Students’ Speak: Focus areas for GD preparation: preparation methods adopted and strategies followed

By: Soumyadip Roychowdhury

Preparation for a Group Discussion involves lot of research of various topics with knowledge of the basic concepts. Focus should always be on performing well in a GD this could only be possible by complete dedication.

Group Discussion is one of the rounds in most of the colleges or jobs wherein candidates are eliminated basis the requirement of the institute or a company. Generally, it takes place before the interview.  So, the participant should prepare accordingly and give their best during a GD.

Initial Steps with the complete process

First and foremost is knowledge of the complete process of a group discussion. The total duration of a GD  is around 15-20 minutes; this also depends on the number of participants in each Group Discussion. The initial 30 seconds to one minute time would be given for the preparation of the topic. Then during the next 10-15 minutes  all the participants are required to discuss the topic in and out. In the last 2-5 minutes, all the participants are asked to conclude the GD.

Preparation Method

To prepare for GD read recent news, abstract topics, history from the internet, newspaper, etc. The participant should be well aware of the recent news and scientific innovations could prove important for GD. This would help you in supporting your points with facts and information related to the topic given in the group discussion.

Content/ Material (Preparation)

You could refer several good books about Group Discussion and also study material from Career Launcher or Time or IMS  are useful for GD preparation.. The concepts given in few books have different approach and tactics for GD preparation. In this case, you should prepare some tactics on your own like when to speak in a GD and that comes only when you practise GD in a group. So, start preparing GD in a group this could be done face-to-face or through Skype but try to participate in at least one GD per day till the interview process started. Sometimes you could also try to participate in a GD with strangers as people tend to feel relaxed with friends. Start practicing from today only without wasting time this would help in performing well in a GD. Watch some good YouTube videos about the posture and body language to be maintained in a GD. This would help in giving an overall view of a Group Discussion.

About the Author:

Soumyadip Roychowdhury is a student at Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) studying Master in Business Administration with a specialisation in International Business (MBA-IB). He is a second-year student and has interned with brands such as Adani Wilmar and HealthScion. He is also a committee member of the Entrepreneurship Cell at SIIB.