discussion
A discussion is a conversation (also dialogue ) between two or more people (discussants) in which a certain topic is examined (discussed) , with each side presenting their arguments . As such, it is part of interpersonal communication .
The word discussion comes from the Latin noun discussio "investigation, [...] examination". The verb for this is called discutere and means "to discuss a matter = investigate, discuss, consider considering".
Topics and types of discussion
There are different occasions for a discussion, and their design is just as different. While personal matters are also discussed in the private sector, political issues are mostly discussed in the public sector. The exchange of opinions takes place not only verbally (e.g. at discussion events or on television), but also in writing (e.g. in the newspaper using a letter to the editor or in an Internet forum ).
In scientific papers and similar publications there is often a section entitled Discussion , in which the previously worked out facts are critically viewed and interpreted from different sides. The author puts himself into the opinions of possible discussants and combines them into a coherent consideration. Such a “discussion” takes place on a purely intellectual level. Nor does it take the form of a conversation with assigned roles.
Discussion styles
In addition to mutual respect, a good style of discussion (see also culture of dispute ) includes, among other things, allowing and carefully examining opposing arguments and opinions instead of rashly rejecting them. A good discussant listens, lets them finish speaking, and is concentrated enough to respond to what the other person has said and present their own arguments objectively. Ideally, he's calm and polite. Often, however, the opposite can be observed, for example in politics (see also debate ).
Visualization as an aid in discussions
An effective aid to discussion is to represent ( visualize ) the content graphically . For a factual and orderly discussion, it is helpful to write down individual discussion points (keywords) so that they are visible to everyone or to illustrate them using symbols and visual characters (e.g. on a flipchart , pin board , overhead slide ).
The visualization acts as a memory aid, objectifies the discussion, increases attention, promotes serenity even with widely divergent viewpoints, supports the optical development of a discussion thread, relieves the discussion participants psychologically and reduces misunderstandings. An unconscious or manipulative jumping in the thread of the discussion becomes visible by means of visualization and can be caught in an appreciative way and promoting the discussion.
Outcome of a discussion
The purpose of a discussion is not necessarily to convince the other of your point of view. On the other hand, at the end of a discussion there is a solution to a problem, a compromise that is acceptable for all parties involved or the mutual recognition that different opinions prevail ( dissent ). In the latter case, too, the discussion is an important opportunity to get to know the point of view of others and to see things from a previously unknown perspective.
See also
Web links
- How do I discuss properly? Multimedia lesson basic knowledge (GRIPS, Bayerischer Rundfunk)
- The discussion online lesson for examination for technical college entrance qualification (Telekolleg, Bayerischer Rundfunk)
Individual evidence
- ↑ Georges-LDHW Vol. 1, 2206
- ↑ Georges-LDHW Vol. 1, 2207
- ↑ Elisbeth Brauner: Introduction to the preparation of scientific papers , see Section 3.4.