Some rules for discussing
When discussing, there are a few points that help to make it easier for you to explain your position and for the other person to understand your arguments:
- Speak calm and clear.
- Don’t interrupt: Let everyone finish explaining the point they are trying to make.
- Be descriptive: Make sure everyone knows exactly what you are talking about.
- Be concrete: Point out exactly what you see different and why.
- Be constructive: Show options of how your arguments might contribute to the others argumentations and leave room for different opinions.
- Be team players: don’t just follow your own path but take up what others say and react to each other’s argumentation.
- Be realistic: If you are working on a tight timeline, do consider whether bringing all your arguments is necessary or whether there are points that are more essential than others.
- Be interested: ask questions and try to understand the other’s arguments.
- Be friendly: the role-play is a debate, not a fight.
- Don’t overdo it: if you feel that your argumentation is not fruitful, don’t start over and over again.
- Ask for clarification: If in doubt, ask what they meant by what they said.
- Take notes: Write down the important points, interesting arguments, differences and similarities, …
(Download the document: Discussion_rules)