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A GD is neither a contest, nor a showdown!
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is around the corner and I am one of the aspirants. It would be my good fortune if I could study at IIM Indore. While I have prepared well for the test, I am not very confident about the group discussions. I know you have answered questions on communication but could you specifically tell me how to prepare for GDs?
Veena
It would be our pleasure to have you at IIM Indore. All the best for your exams! Coming to group discussions, the purpose usually is to test you on three parameters.
First, analytical ability, which is your ability to understand the subject up for discussion, your ability to justify your stand if necessary; second, communication skills, which is your ability to put across your view in a coherent manner; your timing for tabling your point, issuing clarifications, questioning or challenging some viewpoint, and finally, your presence of mind; and third, ability to participate in a group, which is your sense of civility when dealing with a group of people, politeness in not cutting another’s words or statement, fairness in not hogging the limelight, your forthrightness in admitting to lack of knowledge about certain weak areas, etc.
Please bear in mind that the observers are observing not just the intellectual worth of your statements and analyses as well as the delivery, but also about how your carry yourself through the GD, even whether your verbal input and nonverbal cues match.
While you could figure out your strategy based on the parameters I have outlined above, there are some specific things you need to do and be sensitive about during GDs. Take the head count and calculate your time based on averages. Take a few deep breaths and a glass of water before you sit down. Make yourself comfortable on your chair as well as with the surroundings. Acknowledge your moderators/supervisors.
Coming to the GD itself, do remember that unlike conventional wisdom often stated by some people, no special points are awarded for starting first if you do not have a solid viewpoint or a contribution to make that would steer the GD into the right direction. So, do lead but only when you have something truly worthy to lead with. Dissect the topic thoroughly in your mind and consider all possible angles that come to your mind. If you don’t know much about the topic, wait till some people have spoken. If need be, admit to what you did not know in case you have to ask questions. Also, thank the one who offers a useful explanation.
In case you feel someone going on a tangent while responding to something, especially because of having misunderstood the subject, you could point out the difference while not being patronizing. When you talk, try to stick to the most solid points; also, don’t try to put in several points simultaneously.
While speaking, look at everyone turn by turn and if you differ with someone, express your differences politely. Understand that it is a GD, not elocution. You are to understand one another well, respond accordingly, and try to attain an outcome in a constructive manner. A GD is neither a contest, nor a showdown. Pay attention to what others are saying.
If you find yourself leading the GD, don’t play the part too actively that you end up crowding out genuine responses. Step in only if you see the quality of discussion deteriorating or if it is going wayward. Do not prompt someone else to speak. Stick to your own agenda. Finally, be nice. Address people respectfully. If you know the names of coparticipants, call them by their names but also make it clear whom do you mean at the time.
Have any questions about life, management, philosophy, education, literature, yoga, mountaineering in India, or psychological issues or all of these? Ask Himanshu Rai. He is the Director at IIM Indore, an author, mountaineer, yoga enthusiast and a Sanskrit scholar. Mail at askhimanshu@htlive.com
Disclaimer: The responses in this column given by me are based on my learnings and experience. They should, by no means, be taken as a substitute for medical/ professional help.
Smriti Irani
Trivendra Singh Rawat.
The event was organised by the state government and APN News.
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