Group discussion: Discussion language

Useful phrases

Starting a discussion

  I would like to welcome you to today’s discussion on …
  Today we are here to discuss the topic …
  Would you please introduce yourself?
  Would you mind introducing yourself?

Stating one’s point of view

  I am of the opinion …
  In my view …
  I firmly believe …
  I am convinced that …
  Personally I think that …

Supporting your partner

  I agree with you.
  I couldn’t agree more.
  I would like to support your argument by giving an example.
  You are absolutely right.

Contradicting your partner

  I do not agree with you, because …
  I would like to contradict you, because …
  I can see your point, but I personally think that …
  I’m sorry, but I cannot share your point of view.

Inviting people to take part in the discussion

  Bob, what do you think about this aspect?
  Susan, what is your point of view?
  Do you want to add anything here, Chris?
  Do you agree, Debby?
  How do you feel about this compromise, Kevin?

Interrupting your partner politely

  Sorry for interrupting you.
  Do you mind if I say something on this point?
  Let me I just make a point.
  I would like to add some more aspects.

Holding the floor

  Do you mind if I just finish this aspect?
  May I continue?
  Let me finish, please.
  I haven’t finished my point.
  I’d just like to finish making this point and then you can go on.
  Let me get back to the point.

Summarizing

  Let me sum up our results.
  I would like to summarize what we have discussed so far.
  Let me just recap on what we have decided so far.
  To recapitulate briefly, the most important arguments are …
  Let me summarize our results.

Ending a discussion

  Could we come to a conclusion?
  We have heard some new ideas, so let us stop here and think about them.
  Time is running out; so let us meet again next week.
  Thank you for this very interesting discussion.

Useful phrases for the group discussion

Task: Match the phrases with the corresponding headings (click on the image).

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