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Phrases to use in Group Discussions in English

Posted On: August 24, 2013

“How do I complete a conversation from the beginning through to the end?”

Many in the training programs I conduct ask this with humbleness and earnestness. The answer to this question helps those to initiate, create, sustain and end conversations with the right etiquette. The phrases in the below document answers most of these questions:

• What phrases can I use to start a discussion? 
• What phrases can I use to continue a discussion? 
• What phrases can I use to disagree in a polite way? 
• What phrases can I used to ask for ideas, thoughts or opinions?
• What phrases should I avoid using to ask for ideas, thoughts, or opinions?
• What English phrases can I use to pose questions in a 1:1 setting?
• What phrases can I use to agree? 
• What phrases can I use to clear my doubts? 
• How do I summarize others’ points and present my stand?  
• What phrases can I use to include others in the discussion? 
• Are there phrases I can use to politely interrupt others? 
• What phrases can I use to conclude a discussion? 
• What phrases are used for asking for/giving opinions and explanations?
• What phrases are used to agree in a polite way?
• What phrases can I use to partially agree?
• Are there any phrases I should avoid?
• What phrases can I use when I forget what I am talking about?
• What phrases can I use to buy time when I am thinking about the answer?
• What phrases can I use to politely disagree?
• What English phrases can I use to revise my ideas?
• What phrases or questions can I use to get someone to repeat?

 

 

Jennifer Kumar conducts interactive training and coaching programs helping non-native English speakers draft, conduct and role play group discussions for work-related US client calls and communication meetings. In addition to deploying the training, and debriefing on the role play, she offers suggestions for improvement with a second deploy to assure trainees have understood the theories and practices. Contact her for more information by clicking here. Or check out the two programs – Business English Seminar or Managing Client Expectations.

For more information on group discussions, see these links:
Analyzing Group Discussions
What is a Group Discussion (GD)?

 

Related posts that provide tips for Group Discussions when part of corporate meetings:
Phrases to use to end a meeting (video)
How to switch from small talk to business talk in group situations and networking events
Everyone Gets Heard During Stand-Up and Remote Meetings