Taking Part in a Good Discussion

Taking Part in a Good Discussion

Prepare yourself. If you don't know your material ahead of time, you will have less to contribute and will understand the discussion less. Research some background information on your topic if you are given it ahead of time; make notes that you can refer to regarding the main ideas.

Be confident: If you aren't confident with yourself, you'll be scared of sharing your opinions. You need to trust yourself and others and you need to feel confident in your thoughts. Share your opinions- it doesn't matter what other people think as long as your thoughts matter to you.

Form a debate: Group discussion is weighing the pros and cons of a debatable topic. For example: should prostitutes be taxed? Some will say no, they have unprotected sex and spread AIDS around, but they should be responsible. The group discussions are mostly a way to see how people's views are different, and how they perceive things. It's also comparing answers to others.

Conquer misunderstandings: Even though you are mainly talking, and announcing whatever comes to you to debate over; it doesn't stop heated words from spilling. So take in all in stride and try to form a question about why such an argument bursts out from something misunderstood.

Find balance: It's important to have those small 'no' or shake of the heads, it’s better not to find a topic you all agree on. This allows your view to be heard, and thought upon. There has to be flaws, obviously, or else it wouldn't be a good debate. That is probably the main problem, where the topic is perfect to discuss about. Instead of finding the boring, flawless debate, find one that you never heard of. It'll be enough to research, and enjoy. It also might be something educational, not the regular question from teachers about whether school uniforms should be allowed.

Decision: There is always something different for group discussions. Ranging from maths, charities, healthy eating, politics, sports, and virtue or value in today's products. Mainly, you got to wonder if that topic is worth talking about, for politics, it varies; there is the government, and what they control. It's challenging, but group discussion is an opening to your lives. An introduction for you to get to know each other.

Within the group: Decide who will open the discussion (start it). Everyone should move the discussion forward by contributing.

Discussion Consideration

1  Think before you speak.

2  Listen carefully to what others have to say.

3  Do not interrupt when someone else is speaking.

4  Do not remain silent. Make sure to contribute to the discussion.

5  Let other people speak. Do not hog the discussion. Once you are done speaking, let at least two other people talk before you speak again.

6  Support good ideas that other people have, even if they are different from your own.

7  Search for the best solution even if it is different from the way that you thought at first.