A discussion is a process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or exchange idea.  It is a form of communication between two or more groups of people who share a common view. 

Every day we discuss about different things: Politics, religion, sports, health,culture etc.  These discussions can arise at any time, anywhere and any place. 

We all love to talk, but sometimes we forget that the most important part of the discussion is "listening". We are often guilty of thinking about our next sentence while another person is talking, rather than listening carefully to his/her exact words.

For a discussion to last, the topic has to be interesting and be beneficial to the parties involved. The anchor has to be knowledgeable on when to switch topics when all ideas have been exhausted, or when it is reaching a dead end and the participants are bored. Jokes could be introduced relating to the topic or a personal experience could be shared too.

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There are verbal and non-verbal forms of communication used during every form of discussion. A verbal communication is a form of communication that involves contribution, participation, and sharing of opinion/ideas with a reflexive listening.

On the other hand, a non-verbal communication involves eye contact, head nodding, smiling, gesticulation and even body language. Verbal and non-verbal forms of communication can occur together in a discussion.

# QUALITIES OF A GOOD DISCUSSANT.
These are the qualities that one should possess in order to participate effectively in a discussion.

* Be knowledgeable about the subject of discuss – To be able to participate effectively, one should be able to have a bird’s eye view of the topic of discussion.

* Be Open-Minded. Being open-minded is also a great asset to every discussion because everybody might have something worthy of learning.

* Be a good listener- listening could also involve making eye contact, a friendly smile while processing what is being discussed.

* Be Respectful and tolerate other people’s views- The ability to be flexible is very important to people as well, we must learn to adjust and tolerate other people’s views.

* Be Honest and truthful with your views. This is very important as your views can influence others, and you can earn a friendship from a candid view you shared.

* Have a great interpersonal communication skill- the ability to  express both verbal and non-verbal communication skills will improve your discussion with others.

* Be Non-Irritable and Non- Abusive – These are great virtues to possess when participating in a group discussion. When participating in a discussion, it is ideal not to attack the person but rather the problem, the problem is what you want to eliminate and not the person.

* Have Wisdom -this is the greatest virtue to possess, the wisdom to know when to stop talking, when to get feedback, how to sense when to stop or continue a discussion etc.

# THERE ARE 5 PHASES TO EVERY DISCUSSION.

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# PHASE 1 
this is the phase where there is a disproportion of knowledge between the participants of the discussion. In this phase, there is unawareness/awareness between the members, and the onus is on the anchor to give an overview of the topic to be discussed for everyone to be able to participate effectively. 

# PHASE 2.
This is the phase of interest, in this phase, after the anchor establishes a rapport, he tries to elicit an interest in the group to enable them to give valid contributions.

# PHASE 3.
In this phase, after an interest has been elicited in the members and they are willing to participate in the discussion, a member after observation, and listening to how the topic is flowing can give his/her contribution.

# PHASE 4.
This is the engagement proper, after the trial phase, a participant gathers more courage to engage in the topic. An easy way to participate is by answering questions put across to the group, or helping to provide examples for the questions asked, you can even get to disagree with the points raised and give your reasons in a polite way.

# PHASE 5.
This is the feedback phase in the discussion.

# SPOILERS OF A GOOD DISCUSSION.
_These are the spoilers of a good discussion._

* Ethnic background.

* Personal Values and beliefs.

* Language barrier.
 
* Educational background/ illiteracy.

* Up-tightness.

* Domineering Individuals.
 
* Attention seekers.


* Low self-esteem.

In conclusion, to have a good discussion, one has to possess the qualities of a good discussant, with little or none of the spoilers to be able to participate effectively. 

>The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.


Alvin  Toffler.


With these at your fingertips, your next encounter should definitely be an interesting one.