Group discussions – a setting in which people sit together to share their views on a particular topic and discuss together to reach a conclusion! While group discussions are often considered as “informal”, they have been a crucial criterion in the interviews.
A successful discussion involves both speaking and listening. It is also a great way to learn from others.
Have a look what else group discussions can help students with.
Better Insights on the Subject – GD offers students opportunities to dive into the subject deeply and understand it intensely. Additionally, it broadens the horizon of their knowledge and learning, and improves their abilities to develop their analytical skills.
Boost Problem-Solving Attitude
GDs are perceived as one of the simplest ways to arrive at solutions to various problems. Since GDs help people share their insights and opinions, it paves the way to solutions.
Improve communication and interpersonal skills
GDs give an opportunity to people to build their communication skills. It helps the participants learn how to express their ideas along respecting the viewpoints of others. Further, this contributes to the development of their interpersonal skills as well as communication skills.
A Boost to Confidence
Group discussions offers a platform for students to share their knowledge in their own way. They can speak their mind and express freely. This is a great for students who feel shy or are introvert in nature. Hence, GDs boost confidence in people.
Team-building spirit
Teamwork is the foundation of any group discussion. Working as a team helps students increase tolerance and respect towards other participants. Hence, it aids in developing teamwork and leadership among people.
Types of Group Discussion
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Role-Play Group Discussion
As the name suggests, role-play requires participants to assume specific characters assigned to them and discuss the problem at hand or in a hypothetical situation accordingly.
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Debate Group Discussion
This is quite common when participants form different groups, take sides, and argue against each other on certain topics.
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Topic Based Group Discussion
One of the easiest types of GDs is when participants are provided with topics similar to academic settings, and then they proceed to share their opinions on that topic.
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Case Study Group Discussion
These types of GDs can be a bit tricky if the participants are not well-prepared for the same. They are provided with hypothetical or even real scenarios and are required to understand the same closely.
After evaluating the situation, studying it, and determining the issues, the participants are required to come up with apt solutions and discuss them with confidence.
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Structured Group Discussion
As the name suggests, structured group discussions tend to be formal and organized in nature. These types of GDs are more common in academic institutions and research organizations. There will always be a predetermined agenda or even a set of questions based on which the discussions will take place.
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Fishbowl Group Discussion
In this type of group discussion, a small group of people start discussing a specific topic while a larger group sits around them and observes the discussions closely. Generally, fishbowl GDs are used more commonly in corporate structures to encourage training and development through positive discussions.
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Controversial Group Discussion
One of the toughest group discussion types, controversial GDs tend to test the ability of participants to how well they can handle controversial or sensitive topics. They are given polarizing topics that can easily ruffle a few feathers. The ultimate goal is to be confident about your topic and support it through your words and body language without feeling burdened by the controversial nature of the topic.
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Interview panel group discussion
In order to assess skills such as adaptability, group dynamics, communication, problem-solving etc., certain job interviews ask the candidates to participate actively in group discussions. These GDs are known as interview panel GDs.
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Online Group Discussion
If you think group discussion is a hardcore offline event, you are utterly wrong. Remote work culture is on the rise, and group discussions are becoming an intrinsic part of online work culture.
Online GDs are where participants connect through video conferencing tools and text-based apps and participate actively in discussions.
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Brainstorming Group Discussion
Often used in marketing agencies and media houses, brainstorming group discussions are highly beneficial in churning out fresh ideas. Candidates participate actively in engaging brainstorming sessions where they come up with ideas around a specific situation.
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Abstract Group Discussion
In these types of group discussions, participants talk about generic or broad topics. There’s no limitation or restriction or even agenda behind such discussions. Abstract GDs are widely common in academic settings, creative fields, innovation and so on.
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Opinion-based Group Discussion
Such GFs involve participants openly discussing their thoughts, ideas, opinions, and so much more. They are more or less similar to debate group discussions. However, the topics of discussion in such GDs are generally less formal and are based mainly on individual beliefs and opinions.
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Factual Group Discussion
In this kind of GD, participants are required to discuss specific fact-based topics. The tone of discussion has to be more objective than subjective. Such discussions involve data analysis, understanding of scientific research, policy-making, and so much more.
Significance of Group Discussions for MBA Aspirants
If you’re aiming to secure admission to a reputed MBA college, then you must ace group discussion rounds. Here’s why they play a crucial role in your MBA career graph:
Every premier MBA institute includes GDs in their admission process. Your performance in a group discussion decides your fate. A strong performance increases your chance of securing admission to a renowned business school easily.
