and Strategies for Group Discussions
Getting into a Discussion
Asking for Information
• May I ask a question?
• I have a question (about that)?
• Could I ask . . . ?
• I'd like to know . . . ?
Giving Some Information
• May I add something?
• May I say something here?
• I'd like to say something here.
• I'd like to comment on that.
Politely Interrupting
• Excuse me for interrupting, but . . .
• Sorry to interrupt, but . . .
• May I interrupt for a moment?
• Excuse me, but . . .
• Pardon me, but . . .
Drawing Others into a Discussion
Asking for Opinions
• (Name), what's your opinion?
• What do you think about . . . ?
• How do you feel about that?
• How about you?
• Do you agree with that?
• Any other ideas?
Ensuring Equal Participation
• (Name), we haven't heard from you on this point.
• Let's make sure we hear from everyone.
• You've made some interesting points. Now, let's
hear from the rest of the group.
• What does everyone else think about . . .?
Expressing Degrees of Certainty
Less Certain/Diplomatic
• It seems to me . . .
• I imagine . . .
• As far as I know . . .
• People say . . .
• I've heard that . . .
Neutral
• I think . . .
• I believe . . .
• I'm pretty sure/certain . . .
• I'd like to say/point out . . .
• The point is . . .
Very Certain
• I'm positive/sure/certain . . .
• I honestly believe/think . . .
• I'm convinced . . .
• In my (honest) opinion . . .
Responding with Degrees of Certainty
Less Certain/Neutral
• I suppose so/not.
• I guess you're right.
• I agree.
• I'm not sure I agree.
• Really?
Strong Agreement
• Absolutely.
• You're absolutely right.
• No question.
• I totally agree.
• I couldn't agree more.
Strong Disagreement
• Absolutely not.
• Positively not.
• I totally disagree.
• How can you say that?
Showing How Ideas are Related
Referring to previous ideas
• (Name) said that . . ., and I'd like to add . . .
• Remember in our last discussion . . .
• Getting back to . . .
• Going back to what was said earlier . . .
Summarizing
• In other words, you're saying . . .
• If I understand correctly, you're saying . . .
• We seem to have several main points . . .
• I'll sum up the points so far . . .