www.unitedworld.

in

O n e W o r l d. O n e W a y. Kolkata | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Singapore

Group Discussions

Over the years Group Discussion has become an integral part of the selection process in the B-
schools. It is of prime importance to understand that most of the B-schools consider GD process as a
Section round (unlike written exams like CAT, MAT etc. which is more of a rejection tool). Which
means it is a great opportunity for you as a candidate to demonstrate your strength. Panel is
interested to know and understand your strengths instead of your weakness and will purely grade
you on it. Hence the onus of taking advantage of this opportunity is completely on you as a
candidate.
There are various points you need to consider to prepare for GD. First of all let us understand why GD
is used as a tool for selecting candidates.
Following are the key soft skills required to be a successful in any enterprise:
Initiative Taking
Communication skills
Working in a team
Language
Creativity
Leadership
All these skills are of prime importance and a GD process will evaluate you on most of these skills.
Hence a candidate who shows these basics in a GD process can easily be groomed for a successful
career in the corporate world.
Basics
There are some basic points you need to consider to prepare for group discussion. These basics are as
Follows:
Communication Skills: Communication can further be divided into three parts:
Articulation: It is very important to understand the meaning of the word called vocabulary. It simply
means to make you understand to others. It doesn't matter if you are weak in English. As long as you
are articulate enough to make your relevant points clear, you are in the game. But as mentioned your
points has to be relevant.
Just imagine if someone is using very heavy vocabulary while giving/sharing his point to the group
and in the process he is not taking the group along, he will definitely loose points. The fact of the
matter is that it's a group task.
Pitch of your voice also plays a very important role to make your speech articulate. It is very important
to control your pitch according to the situation. You should try not being loud in your voice.
 www.unitedworld.in

O n e W o r l d. O n e W a y. Kolkata | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Singapore

In a typical GD there are highs and lows. GDs generally moved like sin- graph (as shown in the fig
below) and there are crest (when everybody is speaking) and troughs (when everyone is quite) in it.
The right time to enter in the discussion is not to wait for the trough (as many of them will wait for
that point). The right time to enter a GD is at the negative slope when people have discussed as point
and the momentum is coming down. Hence you need to be attentive enough to identify at the right
time with a new relevant point.

Crest Right time

to enter

Trough

Body Language: There is no point getting into the details of sitting cross legs or straight legs and
other such minute details. You just need to take of some basics like;
Your body posture has to straight. You should look involved rather than sitting casually.
Eye contact needs to be with the entire group (say a second glance to everyone. Even in case
you want to counter some one's point, eye contact has to be with everyone instead of with that
person. (Rather avoid looking at the person you are countering.
Avoid using your fingers /pen etc. to avoid pin-pointing on anyone.

Listening: Listening is an important tool in a GD. GD is not all about speaking continuously for
the entire duration. Many times you need to just be a spectator/passenger. (Explained later
in the note).Anyone who is continuously speaking for the entire duration may not be noticed
by the panellist. Even 2-3 entries with new relevant points will be a substantial performance if it
takes the discussion to the next level.
Knowledge/Content: Content and knowledge is the most important part if the discussion. This
cannot be worked on a 2-3 days preparation. It is a complete process and the key is “Reading”. As
a future leader you are expected to be aware of the environment. More facts and figures you
know better will be your performance in the discussion. HENCE DON'T WASTE TIME AND START
READING ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT AROUND YOU.
Reasoning: It is very important to give reasons to your point rather logical reasons. You cannot
just repeat the statement and expect other members to buy your point. Group discussions
works on PREP model:
P- Point (Point you want to make about the topic)
R- Reason (Logical reason why you are making that point)
E- Example (Example/facts/Figures related to your point)
 www.unitedworld.in

O n e W o r l d. O n e W a y. Kolkata | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Singapore

P-Proof (Hence you prove your point)

The point to be understood is that any argument/discussion is like a structure which is standing on
various pillars. These pillars are nothing but your relevant reasons /facts and figures. If you are not
adding logical reasons/facts &figures etc. the entire structure will fall flat. Hence it is very important
for you to understand the PREP model.

