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Unit 3: Conversation Building

1. Leadership qualities notes
2. Knowledge of the subject matter

3. Analytical ability
4. Clarity of thought
5. Conviction and flexibility

3.1.6 Debates

Debate is a formal method of interactive argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than
logical argument. In logical argument only the consistency from axiom is examined. Though
logical consistency, factual accuracy as well as some emotional appeal to audience are important
elements of the art of persuasion. In debating, one side often prevails over the other side. Debate
can be in form of formal framework or informal framework. In a formal framework, there are
rules for people to discuss an issue. Informal debate is a common occurrence, but the quality and
depth of a debate improves with knowledge and skill of its participants as debaters.

3.1.7 conference

A conference is a meeting of a large group of persons assembled for the purpose of discussing
common problems or activities. The number of participants may be anything from 50 to 500
or more. A large conference is divided into small groups for the purpose of discussions. The
participants may not be from the same organization.

The word “Conference” is normally used to describe a gathering of a larger scale, for a specific
purpose. One usually refers to Annual Conference or Bi-annual conference, zonal or regional
conference, two day conference and so on, suggesting longer duration and larger participation.
Business plan conferences are regularly held in business organizations. The advent of innovative
methods like teleconference and video conferencing has facilitated interactive communication
between participants, without necessitating physical presence of all concerned at one venue.
The type of preparations and attentions for details in relation to the conferences are by and large,
the same as those of meetings. Sometimes, the conferences may also have the features of a function,
in which case, the presence of a Chief Guest, introduction of the speaker or dignitary, invocation,
lighting of the lamp, presentation of bouquets, and distribution of brochures and other details
become relevant. The check list for meetings suggested earlier will have to be suitably modified
to plan for and accommodate all details. We also normally come across words like ‘Summit’ to
describe a meeting of the heads of states and ‘Retreat’ to describe temporary retirement or getting
away from the hindrance of routine and hectic schedules from serious business meetings. Viewed
in that context, meeting, meet, conference, workshop, seminar, study circle, and symposium etc.,
are by their nature, platforms which facilitate interactive communication and therefore the most
appropriate terms may have to be used.
The conference is a tool of learning and training and development. Members pool together and
share their knowledge and experience, and discuss their problems. It is an enriching activity.
It does not have a task to complete; and conclusions that are arrived at during the discussions
are included in a report of the conference. Copies of the reports are given to participants and
their organizations and may also be sent to various authorities concerned with the subject of the
conference. A conference does not have any authority, but it may make recommendations since
the participants are persons who have experience and are engaged in the activity and are directly
affected by the state of affairs in the field.

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