2 Responses to Discussion Vs Conversation

1. GoofyFoot says:

   May 20, 2012 at 4:23 am

   I think a discussion is a type of conversation. It’s more focused on individual’s ideas that aims to establish where ideas/opinions differ and where they are in common.

   The next step from a discussion could be a debate where particular focus is on the differences between ideas.

   Where as I think conversation is a higher level and more general exchange of topics which may result in the identification of a topic worth discussing.

   Something like that anyway. Btw this exchange I’d describe as a discussion because the question has focused the conversing to a particular topic.

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   • Rethink Perfect - Desmond Sherlock says:

     May 20, 2012 at 1:49 pm

     I think that a discussion usually happens when it is initiated by a single person or group.
     ie “I think we need to discuss “our” boundaries”, will more than likely end up a one sided discussion with the initiator having the agenda and being far more prepared to argue their needs and desires.

     A conversation is far less formal, I think, and more balanced and is more organic.
     When it comes to talking about rules of engagement or boundaries, I say that it would be much more productive if it was a conversation and not discussion, making sure that both people are as near as possible equal participants.

     Finding a balanced and corresponding partner would make for much more conversation (balanced) rather than the dreaded “discussion” (unbalanced).

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