Types of GD
There are various forms of GDs that are used. Some of these are follows:
Structured GDs: In structured GDs all the parameters are already defined like time, topic etc.
Unstructured GDs: In Unstructured GDs there is lot of ambiguity. This can be done in various
ways like: Not defining the time for discussion, asking the group to choose a topic on their own
and then discussing the topic, asking the group to choose a leader and then get in to discussion
etc.The GD is evaluated on the quality and nature of discussion.
Abstract GD: In this form of GD abstract topics are given like 2+2=5, Red and White etc. The
benefit in this type of discussion is that the content doesn't play much of a role. Quality of your
points will depend on your creativity in relating the topics to various facts, figures and opinions.
Case Study: In Case study or case analysis a situation or a problem is given to the group. You
are also provided with the facts and figures relating to the problem. In the discussion process
you are expected to discuss the problem and move toward the solution after evaluating the
various scopes of the case given.
Role plays: Role plays are not very common. In role plays each member of the group is assigned
with a role and you discuss the problem being in your role. These role plays are not necessarily be
on corporate situations but can also be a simple problem which a family is facing. As a candidate
you need to justify your role with a focus of adding value to the discussion.

ROLES IN A GROUP DISCUSSION

In a GD a participant can perform various roles:
Professor: Professor is one who is has lot of content on the topic. He can easily be noticed in the
discussion as we will make numerous entries in the discussion with new points.
The draw Back of these professors in a discussion is that they may behave snobbish in the entire
process and as a result at time may not take the group together.
Sales Man: Salesman is one who borrows content from the professor or may be used his
previous point, Repackage it completely and sell it to the group with different reasons.
Too many salesmen in a group reduce the scope of discussion. The salesman at time fell short of
reason to justify the points.
Butcher: Butcher is one who is continuously cutting other people. Quite often he will use the
phrase “I don't agree with you”. Like salesman too many butchers again will not add any value
and reduce the scope of the discussion. At the same times butcher cuts the people who are
speaking away from the topic and cutting them and bringing them back to the discussions.
 www.unitedworld.in

O n e W o r l d. O n e W a y. Kolkata | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Singapore

Time keeper/Gate keeper: Time keeper/gate keeper is one who either control/try to control the
entire discussion. He will constantly give others a chance to speak. He will take the group back in
case the group is diverted from the topic. He will also remind the members about the time left for
discussion.
Anyone who tries to control too much without adding much value with his points, generally gets
neglected by fellow group members. They will listen to you an s a timekeeper/Gatekeeper
only if they think that you have added value/ impress them with your points. Such people also get
neglected by the panellist/coordinators/evaluators.

Spectator/ Passenger: Spectator is one who sits quite for the entire process and closely follows
what other people are saying.
Passenger is one who sits in the journey and sleeps without having much idea of what is
happening around.

Now, the important point to understand is the significance of these roles. As a leader, you need to be
MOBILE. A leader behaves as per the situation. He needs to be a professor for his juniors, control
team efforts as a gatekeeper and timekeeper, needs to be butcher in case something is going wrong
and so on. Hence as a future leader you need to demonstrate mobility among all these roles.
Though, in a 10-20 min group discussion you will not be able take/perform/demonstrate all the
roles. It is important to be at-least a professor or salesman. In addition to that, you need to perceive
the students feeling about your presence and based on performance, take a call to be a
gatekeeper/timekeeper & Spectator/passenger.

General FAQ's
1) Is it better to be the one who starts the discussion?
Starting the discussion is a high risk high profit game. If you start the discussion and if you don't have
enough content on the topic or you mislead the discussion, you will not be noticed. At the same
time if you start the discussion and take it in the right direction with relevant points, your presence
will be noticed.

