The language of

Discussion

For discussions in class and in the online forum

 Language for group discussions
When you speak face-to face or participate in an on-line forum
discussion, certain conventions of politeness are expected from all
participants. These include:

• Starting (initiating) the discussion

• Presenting your point of view (voicing your opinion)
• Seeking clarification (active listening – evaluation others opinions)
• Asking for confirmation (checking the meaning)
• Interrupting
• Expressing agreement
• Expressing disagreement
• Adding a comment (making suggestions)
• Inviting others to contribute to the discussion
First steps…
Getting started Expressing opinions
• Perhaps we could begin by…. • In my opinion…
• Do you mind if I begin? • I think (that)…
• Does anyone have an opinion • I believe (that)…
on this • In my view, ….
• Well, to get things started… • It seems to me that…
• It strikes me that…
e.g. “OK, to get things started I’d like to • As I see it….
say that I really enjoy on-line discussions”
• Personally,….
e.g. “Personally, I really hate being stuck
at home all day at present. I can’t wait
until the lockdown ends”.
Agreeing and disagreeing
Expressing agreement
• Yes, I agree….
• I agree with (person)…
• Yes, that makes sense.
• Yes, that’s true.
• Yes, I think you’re right.
e.g. “Yes, I agree with @Yuki, I think she
makes a really good point”
Disagreeing or expressing
uncertainty
• I’m not sure that I agree. Instead, I
think…..
• You make a valid point, however….
• Although that’s a fair point, I believe
(that) it would be better if…
• That’s one possibility, but I think…..
• Well, that’s not a bad Idea, but….
• I disagree. I actually think that…
e.g. “That’s a fair point you make @Yuki, but
I actually think this lockdown has been great
for the environment. The air is so clear
now!!”
Checking and suggesting
Seeking clarification Making suggestions
• I’m not sure if I understand • I guess/ I suppose/ Maybe
what you mean. • How about….
• Could you please explain • I’d like to suggest…
what you mean?
• Perhaps….
• Sorry, could you please
• One idea would be….
repeat that?
• One possibility is…
• Could you be more specific?
• Would you mind explaining
that a bit more? e.g. “I’d like to suggest that we cancel all
assignments in EAP!!! Perhaps we could
message the teacher and suggest it!! ☺”
e.g. “@Gladys I didn’t quite understand
that point you made about the economy.
Could you please explain what you
meant?”
When other opinions are needed!!
Inviting contribution
• What do you think?....
• How does that sound to you?
• Do you have any
suggestions?
• What are your thoughts?
• Does anyone else have an
opinion?
e.g. “That was a really interesting point
that @Shing made about the environment.
Has anyone else noticed environmental
improvement during this lockdown?”
Interrupting politely
• Sorry for interrupting, but
could I just make a point?
• Excuse me, perhaps I could
just add something.
• Would you mind if I just make
a point?
• May I just make a comment?
• Sorry, do you mind if I say
something here?
e.g. “Sorry for interrupting this exchange,
but I’d like to add that another benefit of
studying on-line is that we can avoid the
Australian winter!”
Holding the floor
(when you want to keep speaking but someone
has interrupted you)

• Could I just finish what I’m saying?

• Sorry, please just let me finish
• I won’t be a moment. I’d just like to finish what I’m
saying.

e.g. “OK, that was an interesting point you made @Qiang, but if I can just finish what I was
saying, my main point was that the government needs to urgently take steps to improve
pollution in this city”.