Those who introduce serious topics with a definite goal or purpose into such contexts will probably not be invited again. Though some philosophers have questioned its value,' this kind of communication performs an important function in lubricating normal social life. Dialogue, is not discussion. Radio and television talk shows, political meetings, religious gatherings, and much of what goes on in classrooms at schools, colleges, and universities qualify as discussion, differing from conversation because they generally do treat serious topics and often have definite goals or purposes. They seek to instruct, inform, persuade, or convert.
Discussion is also more formal than conversation, with tacit or explicit rules.
If such protocol is violated, the participants run the risk of being cut off, silenced, or failed. Participants in discussion tend to speak from a particular point of view, usually trying to articulate and defend a given perspective, though with greater flexibility and openness than parties in a debate. Dialogue is not debate. If one side wins, the other side must lose. The goal in a debate is to win the verbal contest by persuading others, often without concern for the truth of the matter.