This is the approach I adopt:
• Introduce yourself by name to the group members and be friendly and smile
• Maybe adopt a responsibility - time keeping is the typical one, but you could offer to be the scribe so writing down important points that have been raised. This can also allow you to direct the conversation (if you do enjoy leadership roles), but it doesn’t make you come across as dominant or overbearing
• Be the first or second person to speak and suggest an idea, then maybe ask other people in the group their ideas and also listen to their suggestions. Do not interrupt and do not speak continuously so people cannot get a word in!
• Add to other people’s points and build off their ideas, but do not do this all of the time. Maybe only a few times in the group assessment.
• Encourage quieter members to offer their ideas too, but not in a rude or patronising way
• Thank everyone for their time and also thank the assessor. A lot of people forget to do this!