How to Start a GD || Group Discussion Tips

Before getting ready how to start the Group Discussion, you need to understand the Group Discussion Rules and improve and focus on Group Discussion skills. Accordingly, it is very important to know and follow certain basic tips for Group discussion to become well versed about the entire GD process. So prior to getting down to learn top basic Group Discussion Tips, the advice by the experts in regard to GD tips is that you should be aware ‘what and how do you speak in the group discussion’; Whether your Communication skills are good; whether your behavior during Group Discussion is positive on the expected lines; whether you are ready to show your leadership skills in the group without being arrogant.

How to Start a GD 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.

Starting Lines for Introduction in a Group Discussion

• 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.

Points To Remember

• Communicate fluently – If you are starting the GD, make sure that you present your views fluently. Try not to stammer as being confident about your point-of-view is of utmost importance.
• Relevant content – It should not seem that you are starting the GD just for the sake of beginning first. Your points should be relevant to the topic and must grab the attention of the participants.
• Questions and quotes – You can also start the GD with a shocking statement, question, quotation, definition or facts. All these things can be used to present your take on the subject in order to lead the GD further.
• Time-efficient – If you are indeed planning on starting the GD, make sure that you do not overelaborate your points. Present your views in the most precise way possible as the evaluators are not looking for a story.

It is very important to understand that leading the GD is the best way to start as it gives you the undivided attention of the participants as well as the GD regulator. Starting a GD also gives you uninterrupted time to put up your points while other participants are thinking. However, if you are starting the GD, your points have to be very relevant.

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.

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 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….”

Important Tip: Focus on the nouns, verbs and adjectives of the given topic and elaborate upon which will turn out to the best starting line for the group discussion.