3.2 Strategies for Stimulating Discussions
（議論を活性化する戦略）
Usually, I can ask a simple question, but, sometimes, I find it difficult to stimulate a discussion.
I see. This happens to many students. I’d like to suggest some solutions using basic techniques. Anyway, what’s the topic of your paper?
Residential design. I’ll briefly explain the paper to him, and then I’ll ask him some questions about the methodology I use in my research project. I believe this method is reliable, but I’m concerned about its costs. I’ll ask his opinion by saying something like:
These are just basic expressions I always use during the lab meetings.
Not bad. In addition to these, I’ll let you know of a technique to get him to talk more. By using the following expressions, you can ask your colleague to explain more about specific aspects of his talk.
These expressions are not so difficult to use. I feel I’ll be able to use them to stimulate discussions.
I’d like to introduce another technique for stimulating discussions. You can do this by showing agreement or disagreement with someone’s opinion. Then, add some points to his/her opinion and develop your argument. For example;
I see. I’ll use these techniques when I want to keep exchanging ideas with him.