Dialogue may just seem like people chatting but it's not. People talk to get things they want. Be it attention, a glass of water or for a spouse to take out the garbage; we don't JUST talk. We talk to settle conflicts: I want to watch one TV show you want to watch another. We talk in an attempt to get to a point where we both feel satisfied somehow. There are lots of sources for conflict we can work out through talk. Often the best way to get what you want isn't the obvious route.

Facts

• what is, perception, judgment

Throughout the course of a verbal exchange someone may make a claim to buttress their arguments. Rather than argue fervently against this claim, one could just pick at the nature of the facts at hand. You could assert that you don't agree with the way things are looked at. In an attempt to to get to go swimming after lunch you could retort to your mom's claim that you will get a cramp by questioning what she means by swimming. You won't swim, you'll just float. You can't very well argue with Family Circle that told her you might drown if you get a cramp while swimming but you can argue that floating in water is just like laying on the ground and not swimming. You can't get a cramp from that can you, mom?

Values

• what should be

You may want to go to see the circus even though earlier you agreed you and a friend would go see a movie. She isn't budging no matter what you say. You need to weaken her somehow so you can get your way, but how? You don't have to talk about the circus at all. You can bring to her attention that she doesn't take good care of her car. She should be washing it but doesn't. She should check the oil every once in a while. You could paint a doomsday scenario where she is caught without oil on the side of the road at risk of being abducted. This has nothing to do with movies but could soon make her willing to trade the movie for the circus if you trade berating her for being cool.

Interests

• who gets what, scarce resources

You argue with your mom to accompany you to the store but she is set on staying at home. It might seem there is no way to get her to give up those knitting needles. Your arguments are weak and you need a different tact. Suddenly you are furious that your brother gets better birthday presents. You state your case eloquently and illustrate to her that you aren't getting what you are due. Guilt is a strong motivator and along with the hope that you won't bring it up again your mom may take pity and go with you to the store.

Non-Realistic

• style of interaction, quality of communication, aspects of physical setting

In a debate with your spouse over what to eat for dinner, you don't seem to have the upper hand. You may suddenly become very uncomfortable. It's too hot in here. I asked you to get the air conditioner repaired. Now it's too hot and it's your fault. You fan yourself and it's no good, nothing is able to keep you cool. You play miserable for a few minutes while your spouse fools around with the thermostat, and you threaten to not take care of something you're supposed to do. You might not be able to call the contractor that will be refurbishing the bathroom your spouse so dearly wanted. Suddenly a peace offering in the guise of whatever you want for dinner appears and you cool down along with the situation.

These are lies, many of them. This is like war, though. People and characters don't always think in terms of absolute honesty. If nobody else can prove you were lying maybe it's not a lie. Your characters will want all the ammunition possible to achieve their desires and when you can't think of something these categories could get ideas flowing.