Dialogue Exercises
Conflict:
Scenario: A security guard wants to search a mother's buggy in belief that she has stolen something.
Security: Is there anything I can help you with, ma'am?
Woman: Huh? Oh, uh, no. I'm just browsing.
Security: Uh huh.
Woman: If you don't mind, I'll just squeeze past.
Security: How about you stay right here and answer a few questions? If you don't mind.
Woman: Um... Sure. What is the problem?
Security: I'm going to need you to come back to the office so we can take a look inside that stroller.
Woman: What? Is that really necessary?
Security: Ma'am, we have cameras on every aisle. Let's go to the office quietly.
Woman: You think I *stole* something? I would never!
Security: Then proving your innocence will just be a minor inconvenience.
Woman: You will *not* be touching *my baby*.
Security: You're right, I won't. But I will be emptying that stroller of any merchandise. Move.
Woman: I can't believe this. I'm going!
Security: To the office.
Woman: Fine. Fine!
-------
Action:
(Direct) Student A: We need to keep walking 'till we're out-.
(Interrupt) Student B: No, we should go back to that house to ask for help!
(Educate) Student A: We shouldn't be far from the next town. We should keep going.
(Refuse) Student B: Absolutely not. At least we know exactly how far that house is. We have no idea what's ahead.
(Reason) Student A: We don't even know who's there. What if they're serial killers??
(Satirize) Student B: Because there's never any serial killers in the woods.
(Appeal) Student A: Maps says there's a 24/7 diner two miles ahead.
(Question) Student B: Man, if only someone could lend me some money.
(Placate) Student A: I'll buy you're food. Let's go.
(Confirm) Student B: Fine, but I'm ordering whatever I want!
-------
Subtext:
Scenario: Two lab assistants for an archeologist put the wrong chemical on a culturally significant artifact and destroyed it.
Someone else has been fired for it.
One of them starts this conversation outside their boss's office.
A: Did you hear about the artifact?
B: No, I don't pay attention to gossip.
A: I wouldn't know.
B: Let's keep it that way.
A: I can't believe they fired James. