Useful Phrases for Group Discussion

APPENDIX

1. Introducing the topic  Today we are here to discuss…  The goal of our discussion today is… 2. Bringing in other people  What is your opinion, Mr. Ito?  Do you agree with Mr. Ito’s opinion, Ms. Suzuki?  Mr. Ito, what do you think we should do?  Mr. Ito, what are your views regarding this point? 3. Keeping the Discussion Moving  Let’s go on to another point.  Next, let’s talk about…  Let’s talk about that later. 4. Giving an opinion  In my opinion…  As far as I’m concerned…  Personally, I believe that…  The way I see it is… 5. Getting further information  Would you mind explaining that a little more, please?  Could you explain that more fully?

 Could you tell us a bit more about that? 6. Restating an idea  In other words,  That is, …  What I’m trying to say is…  I mean…  To put it another way… 7. Persuading Convincing  You must admit that…  Don’t forget that…  You must remember that… 8. Inquiring about Agreement or Disagreement  Do/don’t you agree, Ms. Suzuki?  Wouldn’t you agree, Mr. Ito? 9. Expressing Agreement  Yes, that is right/correct.  You are right/correct.  I definitely agree with Ms. Suzuki.  That is exactly what I think. 10. Expressing Disagreement  I don’t really agree with him/her.

 I’m afraid I can’t agree with his/her opinion.  That’s not quite how I see it.  I can see your point, but I don’t really agree with it. 11. Expressing doubt or reservation  Well, maybe, but I’m not sure about that.  Hmm, he may be correct but I’m not sure.  I can see your point, but I’m not sure I agree. 12. Refuting a fact  Actually,  As a matter of fact, …  Well, I’m not sure that is true/correct because… 13. Dismissing an irrelevant point  I’m afraid you’re missing the point.  I don’t think that has anything do with the goal of our discussion. 14. Making suggestions  Why don’t we/you…  How about…  I suggest that we/you… 15. Agreeing with a suggestion  Ok. That makes sense.  Of course.

 Certainly 16. Refusing a suggestion or request  I’m sorry but that is out of the question  Unfortunately that is not possible. 17. Capitulation  Mr. Suzuki has convinced me that my opinion/suggestion/idea is not useful/practical/necessary/good. Therefore, I have changed my mind.  OK. You have persuaded me to change my mind. I can agree with you. 18. Expressing similarities  Those two points/suggestions are similar.  Mr. Suzuki’s idea is about the same as Ms. Ito’s.  My idea/suggestion is (more)....er than mine/hers. 19. Interrupting  Excuse me for interrupting, but…  Sorry to interrupt, but… 20. Getting a point into the discussion  I have a point I’d like to make.  I’d like to add something here.  I’d like to say something about your/her/his idea. 21. Seeking clarification  What do you mean?  Sorry, I’m not quite sure what you mean.

 Do you mean that…?  I’m sorry, I don’t quite follow.  I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. 22. Paraphrasing another person’s idea  What Ms. Ito means is that…  What (s)he is trying to say is that… 23. Requesting  Ms. Ito, I wonder if you would mind................., please?  Mr. Kato, do you think you could..............., please? 24. Making comparisons  Mr. Ito’s explanation is more/less............than hers/his.  Your opinion/idea is.............-er than mine/hers. 25. Expressing Preference  I think the best/worst suggestion is …  His idea is the............-est (best, most reasonable etc.)  Her proposal is the most/least…  One of the most practical items is..............., so we/you should definitely take/use it. 26. Closing the Discussion  In conclusion, the purpose of this discussion…  The goal of our discussion is to….  We have concluded that…