DEFINITIONS: TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
INTERACTIONS
Dialogue:
In a dialogue, people engage in a conversation or
communication that explores ideas, opinions, and
assumptions for the purpose of reaching a higher
level of understanding. The purpose is to surface
and fully explore all relevant information, assuring
it is clarified and fully understood by others.
Discussion:
Discussion is an exchange of information that not
only identifies and clarifies issues, but guides
communication in an attempt to weigh information,
draw some conclusion, reach a decision or
consensus about the topic, or lead participants to
select a position.
Debate:
Debate is designed to persuade.
It is an
exchange of information designed to convince
someone else of the “rightness” of one’s own
information, opinion, or belief.
Argument:
Argument is a communication in which participants
have a strong vested interest in winning at all
costs. The need to win is often not associated
with any inherent validity of the ideas being
discussed. People argue to vent hostility or anger,
to preserve self-esteem, to show one’s power or
strength, to defend against some perceived threat
or loss, to inflict hurt on others, or to “disarm” an
opponent. As arguments are primarily emotionally
driven, they are often irrational or illogical in
content.
The Pennsylvania Child Welfare Training Program
305: Practical Parenting for Adolescents (12-17 years)
Handout 6, Page 1 of 1