How to Prepare for Group Discussion of MBA Entrance
The group discussion(GD) is a test of confidence and team spirit. A manager has
to deal with a number of people in his every day life, ranging from clients,
subordinates and superiors. He should deal with each of them politely while not
comprising his stand. The GD is held to test whether a person has the basic
confidence and communication skills required to be a manager.
The right thing is to prepare for the GD much in advance. Clearly, you
will be able to speak only, if you have something to speak. So the idea is to
aquire information about diverse topics to put forth your stand. If you have
kept up with current events you will probably be better off than others. It is
also a good habit to debate the issues with friends and family members.
Why GDs for MBA Entrance
Most management institutes do not want bookmarks but people who are outgoing and
smart as well. Group discussions help check whether a person can articulate his
thoughts and hold his gound.
What is observed in GDs ?
Ability to speak intelligently
Leadership skills
Team work
Confidence
Use of formal language
Consideration of others
Manners
Aggressive behaviour
Substantial view points vs frivolous view points
Some important tips for the preparation of MBA Entrance GD
1. Always be polite
2. Never criticise
3. Give others a chance to speak
4. Make sure you intervene 4-5 times in the discussion
5. Be coherent, make your point and let others discuss
6. Do not be aggressive or loud
7. Play the leader
Preparing for the GD
The preparation of GD has to be two-pronged: first, develop confidence in
speaking English in a group and second, keep an adequate battery of viewpoints
and counterpoints in your arsenal. Thes two steps are essential for the
preparation of GD. Students who have participated in debates will find they are
better off, but if you have never participated in such events, it should not
limit your performance, since one must make a start sometime or the other. Do
not limit yourself by imagined fears. Even if you are not sure of something,
there are few chances that you will actually make a fool of yourself or that
anybody will notice what you have said.
To prepare for Group Discussion, try to exhibit some leadership qualities. Steer
the conversation so that the group reaches a consensus. One can be magnanimous
by giving others a chance.
During the discussion, keep making interjections at regular intervals. Learn to
speak in a paragraph and do not stop until interrupted. Even then, you can
continue speaking by saying firmly to the person who is interrupting," Let me
finish" or " We will just come back to you".
When you see that no new arguments are coming up in the group, it is time to
wind up. Sum up by prefacing," It seems we have reached the end of the
discussion." Sometimes each person is given one minute to sum up. Do not give
your own viewpoint at this stage but sum up the points raised during the
discussion.
When you are preparing for the group dicussion for MBA entrance ,always
remember, that institutes have no fixed criteria as to what qualities to check
during a GD. Usually, it is the impression that matters. The qualities that they
will see you through are politeness, the ability to participate in a group,
leadership, making yourself heard without being loud.
Making a contribution in Group Discussion
The GD does not assess your views and beliefs. It does not matter what stand you
take, provided you are able to make a contribution. Sometimes students are
unable to speak anything because all the points were covered by others in the
group. In such situation, run your mind to counter the arguments that are being
presented. For example, people may be arguing for being vegetarian and you
firmly believe in it too. Can you take the discussion in the opposite direction
by pointing out the advantage of eating meat, that it is more nutritious,
tastier and that it is eaten the world over?
To prepare for the GD It is important to understand that thers are always two
ways to look at any topic. Whatever personal views one may have, it is important
to know both sides of the argument.
How does one practise for the GD? One wy is to read about a topic and then
debate with parents, uncles or elder cousins. Tell them to ask you questions and
try to trap you. the more you do this, the more clear will your own thoughts
become.
Other important thing that is important for the preparation of GD is that
interjections should be made without being rude. Do not cut into mid-sentence.
On the other hand, if someone cus into your speech, politely ask to be heard:"I
would like to complete what I was saying..." rather than rudely asking a person
to shut up.
After all, speaking is a skill that is never too late to acquire. It will see
you through many situations. For a career in management especially, where
presentations and dealing with people is part of the everyday job, this is one
of the most important skills. So one must be ready to make one's best effort and
that is what matters in GD of MBA entrance.