Top Ten Harkness Phrases
By JOSEPH KIM
Harkness is one of the primary things that sets Exeter apart from most high schools—the process of discussing a topic together rather than simply noting down a lecture about a book. As we experience more Harkness discussions, we gradually pick up on some common phrases. Here is a list of ten phrases that will make you respond, “ah, I’ve heard that one before”—or better yet, “ah, I’ve used that one before.”
“Adding on to [ ], …”
This is probably the most vanilla of them all—this is the best-case scenario. You have a thought that closely relates to the previous speaker’s point. And it’s intelligent. Beginning with this transition is a good way to introduce your point.
“As is said in page [ ], [insert broad statement]”
Sometimes, you want to troll. You find delight in the sight of your classmates scurrying to find the sentence you would be referring to when you make your generalization. This turns out to be a very common method of inciting confusion amongst your fellow classmates until one finally asks for the specific line. Would it be more efficient to state the part of the page as well? Maybe. Will it be a net-negative on your Harkness grade? Probably. Do people do it? Absolutely.
“Not to shift gears too much, but…”
You have a brilliant point you have been waiting to make, but nobody has brought up that section of the text. But, you are proactive. You don’t want to make a permanent shift that would disturb the flow of conversation, but you really want to make your point. Hence, you provide a disclaimer before shifting the focus of the conversation without coming off as a jerk.
“Not that I personally think this, but…”
It is almost comical when someone starts their point with this phrase. You naturally brace yourself for the wildest, most ridiculous idea because only before the most heinous point would someone need to begin with this caveat. This phrase is great to use when you believe there is a missing point that needs to be said but you don’t want to be the recipient of its inevitable backlash.
“There is a clear dichotomy portrayed in [ ]”
A classic. A simple observation regarding the difference between two concepts can be framed as a dichotomy—something about that word has gravitas, which forces deeper thought into the observation. This phrase is a terrific way to bring the conversation into a deep analysis of this dichotomy.
“It’s all about finding that balance.”
This phrase is suitable for use after the introduction of two extremes that have both been concluded to be negative or even after a classmate introduces a perceived dichotomy—in the latter case, the balance implies that the dichotomy is not black-and-white and that there is some nuance. Of course, this phrase on its own does not stand; it must be buttressed by an argument supporting the balance.
“To play the devil’s advocate…”
This is similar to the earlier phrase, “Not that I personally think this, but…” Playing the devil’s advocate is often necessary before a statement that you don’t wish to associate with. When using this statement, make sure that you honestly play the devil’s advocate to provide a helpful argument contrary to the previous speaker’s point rather than projecting your own thoughts.
“...but it’s all subjective, after all. What do you all think?”
When you realize you rambled on for three minutes and want to open up the conversation to the table, this phrase is an easy way to do so. Stating that your statements are all simply one of multiple possible ideas allows others to follow up with their own thoughts.
“To get back to []’s question…”
Of course, another way to be helpful in a discussion is to return to an ignored or unanswered question. Circling back facilitates further discussion regarding that question and allows you to jump in with an attempt to answer or additional related question.
“I agree.”
You can utilize this phrase after a sensible point from a classmate, of which you want to express approval but have nothing useful to say.
