Author
Home > Language > What is the Difference Between Dialogue and Discussion?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Dialogue and Discussion?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between dialogue and discussion lies in their objectives and approaches. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

  • Dialogue:
  • Collaborative: Two or more sides work together toward a common understanding.
  • Focuses on finding common ground and building a collective perspective.
  • Involves suspending judgment, listening, inquiring, and exploring assumptions.
  • Emphasizes searching for strengths in other positions and building on them.
  • Aims to enlarge ideas and explore every option.
  • Remains open-ended and does not imply a conclusion.
  • Discussion:
  • Debate-like: Advocates for viewpoints and challenges those of others.
  • Focuses on coming to an agreement or resolution.
  • Involves presenting and defending opposing views.
  • Emphasizes searching for flaws and weaknesses in other positions.
  • Aims to win acceptance of a viewpoint and is more focused on learning.
  • Implies a conclusion.

In summary, dialogue is more focused on collaboration and understanding, while discussion is centered around advocating for viewpoints and reaching an agreement or resolution.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Dialogue and Discussion?
  • Comparative Table: Dialogue vs Discussion

    • Comparative Table: Dialogue vs Discussion

    The main difference between dialogue and discussion lies in their purposes and approaches. Here is a table comparing the two:

    Aspect Dialogue Discussion
    Purpose Building bridges of understanding, exploring issues, and seeking the truth Advocating for a specific position, making decisions, and accepting one's ideas
    Approach People freely and creatively explore issues, listen deeply to each other, and suspend their own views People present and defend their opposing views, aiming to have their ideas accepted by the group
    Emphasis Learning and understanding Winning and advocating for one's ideas
    Outcome Increased knowledge, communication, and collaboration A decision or agreement on the best idea or solution

    In summary, dialogue focuses on understanding, exploring issues, and building bridges of communication, while discussion emphasizes advocating for a specific position and making decisions.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.