Starting A Sentence With `So'....gramaticaly Wrong

I have noticed that many professionals are now starting their sentences with `So' ? Eg. So, I would like to state........." Actually starting sentences with a conjunction is not gramaticaly correct. What do you think? check out this post: BBC News - Today - So does starting a sentence with 'so' annoy you?

So is used to add two sentences because so is a conjunction.

Yes, that's exactly why it should not be used at the beginning of a sentence. As (Cite Contribution) rightly pointed out...its become pseudo-style statement. In our public speaking classes, we call `So" the new `Um..."

So far, so good !!!
I am surprised that there are no voices of dissent !!
So, should I conclude that people no longer value good literature or the versatility of the English language ?
So, should we restrict our thinking and knowledge to the fact that "So" is just a conjunction ??
So, it implies no one has heard of "so" being used as an adverb, as in; "I am not so good as Sachin"; "I am so glad to see you"; "She was so angry..", Ï do hope so...." etc.
So, let us put this argument to rest.
Warm regards.

Some additional information on "So" :

"5. used for starting a statement in a conversation SPOKEN
a. used for continuing a conversation, especially for starting a new subject or starting to ask a question

So, let's get down to business.
So, what do you suggest we do next?

b. used for introducing a question in order to make sure that what you have heard or noticed is correct

So, you've finally decided to come with us?

"

Source : so - definition of so by Macmillan Dictionary
One may like to go through the link posted above.
It is not wrong grammar to start a sentence with "so", however, the correctness depends on the usage.
Warm regards.

Dear PJSharma,
If I recall, I have used sentences starting with 'So'. Hence, as my wont, I searched the web and found this link Grammar myths #2: please miss, can I start a sentence with a conjunction? | OxfordWords blog and Grammar myths #2: please miss, can I start a sentence with a conjunction? | OxfordWords blog
Based on the above decide for yourself whether you want to use it or not.

Thanks all for contributing to this discussion...
So! (:)) as it stands, the trick is not to hold on to the linguistic rules and dogmas of past. Instead, lets move with the times and add to our lexicon. However, let that be no excuse for us speaking in a wrong manner.
Thanks
Prashant
First Personality
Public Speaking, Leadership Training, Communication Skills Training Gurgaon - firstpersonality.com