How to challenge a point of view in a group discussion
Challenging the viewpoints of others in your group is an important way of moving the discussion forward. It also shows that you are able to debate the topic in a mature and respectful way.
Here are some of the things you can do to help you achieve this.
- Listen carefully to what the others in your group are saying.
- Ask questions to make sure you understand the viewpoints of others before responding.
- Bring in alternative viewpoints.
- Recognise when others make valid points.
- Check where the information is from and refer back to the texts.
Remember, challenging someone else’s point of view does not mean arguing. You need to show you can disagree in a respectful way.
Watch: How to challenge a point of view
The best ways to challenge another person’s point of view during a discussion and still get your ideas across
Do you ever wonder what are the best ways to challenge another person’s point of view during a discussion and still get your ideas across?
The first thing to remember is to listen carefully to the other person. You need to be sure of what they’ve said before you challenge them or disagree with them. Think - does what I’m about to say follow on from what they’ve said?
Also, if you’re not sure what someone means – or you want to get a better understanding of what they’re saying – ask them to clarify what they’ve said and explain it more clearly. There are questions you can use here to help, such as, “Are you suggesting…?” or “So, do you mean that…?”. These help you better understand what the other person has said, before you respond.
A good way to bring in other ideas into a discussion is to play ‘devil’s advocate’. This means taking a position you might not actually agree with. This allows you to bring in different or even controversial, opinions – which may energize the discussion. You can help explore alternative viewpoints by using phrases such as, “Others might say…” or “Would you still think that if…” This way, different ideas can be introduced.
Another tip is to be friendly – and then challenge! Acknowledge when someone else makes a good point and then take the discussion in another direction. You could say: “I can see your point, however…” Also, remember to ask for evidence. When another person makes a point, ask where they got the information or facts from. “What’s the evidence for that?”
This will help bring the conversation back to the texts you’re discussing, which is an important thing to do. It can also show that the points being made are backed up by facts – and that the discussion is well thought-out and there’s proof being provided for what’s being said.
So, there you go. Great tips to help you challenge others respectfully and to move the discussion forward.
Diversity
One theme you may study in Unit 3 is diversity. Diversity is used to describe the differences between individuals or groups of people. Diversity covers a range of differences, including:
- gender
- race and ethnicity
- religion or belief
- age
- neurodivergenceA word used to describe the different thinking styles that affect how people communicate and interact with the world around them.
- disability
- sexual orientation
Diversity means that each person has their own identity, characteristics and experiences.
The Role of Role Models - Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson
Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson is an American astrophysicist, science communicator and author.
In one episode of his StarTalk videos, The Role of Role Models, he challenged traditional thinking about role models. He suggested that instead of looking up to just one person, we can learn from a range of people we admire.
Dr Tyson also suggested that, by learning from the struggles of others, even when their challenges differ from your own, you can gain valuable insights to help overcome your own difficulties.
His key message was “don’t let the absence of someone who looks like you be the reason you don’t become what you’ve always dreamt of being”.
Watch: Group discussion
Noel and Harriet discuss Dr Tyson’s ideas about role models. They use a range of ways to challenge each other’s viewpoints. This allows them to use their influence to control and shape the discussion.
PRESENTER In this film we’re going to look at how to challenge someone else's point of view in a group discussion. Noel and Harriet have read a transcript of The Role of Role Models and heard how Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson expresses his ideas on role models and diversity. His is not a view everyone shares, so let’s have a look at how it might be challenged.
NOEL Role models are very important, but I think people can take their inspiration from anyone. It doesn’t have to be someone who looks like them.
HARRIET So, are you saying that you agree with what Dr Tyson says in the transcript about role models?
PRESENTER Good question. Harriet has listened carefully and then asked a question which encourages Noel to explain his position more clearly.
NOEL Yes, I agree with Dr Tyson. I don’t think I need to see someone who looks just like me to believe I can succeed in the way that they’ve succeeded. But I can see how representation would be important to a lot of people, and that it’s something that makes a difference.
HARRIET Many people argue that we must do more to represent everyone. Representation is really important in my opinion. If young people can see others who look like them doing certain jobs or professions, it helps makes them feel that they could do those roles as well.
PRESENTER Harriet has argued against Noel’s first point here, and then she’s gone on to develop his last point by sharing a specific example that helps illustrate why this is an important issue.
NOEL I can see your point, however I think what Dr Tyson is saying is that we should look for the best people from all backgrounds and make them our role models.
PRESENTER That’s a friendly challenge. Well done, Noel.
HARRIET Dr Tyson calls his approach a “Frankenstein assembly of parts”.
PRESENTER Harriet takes a quote from the text here, but then she it leaves it there. She could have gone on to ask a question to help the discussion flow. She could have asked, ‘Why does he describes it like that, do you think, Noel?’ OK - let’s see this discussion again. This time, Noel and Harriet are thinking more carefully about the best ways to challenge a point of view.
NOEL Role models are very important, but I believe people can take their inspiration from anyone. They don’t always need to see someone who looks like them.
HARRIET So, in what ways do you agree with what Dr Tyson says in the transcript about role models?
NOEL I agree with Dr Tyson when he says you shouldn’t let the absence of someone who looks like you stop you from becoming what you’ve dreamed of. It’s not that representation isn’t important – but I just think it shouldn’t be something that limits your ambitions.
HARRIET Dr Tyson admits his view is a “contrarian” one – that is something that goes against the views most people hold. Other people might argue that you need diverse role models so everyone believes that they can achieve their dream.
NOEL Right.
HARRIET If you’d never seen anyone who looked like you on television or in the media, how easy would it really be for you to see yourself doing something like them? Don’t we all need people who seem to be like us to look up to?
PRESENTER That’s a good input here from Harriet. She’s challenged Noel’s point in an effective way. This has also helped move the discussion forward.
NOEL I can see your point, Harriet, however I think what Dr Tyson is saying is that we should look for the best people from all backgrounds and make them our role models. After all, why shouldn’t our heroes look different from us?
HARRIET He calls his approach “Frankenstein assembly of parts”. What’s the evidence for this description?
NOEL He says he’s learned from lots of different people - someone who taught him, his parents, and people who have faced all kinds of struggles. So his point is that you can find inspiration from a variety of role models.
PRESENTER That’s great. Remember, when you want to challenge another person’s point of view, you should listen carefully so you’re sure of what they mean before you challenge them. If anything isn’t clear, ask them to explain.Try to take into consideration any good points that are made, and ask people to provide evidence to support their views.
