In the previous article (Group Discussion 101: Structure and Purpose) we’ve covered what a group discussion (GD) is, its structure and formats, and what an interviewer looks for in a candidate. This article will discuss GD topics and how to prepare for a GD covering both theoretical and practical aspects.
GD Topics
A GD is very generic, and literally any topic can be given. However, to strategically prepare for a GD, the topics can be broken down into three types:
Technical Topics - Topics related to your educational background or topics related to the company/profile/ course you’re applying for
Current affairs
Everything else under the sun
Here are a few examples:
1. Technical Topics
Should countries keep higher or lower rates of interest? (from Economics domain)
The best marketing is no marketing (from business domain)
2. Current affairs
Is the 2020 New Education Policy useful?
Impact of COVID on the tourism and hospitality industry
3. Everything else under the sun
Is social media a good invention?
Diversity vs meritocracy
How to prepare for a GD
The preparation consists of two main parts
A. Theoretical Preparation
This involves preparing for the basic theory and topics in a GD. Use the above breakdown of GD topics into three categories. Here’s how to prepare for each category:
Technical Topics - Revise topics from your educational background (if you’re a fresher) and make yourself familiar with basic topics and concepts related to the firm/college and the profile/course.
Current Affairs - Read up on national and global news from the past 2-3 months. Focus more on trending topics and topics related to your field.
Everything else under the sun - Look up common GD topics online and if you don’t understand any of them, just familiarize yourself with those topics. However, don’t spend too much time here, as it can be overwhelming and there is no limit on the number of possible topics in a GD.
B. Practicing for GDs
You need to practice and develop your communication skills, including being able to think on your feet, listen to others' viewpoints, and also to agree/disagree to that in a respectful manner. Here are a few techniques to refine your GD skills:
Do a mock GD with your friends and family
Pick random topics from the categories above and formulate your thoughts within 1-2 minutes and speak for 2 minutes on the same
Try listening to someone speak about a topic you are not familiar with for just 3-4 minutes and try formulating your own thoughts and opinions on the same. This comes in handy when the GD topic is one that you are not familiar with.
Keep in mind what you are being tested upon in a GD as you practice these skills. Refer to this article for the same: Group Discussion 101: Structure and Purpose
The above techniques give you a comprehensive method to get ready for different GD topics and to practice your GD skills. If you are not a confident orator and don’t follow current affairs, you need to prepare well for your GDs.
The next article will discuss expert tips on how to crack a GD.
Subscribe to the website and follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn to be notified about new resources on internships, CV-building, interview preparation, and more.
Further reading:
Comments