MBA Admission 2018: 15 Tips To Go Prepared for Group Discussions

By Piyush Beriwala

Once the major MBA entrance exams for this season are over, the next big thing an MBA aspirant would need to worry about is the GDPI (Group Discussion/Personal Interview). Here, let's begin with these useful tips to prepare for Group Discussion. Next, move on to understanding what you must do during the GD so that you stand out as a successful candidate in the group.

1. Be well read with all current affairs related to politics, business economics and social topics. Try and critically analyse the topic from various viewpoints and note down key points.
2. Read Economics Times daily, one of the best sources to stay updated with the current happenings.
3. Use secondary reliable sources on the internet to get idea of some important past incidences going around in the news.
4. Read some selected sections of CSR Yearbook, it helps a lot in getting important facts and data.
5. Watching talk shows on news channels helps a lot in looking at a given topic from various view points.

Dynamics during the GD

1. Brainstorm and try to view the topic from various perspectives. SPELT (Social, Political, Economic, Legal and Technological) approach can be used to critically analyse any topic.
2. If possible try to be the first person to speak.
3. The one who maintains proper group dynamics gets selected, not the one who speaks the most.
4. Make sure you talk sense whenever you speak.
5. Try bringing on a different perspective into the picture if the discussion is digressing from the topic or going monotonous.
6. Choose your words carefully, you should try and remain diplomatic in your approach as far as possible.
7. Don't jump onto a conclusion at the very beginning. Keep both for and against options open towards any topic and slowly shape your discussion towards the conclusion.
8. Be attentive to what others speak and add value to the discussion.
9. Sometimes supporting others points at the right time also makes the other people give more value to your points when you speak.
10. Never negate anyone's points directly, do it politely and in a very subtle manner.
    

About the author:

Piyush Beriwala did his PGPM from MDI, Gurgaon and the tips shared are from his personal experience.

Also Read:

• Group Discussion and Personal Interview Tips for MBA Aspirants
• How to crack case-based Group Discussions
• Treat Group Discussion as a Discussion, Not a Debate
• Preparing for GD? Use this checklist for topics
• 4 Must-Have Qualities for Success in GD-PI