At present, this method of communicating is to a certain degree viewed negatively, primarily thanks to internet discussions. These are famous for their loss of communication culture, respect for other opinions, or also thanks to trolling. However, it would be a shame to let ourselves become discouraged from discussing. The exchange of opinions and perspectives is important for mutual understanding between people and bringing about a shift in opinions.
Communication culture in discussions
- We follow the goal of the discussion – exploring perspectives on a given topic, weighing up arguments and creating new value from the gathering of various opinions. The goal of a discussion is not to win.
- We listen to the other people discussing.
- We contradict opinions, not individuals.
- We avoid logical fallacies.
- We express ourselves in a pertinent manner.
- We preserve the openness of expression.
A cultivated space for discussion
There are discussions that are known for their lack of culture, and it’s better to avoid them. But cultivated discussion space can be found or also created. if a discussion is to be more formal, you can for example introduce student discussions into a subject or as a school activity. You can use a discussion as a format for your podcast or video.
How to debate
- Select a topic that will be understandable for the discussion’s participants.
- Prepare for the discussion by studying sources – articles, books and documents.
- Follow a shared goal in the discussion – change the original perspective on the matter.
You can also engage in a discussion online, for example on ResearchGate, Twitter or under specific articles. You can also debate with both known authors and your colleagues - teachers, classmates, and coworkers. Also, for example, you can react to an idea from a teacher’s lecture or a classmate’s article on your blog. If you choose an available living author, you can create a series of reactions that will help deepen your understanding of the selected topic.