What is your favorite method of discourse, why?

By method I mean – what kinds of requirements do you have from how a discussion is carried out?

For example – I prefer a conversation of mutual benefit. Exchanging views, and information – but working as a collective to solve the unknown – in common. Instead of simply trying to get the other party(-ies) to agree by using all means.

Discuss :)

If we run out of questions in this one – what is the difference between: conversation, argument, discussion, debate and any others you can think of.