A discussion becomes narrower when speed is treated as evidence of understanding.

When a room rewards the fastest reply, it quietly decides whose thinking counts. People who need a moment, who are working in a second language, who consider three angles before speaking, all end up contributing less, and what remains is not the best thinking but the quickest. The discussion feels lively and gets narrower at the same time. Nobody has to intend this for it to happen.

In your next conversation of any size, leave a longer pause than feels comfortable before moving on. Or ask for written thoughts afterwards. You will hear from people who were there all along.