How to Start, Lead and Conclude a Group Discussion (GD)?

How to Disagree in a Group Discussion?

When it relates to conflicting or expressing opposition, an assertion backed up by solid evidence is required. People frequently engage in discussions for the sake of engaging in them. This could result in awkwardness so you need to stay calm and peaceful while expressing your disagreements.

• Importance of body language

• Politeness and voice modulation

• Never make it a personal 

• Always try to be a good and attentive listener

How to Enter a GD in the Middle of the Discussion

To enter the group discussion in the middle of the discussion, it is best to address any questions that may arise beforehand.  

• Listen intently – In case you are planning to start the GD, keep your ears open and observe what the other speakers are talking about. Listening not only gives you positive marks but also gives you an insight into what the other participants think about the topic and you can prepare your points accordingly. It is immensely helpful if you don’t understand the topic.

• Target the low points – There are high and low points in a GD, i.e. when the discussion is at its peak (high) or when the contestants have concluded their point (low). You have to target the low points and glide into the discussion effortlessly.

• Continue where the participants have left – When a participant is done putting up his or her point, you can jump into the conversation and talk about why you agree or disagree with their points and put forward your views.

• Express dissent – Putting forth unpredictable points is a crucial part of the GD. If you have a different take on the subject or have something new to present, you should put it forth very clearly with reasons.

How to Stay Active Throughout a GD

You can demonstrate your communication and critical thinking abilities to university admissions teams or prospective employers through group discussions. 

• Bring new ideas – To maintain your place in the GD, you will have to express points about the topic that the other contestants have not mentioned. This will help you get the attention of the GD regulator and score some extra points.

• Be perceptive – In case you don’t have any new ideas, you can present a different perspective on the points that the other participants have presented. Share your views about the points that have been talked about so far in a different light to present your point of view and support your argument.

• Stay on track – You can also make your come-back in the discussion by bringing the discussion on track if it is deviating from the topic. This will help you to lead the discussion and nail the group discussion.

• Be convincing – You can also convince the other participants to get back in the discussion. Eye contact, agreement and body language are the best tools to win the favour of other participants and lead the discussion in the direction that you want.

Also Read:6 Types of People You Will Find in a Group Discussion

How to Conclude a GD

MBA aspirants are often known to ask what's the best way to conclude a Group Discussion before their MBA selection rounds. Knowing how to conclude effectively is a crucial part of the GD round as it helps candidates gain more points. Take a look at the best ways to conclude a group discussion mentioned below:  

• Summarise all the points – The best way to conclude is to summarise all the points that you have discussed in brief and present your final take on the subject being discussed.

• Be concise – Make sure that you don’t drag your conclusion. Keep it as short as possible and try to mention the points clearly. Don’t mention any new point in the conclusion just support what has already been spoken about.

• Closure argument – Make the closure around the main idea of the topic and be direct. Don’t beat around the bush. All your points should build up the conclusion.

The most important thing to remember about the GD is to not mention any figures or data unless you are sure about its accuracy. You should not stay quiet in the GD for too long. Active participation is of utmost importance.

While making your points, try not to appear like a dominator, and allow other people to speak. Don’t attack people while speaking and maintain a calm aura through the discussion. Keep the above tips in mind and you’ll do excellent in the group discussion.

Topics for Group Discussion (GD) 

Aspirants who will be appearing for Group Discussion rounds must prepare only the most common topics asked during GD. Given below is a list of the most important topics for Group Discussion:

Positive Task Roles in a Group Discussion (GD)

Here are some positive roles that will help you get points in a group discussion. Make sure you are 

• Initiator – Starting a Group Discussion, giving definitions, and introducing and suggesting new ideas. This is one of reasons why learning how to start a group discussion can be helpful.

• Information giver – During GD sharing facts and information.

• Information seeker – In a Group Discussion, gathering and soliciting information from others.

• Opinion seeker – Asking other participants of the GD for their opinion.

• Procedure facilitator – Leading a GD round by keeping track of the discussion.

• Clarifier – Clarifying all the opinions and ideas discussed during a GD.

• Opinion giver – Giving your opinion in a Group Discussion on the statement provided by the other participant.

• Tension Reliever – Discussing and Presenting the problem from a broad perspective.

• Social Supporter – Giving support to ideas and suggestions of all participants of a GD.

• Compromiser – Creating harmony between different opinions by giving compromising solutions.

• Energizer – Encouraging other participants to explore some new ideas during a Group Discussion.

• Gatekeeper – Involving other participants/ members in the GD by asking for their opinion

• Summarizer – Concluding or summarising a GD by including all important points discussed during a Group Discussion round. Often panelists award extra points to the individual who concludes. Thus, aspirants must focus on what's the best way to conclude a Group Discussion during preparation.

Negative Task Roles in a GD

Following are some roles that you should avoid at all costs during a GD.

• Disgruntled non-participant: Someone who does not contribute to the group discussion.

• Dominator: Someone who takes control of the discussion and does not let others speak during a group discussion.

• Attacker: Someone who disapproves the opinions of other participants in a group discussion aggressively.

• Clown: Someone who does not take the group discussion seriously and disrupts the discussion through inappropriate humour

Candidates may also check out the articles mentioned below to know more about MBA admissions and the different stages of the selection process.

Related Articles:

Candidates who have any queries related to the group discussion round may ask questions on the Collegedekho QnA zone. For admission-related assistance, fill out our Common Application Form.