Contents of a discussion are frequently framed as questions in academic conference discussion papers, but this format does not imply that a lack of knowledge or information necessarily exists. Direct and indirect speech acts are accomplished in questions, and they need readers/presenters to judge and select which meaning is applicable. Questions can be classified into 4 types: information(facts/opinions) eliciting questions, criticism or attack, suggestions, and comments. It is difficult to divide them strictly, and all questions can be regarded as a criticism by nature. The more discussants try to decrease the burden of response for presenters, the harder it can be to achieve what discussants actually want, so the discussion may not be productive in an active way. Thus, there should be a balance between accurate expressions of intention and face management.
