How to Start a Group Discussion?

Being given the role of initiator in a group discussion, you will surely get an edge over
others since you have the chance to grab everybody’s attention and make a great
impression from the start. But starting a group discussion isn’t as easy as it seems
to be. It is beneficial to be the one to start a group discussion but it is also risky as it
demands you to think on your feet and articulate an incredible starting line that can
create an amazing impression. Here are the major steps you must follow if you are
given the role of starting a group discussion:

Introduce Yourself First

As the initiator, it is pivotal that you introduce yourself before telling everyone about
the topic. Use a simple beginning line such as “Hi everyone, my name is ____” and
then come to the topic. Be confident while introducing yourself. When you introduce
the topic to start a group discussion on, give a brief about what the topic is and then
pass the baton.

Be Clear & Coherent

It is important that while introducing yourself and the topic, you must be fluent in
your speech and do not stutter or stammer. If you are given a minute to prepare, try
practising the introducing line with someone or yourself and remember that
confidence is the key.

Present the Topic with an Interesting Take

Another prominent factor to consider in order to find the best way to start a group
discussion is to present the topic in a unique manner to spark the interest of
everyone. Though it is completely the case of spontaneity, practising as many Group
Discussion topics as possible beforehand so that when given the opportunity to be
the initiator, you can make the most of it. The most interesting ways to present any
topic in a GD is to add a quote, fact or question to it and make it appealing
accordingly.

Efficiently Use your Time

Time management is also an essential thing to keep in mind as your introduction is
only the beginning of the discussion. Don’t over-elaborate or exaggerate the topic but
instead be coherent and clear in your presentation.
Use Quotes and Questions to Begin
The most thought-provoking way to start a group discussion is to ask a question or
add a famous and relevant quote to the topic. You can simply grab the attention of
everyone as an initiator and thus lead a powerful group discussion by using a
question on the topic.

For example, if the topic for the group discussion is “How Covid-19 has changed the
education sector?”, you can begin with a simple question like “Does a pandemic hold
the power to affect our education system?” and then continue with introducing the
topic. Make sure that the question or the quote stays neutral and doesn’t really add
to the pro or con side of the topic because as an initiator you must be unbiased in
your introductory approach.

Effective Ways to Start a Group Discussion

Given below are some amazing tips and tricks on How to Start a Group Discussion:

Understand the Topic First

No one knows what the topic of the group discussion might turn out to be. So it is
also important that you keep yourself abreast of all the trending topics and current
affairs going around in the world. After the GD Moderator announces the topics for
the discussion, take a pause and try to understand what the topic exactly means and
analyse the direction where the topic should be led towards. Misleading and
ambiguous information right at the inception can prove to be a huge blunder.
Henceforth, in case of any kind of queries or unclarity regarding the topic, ask
immediately.  

Craft the Tactical Gambit with a Definition

Try to intrigue the attention of the competitors and the moderators by starting off
with the definition of the keyword in the topic. For example, suppose the topic for a
given GD is about capital punishment being relevant in today’s world. If you feel you
have a grasp on matters of capital punishment, start right away by defining what
‘capital punishment’ is and then move through with it. Chances are that some of your
competitors might not even know what the term means. This not just earns you
some extra brownie points for commencing the GD, but makes an impression before
the moderators that you at least have a basic knowledge about the subject matter.  

Start Off with a Famous but Relevant Quotation or Phrase

Starting off by quoting a relevant phrase or quotation from a famous person can help
you show your command over the English language and literature. Not only quoting
is an efficient way of starting a GD, but it also works as a confidence booster.
However, refrain from quoting just for the sake of it as it might not work out as
expected.

Shock Strategy is the Key

The reason why this point has been added to our list of How to Start a Group
Discussion suggestions is that putting forth a shocking or eye-opening statement or
statistic positively reflects on your in-depth knowledge of the subject matter along
with being a great way to grab the attention of all your competitors. Strategically
distribute your shock statements so that the GD always goes in your favour and you
never lose your bit of attention. If handled well throughout the GD, it can create an
awe factor for you to ride on! 

Lay Down Relevant Statistics & Figures

Laying down the correct and latest statistics is a powerful way to start off a group
discussion. Stating some shocking figures not only makes you a leader in the
discussion but also boosts your chances of selection. It gives the impression that
you are well aware of the topic and have kept yourself up-to-date. However, if
retaining the figures and statistics seems problematic, skip this step! Presenting a
credible statistic is more important than a wild declaration.

Commence with an Anecdote

Mentioning anecdotes of not more than 4 to 5 lines can do wonders when you are
confused about how to start a group discussion. A small excerpt from any famous
story would reflect your presence of mind and also engage each and everyone to
listen to your story. Remember, the story should somewhat relate to the actual topic
of the group discussion and should not be irrelevant in any way. Otherwise, you could
lose your brownie points with the GD Moderators.  

Start With a Question and Answer it Yourself

This is another effective way on how to start a group discussion. Frame a question in
your mind and answer it all by yourself stating the relevant facts and details, rather
than throwing the question at other candidates. This would help you take the lead in
the group discussion and help you set a tone for the rest of the GD session. Try to
frame only those relevant questions for which you have a properly detailed answer.

Starting Lines for a Group Discussion

While exploring the best ways to start a group discussion, gearing up for some
starting lines will always help you prepare for this situation. Since many competitive
exams are often succeeded by a group discussion, it is important to gear up for this
aspect of the selection process of your chosen course or job profile. Here are some
of the useful phrases-cum-initiation lines for group discussion that might come in
handy if you are given the task to start a GD:

 “I would like to start by stating my view of the matter….”

 “I would like to put forward the point that….”
 You can start with a quote: “As X once had said…”
 If you are giving a definition related to the topic: “______is defined as…..”
 I am sure that some of you might agree on my point while others might not,
but I would like to say that….”
 Hi everyone, I am _____ (name) and I would like to introduce the topic of this
group discussion.
 Hello everyone, my name is ____ and I will be initiating the group discussion. I
would like to ask a question from all of you. [Add a question here relevant to
the topic]
 Mahatma Gandhi said, ________ [or any other relevant quote] and this
corresponds to the topic of our group discussion today which is _____. I am
_____ (name), the initiator of this group discussion and would like all of you to
present your opinions on this topic.
 Good morning everyone, I am ______ and for today’s group discussion, we will
be discoursing on the topic of _______.
 Hi everyone, I am _____ and this group discussion will be focused on _____.
First, let me give you a brief overview of the topic.