Shouting in the dark

Are you someone who likes to talk and debate? Do you like the thrust and argument of politics? Or do you simply enjoy hearing other people's opinions on topics that rock the world?

In our fast paced lives these days, often the longest debate will occur on the sideline of our children's or grandchildren's sports matches. Then it is often more to do with the fairness of the ref's last decision than anything world shattering. We just don't have the time to devote to well-delivered argument. Yet this skill is one that should be well honed before teenagers arrive in adulthood. Not that an argumentative teen is the best example of logical debate, but the skill is vital once they get to working age. Listening with logic and presenting a well-reasoned debate will enable businesses to take up bright ideas and move into new ways of doing things. The more staff with these skills the better.

What we still tend to do is believe we have to fill heads with knowledge. Take a look at social blogging and messaging sites and you quickly realise that the skills of natural skepticism and internal debate will help navigate through the snippets of conversation and lottery of links to find information of real value.