What makes a conversation worthwhile.

In order to have a decent and worthwhile discussion with someone, it should not be obvious in the first 15 seconds what their point of view is. Points of view should be expressed as hypotheses and not as conclusions. When they are expressed as conclusions, there is an implicit invitation or instruction for the other party to agree, to accept certain foundational premises that should not be challenged. Under those conditions, how can you actually have an honest conversation? On the other hand, if you present your opinions in the form of hypotheses and with gentility and humility, you are inviting a true conversation without forcing a conclusion either within your own mind or in the mind of the other.