In dialogue, questions are sincere, stimulated by curiosity and interest. Answers often disclose what previously has been unspoken. This can be contrasted with debate, which often becomes repetitive, entrenched, and rhetorical. Distinguishing Destructive Debate from Dialogue Destructive Debate Dialogue Pre-meeting communication between sponsors and participants is minimal and largely irrelevant to what follows. Pre-meeting contacts and preparation of participants are essential elements of the full process.
Participants tend to be leaders known for propounding a carefully crafted position.
The personas displayed in the debate are usually already familiar to the public. The behavior of the participants tends to conform to stereotypes. Those chosen to participate are not necessarily outspoken leaders. Whoever they are, they speak as individuals whose own unique experiences differ in some respect from others on their side. Their behavior is likely to vary in some degree and along some dimensions from stereotypical images others may hold of them.