A discussion takes place when a variety of people share their viewpoints on a concerned topic. The person who is initiating the discussion must keep in mind to choose a general topic for a group of participants belonging to a variety of sects, likes and intellectual backgrounds and a specific topic for a group of people who have certain similarities. As the initiator of the discussion, you should lay out the topic after greeting the participants and introducing yourself. You can either start by a simple sentence laying the topic and pose a question to the audience or express your opinion in the beginning and then give space to your participants to react to what you said and contribute to the discussion. Once you are done, always try to conclude the discussion with a summary of things discussed and a possible conclusion. If no conclusion comes out of the discussion, simply state how you feel after the discussion. All of the participants will have a more cohesive understanding of the topic concerned. The only difference between initiating discussion in a formal office set-up and an informal set-up is language. As the example established, you should use more organised language and expressions in a formal setup than an informal set-up.
Keep on brainstorming topics for discussion in a formal or informal set-up. Which is the best mode of working online or offline? Which is the best holiday destination in India? Think about these and many more examples and practise ways to initiate discussions with your colleagues or friends, keeping in mind the steps we discussed in class today.