Are you a sharp-minded listener who thrives under pressure? Welcome to GD.

What exactly is Group Discussion?

Group Discussion is quite simple. A group of people formally come together to discuss a common topic or issue. The floor is left open for each person to share their stance, steering the conversation in various directions. Participants are expected to use their analytical skills to present unique perspectives and logical arguments.

The format varies but to generalise, the participants are provided with a tech-related topic and a a few minutes to research and develop their stance. Once the floor is open, participants must deliver their opening statement.

Begin by introducing the topic or issue that will be discussed. There are many ways you could do this, like providing background of the subject or asking the group a thought-provoking question

Skills Evaluated in Group Discussion

• Creativity/Originality: Think on your feet and generate unique perspectives, even with limited topic knowledge.
• Communication Skills (Voice, Fluency): Speak clearly, confidently, and with appropriate pauses to engage the audience.
• Body Language: Maintain good posture, positive facial expressions, and controlled gestures to project confidence.
• Initiative and Leadership: Take initiative to participate and guide the discussion constructively.
• Active Listening: Pay close attention to others, acknowledge their points, and build upon them effectively.

How to prepare?

Participants are rarely allowed to research for more than 10 minutes so obviously someone already familiar with the topic will be able to perform better than someone who has just heard of the topic. Thus, staying informed and updated with the ever-evolving world of technology is the most important requirement. Regularly follow tech news websites like techcrunch.com and theverge.com, blogs, or YouTube channels to understand current

By mastering these skills, you can make a strong impression in your next GD, regardless of the specific topic.

There are a few more things you should keep in mind.

In this setting, your composure and coolness make a difference. Many times participants get aggressive, which is unnecessary. In contrast,, take the extra step of complimenting other participants when they make a good point. Also, It’s important to focus on the topic and avoiding sidetracked by unrelated issues. If the discussion starts to stray from the topic, gently guide it back by asking a related question or refocusing the conversation.

Finally, develop your on-the-spot thinking and be confident in your stance.

Common topics and samples

Amongst the more predictable topics are AI, space exploration, big tech companies and crypto. You can make use of the following sample prompts to take your GD skills to the next level.

1. Mark Zuckerberg’s recent update on Instagram and Facebook subscriptions has sparked a lot of conversation among users and industry experts alike. He recently announced that people will be able to get a verification subscription service that will let you verify your account with a government ID and get the Blue Badge by paying for it monthly.