2) Can I Take a stand in the discussion?

There are 2 points in this question:
a) Weather to take a stand in a discussion: “You cannot sit on the fence for too long; Sooner or later it
will start aching”. In most of the cases (unless topics where taking a stand shows rigidness and
extremism) it is important and natural to take a stand.
b) Is it Ok if I Change my stand: Too much change of stand in a small 10 min discussion shows lack of
clarity of thoughts in your mind. At the same time if you think that your logic has been completely
broken by somebody else's point then there is no point being rigid. In such case you can shift your
stand in a soft, settle and diplomatic manner.
 www.unitedworld.in

O n e W o r l d. O n e W a y. Kolkata | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Singapore

3)What is the right time to enter in a GD?

Already explained in “basics” section.

4) How to prepare for the content of GDs?

Preparing for the content cannot be done in a day or a month. GD topics can be from any field.
Gaining knowledge is a process.
Better start this process as soon as you realise the importance. You need to read about your
environment on a regular basis and hence read newspapers on a regular basis. In addition to that
watch English news channels and other such online mediums. Remember there is no
end to knowledge.

5) How important is Language in the discussion?

Language is certainly an important parameter, but as explained earlier you need to be articulate. As
long as you can make others understand by speaking in simple language, it will work. But you need
to ensure that you are not jumping languages on a regular basis.

6) If I have not added any points in the discussion, and just conclude the process, will it help?
In most of the cases it will not help. Rather if you try to conclude without giving enough value
addition, fellow group members might completely overlook you.

Topics for GD

Factual-Socio-economic in nature, E.g. Coalition politics- Boon or bane , Impact of US strikes on

indo-Pak relations etc Sensitive/controversial-Generate a lot of heat, E.g. Reservation policy,
Women make better managers Abstract-Test your creativity and lateral thinking, E.g. A is an
alphabet, Cats are better thandogs
 www.unitedworld.in

O n e W o r l d. O n e W a y. Kolkata | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Singapore

Interview

Now that some of you folks will be getting your interview invites, one of the common things asked
from students how to best prepare for an interview.

It's quite simple if a bit unconventional.

Practice talking about your candidacy OUT LOUD. Either talking about it to someone (friend, family
member, spouse, dog, cat, hamster, etc.) or to yourself (yes, it will sound strange and weird at first).
Interviews aren't intellectual exercises. They aren't carefully rehearsed speeches. A great interview is
one where BOTH the interviewer and interviewee are fully engaged in conversation (but obviously
with the interviewee doing most of the talking).Conversion = talking.

You don't get "good" at interviews by reading books, writing notes, or doing anything where it's all
in your head. You have to get used to hearing these very themes coming out of your own voice - your
career goals, why "b-school X" is the right place for you, what you've accomplished, your strengths
and weakness and so forth.
If you're not used to actually talking about this out loud - it's going to come across as awkward no
matter how much you've "read" your notes or "written down" stuff or memorized complete threads
of "monologues" in silence. The interview room is NOT the best place to be vocalizing this stuff for
the first time
It's got to be in your body, not just in your head - so that it comes across as natural and engaging. If
it's all in your head and not fully in your body (i.e. so that your body language responds to what
you're actually saying), you WILL come across as disconnected, disengaged, distant, and dull.
Talking is a physical activity. Nervousness is a physical condition. The more comfortable you are
talking OUT LOUD about these things we normally don't talk about everyday in our lives (why MBA,
goals, accomplishments, failures, etc.) the less nervous you will get no matter how big the stakes are
because YOU are the expert on yourself, and you are used to talking about it.
It's not about coming up with carefully scripted answers to specific questions - because an astute
interviewer will pick up on the fact that it's carefully scripted. Insincerity or lack of authenticity is
what KILLS you in an interview more than a stumble of a word here or there. No one, including the
adcom or interviewer, likes to feel that they're being played or that you are putting on an artificial
front - no matter how substantive you think you are, if you come across as insincere or "scripted", it
is death.
 www.unitedworld.in

O n e W o r l d. O n e W a y. Kolkata | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Singapore

So how do you "prepare" for something where you're supposed to come across as spontaneous and
authentic as if you were answering their question for the first time? You do so by practice, practice,
practice - until you're so used to talking about it out loud that you can improvise around it.

