How to Prepare for Group Discussion

Group Discussion (GD) is very important part of selection processes for most of the MBA schools and even campus selection. Here are some of the techniques to improve your performance in GD.

GD demonstrates your real time behavioral skills. That is it is such an important part of the selection process. No other technique tests the candidate’s managerial skills like GD. It tests communication skills, knowledge, ideas on a given subject and ability to co-ordinate and lead a group.

Involvement of strangers in the discussion, less familiarity with the topic and unprepared candidates make the selection panel’s job easier.

GD requires aspects of public speaking. But it also involves listening to other people’s ideas.
A typical GD has 8-12 participants and lasts for 15 - 20 minutes. It implies that each participant gets on an average 2 minutes to talk, rest should be spent in carefully listening, at least showing so.
There are three basic aspects of GD preparation.
Speaking in a Group

GD requires a candidate to convey his/her ideas clearly and convincingly before a group of people. Therefore, knowledge on a given subject, and clarity of thought are of utmost importance. You need to speak only as much as necessary and avoid irrelevant jabber.

• To enhance fluency, tone of voice and articulation, start by reading aloud from any book or an editorial for some time daily. You can even speak in front of a mirror on some topic.

• You may be very vocal in a one – to – one conversation but, in a group of strangers, it is quite different ball game. So, start by discussing in a group of social acquaintances.

• After content preparation for one or two weeks, start attending competitive group discussions either in your test prep class or with like minded groups, who also have similar needs.
Content Preparation

Content is the king in your performance in a GD. You need to make your point with facts and numbers, only then others will listen to you. This will even help you in participating at a later stage in the discussion. For someone who keeps himself updated with current affairs, content preparation may not be an issue.