As we have seen above, GD topics are based on different subject matters such as ongoing events, politics, economics, business and so on. To be able to present your ideas strongly in a group discussion indicates your enriched knowledge as well as strong communication skills- both of which are important from an MBA point of view.
Which Skills Are Evaluated in a Group Discussion?
Following skills are considered important and evaluated thoroughly in a group discussion:
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Active listening
GDs require you to carefully listen to what others are saying, dissect their arguments, understand their point of view and then finally present your opinion and ideas. One needs to be a good listener in order to outshine competitors during GDs.
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Communication skills
One of the most crucial skills evaluated during GDs is your ability to communicate. Group discussions are a great platform to show how good you are at communicating with others. It is your ability to communicate well that enables you to put forth your ideas and opinions in front of others.
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Leadership abilities
GDs are a great way to let the leader within you shine through your discussions. Judges keep a keen eye on identifying those participants who show leadership skills during GDs.
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Analytical skills
Group discussions require you to analyze the given topic and then present your knowledge in pointers in front of judges and fellow participants in a systematic manner. This is how your analytical skills get evaluated during GDs.
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Body language
While presenting your opinion and ideas, maintaining your composure and body language is a crucial aspect when it comes to GDs. Judges keep an eye on non-verbal clues, your confidence and overall body language.
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Reasoning
GDs test the reasoning skills of participants. The judges analyze how well the participants present their arguments and combat the counterarguments of their peers.
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Teamwork
Group discussions are a great way to understand if the candidate is a good team player and is capable of working closely with others and reaching a common conclusion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Group Discussion
Here are a couple of common mistakes that can ruin your group discussion game, thereby putting your MBA dreams on the back burner. Check them now to ensure you don’t repeat the same when it is your turn to slay the group discussions.
1. Poor communication style
No matter how much you know, if you are not able to communicate and express your ideas, you can’t score well in GDs.
2. Emotional outburst
Keep yourself together, and do not get too attached to the topic of discussion. Your emotions can de-track you and weaken your argument.
3. Clumsy body language
Your body language must exude confidence, not your anger or lack of interest. Thumping your chest, pointing fingers at others and raising your voice unnecessarily can even get you suspended.
4. Frequent interrupting
Never attempt to interrupt someone when they are in the middle of their speech. Wait for your turn and start speaking only when they finish.
5. Inability to keep track
You should be highly attentive to what others are saying. If you miss even a single point, you may miss out completely on the discussion. Your arguments will seem off track, and your speech will lack relevance in that case.
6. Lack of preparation
If you have not prepared well for the group discussion, then you can find yourself in a messy situation. You won’t be able to deliver your arguments well and may come across as a weak participant. So, make sure you prepare well ahead of the group discussion rounds to strengthen your arguments and boost your confidence.
7. Not asking questions
Asking questions is good as it demonstrates that you are not just an observer but also in a position well enough to ask questions, thereby grabbing everyone’s attention in a positive manner. Also, the right questions bring you to an authoritative position.
8. Endless talking
GD is not meant for endless discussions. You must know when to start and when to stop. If you keep talking endlessly, people will get bored and disinterested. You must find the right balance between talking endlessly and staying silent.
9. Awkward silence
Nervous silence is the last thing they want during GDs. Be it your lack of preparation or nervousness, you just cannot stay mum in group discussions. Every minute of silence will lead to weakening your chances of securing admission to a dream MBA college. The key is to stay calm, prepare your argument well in your head, take a deep breath and then use the right words and expressions to communicate.
Common GD Topics for MBA Students
Below mentioned are some common group discussion topics that every MBA aspirant must prepare:
- Artificial intelligence
- Online education
- Remote work culture
- Farmers’ protest and MSP
- Cryptocurrency
- Demonetization and the Indian economy
- E-business and e-commerce
- Me-too campaign
- Current affairs
- Gender equality
- Social issues
- Business economics
- Agriculture v/s manufacturing industries
- Hard work v/s smart work
- Innovation v/s invention
- Leader v/s follower
- Entrepreneurship v/s 9 to 5
- Globalization
- Make in India campaign
- Electric vehicles
- Inflation heat in Europe
- Metaverse and future
- Ukraine-Russia conflict
So, when are you organizing your first group discussion session?
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