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Use these sure-shot tricks for cracking the IIM GD as a fresher!
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If you’re here, reading this article, you must have belled the CAT! Congratulations! You’ve cleared the very first step of getting into a B-School. But the journey isn’t over yet. In fact, it has just begun. As goes the famous quote by Lao Tzu, “The journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step”. To help you kick start this expedition, here is a list of tips and tricks that’ll come to your rescue in cracking an IIM Group Discussion (GD) as a fresher.
Conducted as prelims by most IIMs and prestigious B-Schools, this is the penultimate step of your journey. From your posture during the GD to the way you express yourself, every minute detail is important. Here are a few dos and don’ts you must keep in mind for cracking GD as a fresher:
Group discussions can be held on a variety of debatable topics. Primarily categorised into three domains, these topics range from technical and non-technical to political and abstract. Covering important aspects in all possible dimensions, GD topics are divided into three main types: Current, Abstract and Case-based.
Having discussed the types of topics, let us head to the most crucial part of a group discussion which is generating content. In a group of diverse candidates where every student wants to outperform others, what makes you different? The points and facts you state are what will help you stand out. Follow the steps below to know the essential points that must be covered in a GD.
Apart from the general line of thought that varies from person to person, there is a standard approach to handle group discussions. It covers the following aspects:
Cracking a GD as a fresher to get into a top B-School isn’t a child’s play but it isn’t entirely impossible either. Even after having prepared for days, you can still be bombarded with a really strange topic, one that you wouldn’t have expected. But the key is in a solid preparation and delivery strategy! If you keep important points in mind and play to your strengths, the ball will always end in your court. Robert Frost once said: “There are miles to go before I sleep”. Work hard, give your best shot and never give up hope. All the best!
Group Discussion: Playing to your strengths for the pre-finals
Conducted as prelims by most IIMs and prestigious B-Schools, this is the penultimate step of your journey. From your posture during the GD to the way you express yourself, every minute detail is important. Here are a few dos and don’ts you must keep in mind for cracking GD as a fresher:
- Do not cross your legs when you sit for the GD. Stay relaxed and calm. Everything will work out in the end.
- Jot down the relevant points before you start speaking. Try preparing a mental map in order to be clear about the points you’ll cover.
- Make use of contained hand gestures to express yourself better. While doing so ensure that you do not intrude into your neighbour’s space.
- Maintain eye contact with everybody present in the GD. Do not start a one-on-one conversation with anybody in particular.
- If someone raises a question to the point you stated, address everybody when you clarify your point.
- Keep in mind that any eye-contact with your moderators will lead to negative marking. They should, in all circumstances, be invisible to you as long as the group discussion lasts.
The diverse range of topics
Group discussions can be held on a variety of debatable topics. Primarily categorised into three domains, these topics range from technical and non-technical to political and abstract. Covering important aspects in all possible dimensions, GD topics are divided into three main types: Current, Abstract and Case-based.
- Current Topics: These are current National and International issues, generally picked from the latest news. To get well-versed in this area, read newspapers and jot down relevant points. Stay up-to-date with everything that’s happening around the globe.
- Abstract Topics: This category comprises topics which can have multiple sides. In simpler words, every topic in this class has many aspects to it, can be viewed in different angles and can be comprehended in multiple ways. The wide arena that each topic covers gives you the freedom to explore the given topic from a lens which others might be oblivious to. A fresh perspective will give you brownie points here.
- Case-based topics: Topics in this bracket are based on a situation. Typically, you’ll be given a problem statement which will have more than one viewable angle to it and will be debatable. The topic will most likely be in the form of a statement, for which the group will be required to study the case and then come to a common consensus.
Generating relevant content
Having discussed the types of topics, let us head to the most crucial part of a group discussion which is generating content. In a group of diverse candidates where every student wants to outperform others, what makes you different? The points and facts you state are what will help you stand out. Follow the steps below to know the essential points that must be covered in a GD.
- If you’re asked to share your opinions on a particular topic, you must have prior knowledge. For current topics, read newspapers and get your hands on every important information that might come in handy. Collect them all in a place where you can go back and revise. Use tools such as Pocket to keep the gathered information handy. Keep an eye on everything significant that’s happening around you.
- Share examples and facts when talking on a current or case-based topic. Stating facts lays emphasis on your point and strengthens your perspective towards the given topic. Not to forget the brownie points that you end up earning!
- For abstract topics, think on your feet and get creative. Think in dimensions that others might not think of and come up with a fresh perspective.
The standard approach to generate content in GD
Apart from the general line of thought that varies from person to person, there is a standard approach to handle group discussions. It covers the following aspects:
- The first step is to understand the Stakeholder’s perspective. Explore that viewpoint and figure out a few crucial points from the same.
- The second step is the Key Word approach. This works in times when you have little or no idea about the topic. You can then break the given statement, pick words from the same and start the discussion.
- The third approach goes by the acronym: “SPELT”. Short for Social, Political, Economic, Legal and Technical aspects, it helps you explore the given topic in steps. Look for these aspects to find points that can add value to your argument.
Cracking a GD as a fresher to get into a top B-School isn’t a child’s play but it isn’t entirely impossible either. Even after having prepared for days, you can still be bombarded with a really strange topic, one that you wouldn’t have expected. But the key is in a solid preparation and delivery strategy! If you keep important points in mind and play to your strengths, the ball will always end in your court. Robert Frost once said: “There are miles to go before I sleep”. Work hard, give your best shot and never give up hope. All the best!
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