Political Discussions - Any advices?

[Beliar99]

Nice to meet you!

I registered here to improve my English, because I need it very often, especially for political discussions. My writing is not good, though. My spoken English is not really good aswell. I hope you can help me to improve.

[Thunderbird]

Hi Beliar99

In Britain there is a golden rule valid for conversations at events such as lunches, dinners, cocktail parties etc.

Never talk about politics and / or religion

I adhered to the rule for many years and all over the English speaking world, and it was good to so.

A further rather tricky subject is sports, especially when you are not familiar with the type of sport or you don't know whom your host's support.

But isn't this already all about politics?

Best regards,
Thunderbird

[Beliar99]

Great advice. I'll adapt it to my conversations

Unfortunately politics are often discussed in school. There may be even the opportunity in the future to get inside an international teenager parliament where we speak English.

[Delfino]

I totally agree with Thunderbird.

I think politics is one of the controversial topics discussed in school to make the students talk.
You should use it as an exercise for expressing your views and applying your rhetoric skills.

Unfortunately the rhetoric and psychological knowledge needed for a discussion or
successful negotiation is nearly never taught at public schools in Germany.
Therefore you should try to acquire such information and skills yourself
to be prepared for a discussion with the other participants of an international
(teenager) parliament.

You may start by reading the book or research the concept described in the book
"Getting to Yes" by Roger Fisher, William Ury and Bruce Patton.

introduction
http://www.williamury.com/media/pdf/GTY-Ch1.pdf
summary
http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/peace/ ... sh7513.htm

There are a lot of ideas and concepts you can find online...

[Delfino]

Great advice. I'll adopt it in my conversations.

Unfortunately politics are often discussed in school.
In the future we may even have the opportunity to be part of an international teenager parliament
where we'll (have to) speak English.


I hope you'll get inside Parliament without getting caught.