Areas questioned in interview

Academics
General awareness
Extra-curricular
Career goals
Work-experience
Personal questions

Key note during interview

Bluffing is a no-no
Consistency is the key
Over-confidence is undesirable

General FAQs
1) How much weightage?
Differs from institute to institute and is not known for most institutes.
2) Variations on the theme?
Case study in IIMA, Group interview in S.P Jain, extempore in interview of FMS.
3) Is there more than one round of interview?
No. There is only one round.
4) How many people are there in the panel?
Between 2-4.
5) Are the interviews stressful?
Generally no. One has to learn not to get stressed during an interview.

How does one prepare?

Reading Newspapers and magazines.
Watching news-related programs.
Discussing issues (from both the sides) and current affairs with your friends and family. ?
Introspecting on your goals, your career path, and personal qualities.
 www.unitedworld.in

O n e W o r l d. O n e W a y. Kolkata | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Singapore

The Most Important Interview Non-Verbal's

Many interviews fail because of lack of proper communication. But communication is more than just
what you say. Often it's the nonverbal communication that we are least aware of, yet speaks the
loudest. Following are the top five non-verbal's, ranked in order of importance, when it comes to
interviewing:
Eye Contact - Unequalled in importance! If you have a habit of looking away while listening,
it shows lack of interest and a short attention span. If you fail to maintain eye contact while
speaking, at a minimum it shows lack of confidence in what you are saying and at a
maximum may send the subtle indication that you may be lying. Don't just assume you have
good eye contact. Ask. Watch. Then practice. Ask others if you ever lack proper eye contact.
If they respond that they did notice, ask if it was during speaking or listening. Take note.
Next, watch yourself on videotape. It doesn't necessarily have to be your mock interview
videotape. In fact, if you were videotaped informally (that is, you were not aware you were
being taped), this will typically provide even stronger evidence. Then sit down with a friend
and practice until you are comfortable maintaining sincere, continuous eye contact.
Facial Expressions - Take a good, long, hard look at you in the mirror. Look at yourself as
others would. Then modify your facial expressions--first eliminate any negative overall
characteristics that might exist, and then add a simple feature that nearly every interviewee
forgets--a smile! Not some stupid Bart Simpson grin, but a true and genuine smile which
indicates that you are a happy person and delighted to be interviewing with their B-School.
Think about it--who would you rather spend thirty minutes with?
Posture - Posture sends the signal of your confidence and power potential. Stand tall, walk
tall, and most of all, sit tall. When you are seated, make sure you sit at the front edge of the
chair, slightly leaning forward, intent on the subject at hand. Your best posture is to always
be learning forward slightly, moving within an overall range of no more than 10 back or 20
forward.
Gestures - Contrary to popular belief, gestures should be very limited during the interview.
So please don't use artificial gestures to supposedly heighten the importance of the issue at
hand (pardon the pun). It will merely come off as theatrical. When you do use gestures,
make sure they are sincere and meaningful.
Space - Recognize the boundaries of your personal space and that of others. Be prepared,
however, not to back up or move away from someone who has a personal space that is
smaller than your own. Hang in there, take a deep breath, and stand your ground. For most
of us, merely the awareness of our personal space is enough to consciously prompt us to
stand firm. If you have a smaller than average personal space, make sure you keep your
distance so that you don't intimidate someone who possesses a larger personal space.
 www.unitedworld.in

O n e W o r l d. O n e W a y. Kolkata | Delhi | Mumbai | Hyderabad | Ahmedabad | Singapore