Guidelines for Group Discussions: Dos and Don'ts

Guidelines for Group Discussions: Dos and Don'ts

For MBA programs, group discussions (GD) are a commonly used technique for evaluating candidates. Making it to the final admissions list requires a strong performance at the GD stage. GDs for MBA admission cover a wide range of subjects, including business, politics, and economics.

Therefore, it is critical to keep up with the issues that impact every part of our lives. This can be achieved by forming the habit of reading books, newspapers, business/science magazines, documentaries, and infotainment programs. You can navigate any topic with facts and logic if you have a solid understanding of current events and general knowledge.

But the biggest obstacle to doing well at a GD is not being given the opportunity to speak. What if, despite your subject-matter expertise and strong communication skills, you are not given the opportunity to participate in a GD for MBA admission? In a group discussion where everyone is vying for attention, how would you get your point across?

We are aware that the most important GD etiquette is to remain courteous even when you disagree with a teammate's point of view. However, how can you accomplish that when the GD becomes a fish market? Avoid getting caught up in the chaos because how you manage to function in the face of chaos will be a test of your critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

The following list of group discussion dos and don'ts can help you make the most of your upcoming meeting:

1. Listen to other participants

To participate in group discussions, one must learn from the experiences and viewpoints of others and build a discussion from points of agreement. Listening carefully to what others say can help you understand a subject more thoroughly. It also shows respect for the other members because they can see that you value their opinions.

2. Maintain eye contact with the group

When you're speaking in a group discussion, make eye contact with the members of the group. Try to make each person feel important by looking at them for a few seconds before moving on to the next person. This can make your dialogue feel more personal.

Making eye contact when you're speaking also shows others you'd like their attention. When you're listening to others speak, also make eye contact with the speaker to show them you're engaged.

3. Give others time to speak

It's important to let others have time to speak in a discussion because it allows them to share their ideas, including what they've agreed or disagreed with about the topic. Try to set speaking limits for yourself mentally, such as aiming to speak for 30-40 seconds before letting someone else have a turn.

Additionally, if you notice someone who hasn't spoken yet, encourage them by asking for their thoughts.

4. Dress professionally

What you choose to wear can have a positive effect on your performance and perception by your peers in a group discussion. If you wear professional clothes, it can communicate you're serious about the conversation because you've put effort into your appearance. It can also help you feel empowered, which might improve your performance.

5. Ask for clarification

If someone says something that you're unsure of, ask them for clarification. It's helpful to you and the group if a person elaborates further on their ideas. This way, you can understand the conversation and continue to contribute your ideas.

6. Show confidence

When you appear confident during your discussion, it may prompt your group members to listen to what you're saying. Speaking in a strong, even tone is one way to show confidence. You can also sit with a straight posture and position your feet in a wide stance to signal that you're receptive to other’s speaking.

Don'ts of group discussion
There are certain "don'ts" that should be avoided in addition to the effective "do's" of a group discussion. Avoiding dominating the conversation, ignoring or disparaging the opinions of others, becoming personal or emotional, assuming things, ignoring non-verbal clues, straying from the subject, and interrupting or talking over other people are all examples of successful "don'ts."
Let us examine some "don'ts" that can improve the efficacy of a group discussion:

• Avoid Taking Over the Discussion

It is critical to give everyone a chance to express their opinions. Refrain from controlling the conversation or interjecting.

• Avoid discounting or dismissing the opinions of others

Regardless of whether they agree or disagree, the participant should respect everyone's viewpoints. Avoid discounting or disparaging other people's viewpoints because this can make them feel insignificant and undervalued.

• Don’t Get Personal or Emotional

Keep the discussion professional and focused on the topic. Avoid getting personal or emotional, leading to arguments and unproductive discussions.

• Don’t Make Assumptions

In GD, subject knowledge is crucial. Refrain from assuming anything about the intentions, experiences, or beliefs of others. Instead, get clarification and ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of their viewpoints.

• Don’t Ignore Non-Verbal Cues

Body language and facial expressions are examples of non-verbal clues that can reveal significant information about someone is emotions. Observe these clues and modify your strategy as necessary.

• Be Sure to Stay on Topic

It is critical to maintain topical focus and refrain from digressing. Gently bring the conversation back to the main topic if it strays.

• Avoid Talking Over or Interrupting Others

Talking over or interrupting other people can be interpreted as rude and can stop a fruitful conversation. Give others a chance to finish their thoughts before speaking.
By staying away from these successful "don'ts," you can contribute to making the group conversation efficient, civil, and fruitful.

Sambhavi Prakash