In our recent words with Ranjan Panda, IIM Kozhikode student, we get answers of several questions which are frequently faced by the aspirants were answered.

What if I am weak in English? What are the problems I can face during a GD? How to start a GD? How to tackle a loud GD? These were some of the most common questions which the MBA aspirants are looking answers for. In our recent Live Expert Chat held on Friday, February 4, 2011 with Ranjan Panda, IIM Kozhikode student, these were some of the questions which were answered.

But not just these, there were many other questions which were asked by the participants and answered by Ranjan. To know more about the Siliconindia.com Live Expert Chat and about GD, PI and Essay Writing, keep reading.

Excerpts from the Live Expert Chat: 

Q: how to mitigate the aggressive candidates? At times it becomes inevitable to get loud which is not acceptable in a GD. 
A: Being loud is not at all a solution. The aggressive candidate more or less won't get good points in the GD and if you are loud you will face the same fate. This reason should be enough to not get loud.

Q: I will be appearing in three colleges G.D. & P.I. My negative point is speaking English & hesitation. Please give me solution for my problems.
A: You need to practice speaking in English again again. There is no way you can discount that. And I believe the hesitation is again due to English. Be assured that the professors are good people and if you can show something outstanding about you, you will be accepted even with poor English.

Q: If GD is running in a very loud manner and I am not able to speak loud and be aggressive, what shall I do? I suffer a lot in the mock GDs due to this. What is the way out?
A: Mock GDs are no way a simulation of real GDs. In the real GD people would be much calmer since the atmosphere too is different. You can smile at the person and politely try to change the topic if someone is loud or aggressive.

Q: Can anybody summarize a GD or only when the instructor asks for summarizing it?
A: It is usually good to wait for the instructor to tell when to summarize a GD. The time should be used to bring out new points.

Q: What is effective point for Essay writing? Please put some light on it.
A: Essay writing should be precise rather than beating the bush or repeating the same point again and again. If the topic is abstract think hard before putting anything on paper. Come up with a punch line if possible.

Q: Is there a choice of GD topics?
A: Normally there is no choice of topics. At least I didn’t have a choice for any of the IIMs

Q: Was there any real time problem which you faced in your GD? Please share if any.
A: I did not face any real time problem. I should say Chetan don't worry about the problems, and try your best to capitalize on your strength. You would have no problems!

Q: So we need to prepare specific topic for GD?
A: I don't think so. You should be completely well versed with the current topics of interest. That is the minimum and maximum you ought to do.

Q: What is the meaning of Shock statement in GD?
A: Hearing it for the first time. Instead of me googling it, I would suggest you do the same.

Siliconindia.com answer: Shock statement refers to a shocking statement which is said in order to grab the attention of the group members. It is like saying a punch line which can also change the course of the GD.

Q: If you initiate a GD impeccably but don't speak much after that, it gives the impression that you started the GD for the sake of starting it and get points for that. Is it right? What is the way?
A: Starting the GD shows your leadership. But if you cannot contribute much after that, it exposes your incapability to build up on points. You should definitely start and then keep on speaking if you have good points to share.