INTERACTION IS an essential feature in discussions. It shows others that you are not only listening, but actively taking part in a conversation. During everyday life, be it school, academic studies, work or social gatherings, you may be asked to take part in many discussions. At school or university you may find that you will have to communicate and hold discussions with not only your classmates and other students, but teachers and lecturers as well. At work, you may have to speak to your colleagues, boss or clients. In social situations, you may have to speak to people who are older, come from different cultures, and have different interests and opinions. Whatever the situation or whoever the person may be, it is essential to learn how to interact with others in order to discuss your ideas. Leading a discussion When you are leading a discussion it is important to let your listeners or audience clearly follow what you are saying. You can do this by beginning with an indication of what you are going to cover and by signalling others to join in and give their opinions or views on the topic as well. When you are having a discussion, try to ensure you use appropriate signposting and signalling. Introduction: I'm going to talk about/Let's discuss ... Signalling: What do you think about ...? or What are your views on this? Opinions: Why not ... Why don't you ... You could always ... One way would be to ... Perhaps you could ... If I were you, I'd ... What/How about ... Try ... I think you should ... Example: Today, we are going to discuss some positive and negative points of living in a city. What do you think can be done to solve this problem? Ask direct questions In a group discussion, if others are not responding to you or if you feel they are not listening to your ideas or joining in, you may feel frustrated. To get others speaking, you may have to ask direct questions like: John, what do you think? Mary, can you tell me more about your experience? Do you have an opinion about this topic? Use body language Also, when talking to others, try to use paralinguistic features - or body language - that mean eye contact, open arms, nodding your head etc. This shows others that you are open to their opinions, and listening to what they are saying. You are not only inviting them to share with others through words and opinions, but are showing an interest in what they have to say. All in all, effective listening skills, introduction cues, signals and body language are essential in discussions. Exercise Let's discuss Complete the conversation below using the prompts in brackets. The first one has been done for you. John: ______________ the government is concerned about air pollution in Hong Kong? (ask a direct question to the speaker/ask their opinion) Mary: Yes, I think so. ________________ how the government can tackle this problem? (asking a direct question to the speaker/asking their opinion) John: Even I am not sure. ___________________they should raise fines for taxis and buses? (inviting another new speaker to share their opinion) Sandy: Perhaps. But what about factories? Aren't they more problematic? Possible responses Mary, do you think .../Mary, do you believe ... But John, can you tell me .../John, what are your views on ... And you, Sandy, don't you think .../Sandy, what's your opinion? Don't you agree that ...
