I think the evidence points to discussions as naturally tending towards endlessness. Without an end definiting goal or a line drawn, discussions tend to feed th

I think the evidence points to discussions as naturally tending towards endlessness. Without an end definiting goal or a line drawn, discussions tend to feed themselves to ad infinitum. Basically, the more people you put in a room together, the more they will keep on talking until it's time to go home or someone stands up and tells everyone to shut up. In this scenario, you almost question the person that doesn't talk, and almost urge yourself to join this "discussion". Without moderation, topics could digress anywhere. So you have egos competing to make their mark in this amalgamation of a "discussion" that is supposedly supposed to self moderate and direct itself to a conclusion? The more frustrated those responsible for a needed outcome get, their words and tone become less "fun", as does anyone frustrated about anything said. So half the solution of "write it down instead" is simply not putting people in a room. Basically, avoiding as much "discussion" as possible. Whenever you need progress, you need a process. Discussion on its own is hardly a process. It takes determination and skill to have a constructive, time-efficient conversation.