Discussion

Description

'Discussion' is what we mostly do when we are communicating on a daily basis with others. This happens in dyads, where two people talk, as well as in broader groups and meetings.

Discussions often have a topic, which is of common interest to the people involved, that may be formalized in an agenda. Common purposes of discussions include:

Informing: Where information is provided and questions asked for clarification.

Exploring: Where a subject in which no one person has expertise is shared and discussed.

Ideation: Where ideas are sought to help a problematic situation.

Deciding: Where decisions are made, agreement confirmed or approval given.

Most discussions are broadly shaped by social values that are based on fairness and mutual respect. They hence appear friendly or neutral in tone, with fairly balanced turn-taking in speaking and listening.

Example

A couple of friends meet for coffee. One brings up the subject of holidays and they discuss where they might go and whether they go individually or together. It turns out one prefers beach holidays whilst the other prefers walking. They decide to look for a place where there is both a beach and nearby interesting countryside.

Discussion

Most of our conversations are discussions as this is the easiest and least emotionally taxing method of interaction.

As a part of turn-taking fair discussion, there is often balance between advocacy and enquiry. Advocacy is about putting forward your ideas and views, whilst enquiry is about asking about and listening to the other person's thoughts.

Discussions often include informal status battles, where innocuous everyday subjects are used to show oneself to be superior to the other person, for example in talking about what you have done.

Discussions may also include collaborative negotiation, which differs from debate in its focus on fair play and seeking equitable solutions. This should result in 'expanding the pie' rather than 'fixed pie', whereby both parties creatively seek ways for everyone to get more than just half of what initially appears available to be shared.

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Discussion

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Discussion

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