Students Speak: Focus Areas for Group Discussion

By: Akila Narayanan

Try to fuel the discussion whenever it is possible. Give everyone chance to speak. If someone has not contributed show your leadership skills and make that person involve in the discussion. This will showcase you as a team player.

The group usually consists of 6-12 members. There will be a topic given and a few minutes will also be given for preparation. The duration of the GD will vary from institute to institute. There are no specific rules to prepare for a group discussion. However, below are a few points that a person can keep in mind before appearing for a GD.

Before the Group Discussion:

Current Affairs – It is something that you have to be thorough with. For that, we have to keep reading newspapers and should also watch news on the television. We should try understanding the recent problems that the world is reeling under, the latest development initiatives and the ties between various countries.

Historical Topics – We should have a fair knowledge about the history of other countries. There might not be specific topics from this area but knowing about the historical information will help us in some other way.

Sports, Arts and Literature – We should have decent idea about what is popular, who are all the leaders, the latest news that has happened regarding games. If this topic is given and when you have some information regarding that then you can easily draw references.

Data Crunching – You need to familiarize yourself with important data. To create a good impression in front of the panelists you need to throw in some data if required in your GD. It will definitely create a good Impression.

During the Group Discussion: Here’s what you should do during the group discussion-

• Understanding the topic
• Precise and sharp thoughts
• Communicating your views
• Taking initiative
• Knowledge about the topic

Understanding the dynamics in the group:

In a group discussion, try to be within the discussion and don’t go beyond the topic. This is easier said than done because most of the group members would do the same. When you have some good points, try to put them forth and steer the discussion. Do not be aggressive. Do not force your point and make others accept that. If there is a disagreement on the points that you have made, try to counter them with even more valid points from your side. That will show you as a very good listener too. Try to fuel the discussion whenever it is possible. Give everyone chance to speak. If someone has not contributed show your leadership skills and make that person involve in the discussion. This will showcase you as a team player.

Logical Conclusion:

When the discussion is about to end, try to conclude it by taking in all the points that everyone has contributed to give a decent conclusion. This might indicate your analytical skills and also the way you structure your thoughts.

About the Author:

Akila Narayanan is pursuing MBA from Thiagarajar School of Management, Madurai, with an interest in Marketing and Finance. She has completed her graduation from Velammal College of Engineering and Technology, Madurai. Her hobbies include playing guitar, badminton and reading books. She has also been awarded the first prize for a social welfare project titled “The Life Saving Block Detector”.