current issue within a limited time slot.<br /><br />It is assisted by an examiner or a selection panel whose main job is to supervise the whole group discussion. In a group discussion round, after the announcement of the topic, the examiner becomes a silent observer once the discussion begins. Management institutes today are very clear about the skills and knowledge that they are looking for in a student while screening. <br /><br />Keeping its importance in mind, there are certain things that students should keep in mind:<br /><br /> Adequate subject matter is essential: You should have subject knowledge and be well aware of the latest activities 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 discussion to whichever direction you want. <br /><br /> Make sure you read extensively: Being a passionate reader will help you in group discussions. 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. <br /><br /> Choose quality magazines: Always opt for magazines that are content affluent. Do some research and buy the best that will be beneficial for you in the long run. <br /><br /> Be aware of topics that are repeated: There are topics which reappear with minute changes and variations periodically. Be aware of such topics well in advance so that you have ample time to prepare for the same. Make sure you know these topics well and can come up with some unique, insightful points along with dates, statistics.<br /><br /> Communication skills matter: You should be well versed in your communication skills. You should have a good vocabulary and a decent command over English. Rehearse well much before your actual group discussion. This will increase your knowledge and you will be a better speaker by the time of GD.<br /><br /> Listen to the topic carefully: Listen to the topic carefully and understand it. Be alert and vigilant. 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. Sometimes, the topic may be really simple but the manner in which it is presented to you, can be inexplicable. Make a rough sketch of the points that you would like to speak. <br /><br /> Try and maintain poise in your tone: Remember that the panelists are observing your body language. 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.<br /><br /> Work on listening skills: 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 viewpoint too. If the speaker is making 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. <br /><br />Body gestures: The panelists observe the way you sit and react during discussion. Body gestures are very important, because it 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.<br /><br /> Be the first and also the last to speak: As mentioned before, 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 summarise it. If the group has not reached a conclusion try concluding it.<br /><br /><em>(The author is director, GNIOT College of Management, Greater Noida)</em></p>
<p>Group discussions (GD) are an essential component of admission process of any Indian B-school. It is a method of assessing students’ personality. GD rounds are not only useful but have also become an crucial part of B school admission process as it helps to pick over the best from the rest.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Group Discussion is regarded as both a technique and an art as it checks how you behave and contribute in a group, how much significance you give to the group objectives, listening skills and how well do you accept criticisms. The term GD suggests a discussion among a group of persons ranging from 8 to 10 members who will express their views freely, openly in a friendly manner, on a topic of current issue within a limited time slot.<br /><br />It is assisted by an examiner or a selection panel whose main job is to supervise the whole group discussion. In a group discussion round, after the announcement of the topic, the examiner becomes a silent observer once the discussion begins. Management institutes today are very clear about the skills and knowledge that they are looking for in a student while screening. <br /><br />Keeping its importance in mind, there are certain things that students should keep in mind:<br /><br /> Adequate subject matter is essential: You should have subject knowledge and be well aware of the latest activities 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 discussion to whichever direction you want. <br /><br /> Make sure you read extensively: Being a passionate reader will help you in group discussions. 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. <br /><br /> Choose quality magazines: Always opt for magazines that are content affluent. Do some research and buy the best that will be beneficial for you in the long run. <br /><br /> Be aware of topics that are repeated: There are topics which reappear with minute changes and variations periodically. Be aware of such topics well in advance so that you have ample time to prepare for the same. Make sure you know these topics well and can come up with some unique, insightful points along with dates, statistics.<br /><br /> Communication skills matter: You should be well versed in your communication skills. You should have a good vocabulary and a decent command over English. Rehearse well much before your actual group discussion. This will increase your knowledge and you will be a better speaker by the time of GD.<br /><br /> Listen to the topic carefully: Listen to the topic carefully and understand it. Be alert and vigilant. 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. Sometimes, the topic may be really simple but the manner in which it is presented to you, can be inexplicable. Make a rough sketch of the points that you would like to speak. <br /><br /> Try and maintain poise in your tone: Remember that the panelists are observing your body language. 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.<br /><br /> Work on listening skills: 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 viewpoint too. If the speaker is making 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. <br /><br />Body gestures: The panelists observe the way you sit and react during discussion. Body gestures are very important, because it 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.<br /><br /> Be the first and also the last to speak: As mentioned before, 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 summarise it. If the group has not reached a conclusion try concluding it.<br /><br /><em>(The author is director, GNIOT College of Management, Greater Noida)</em></p>
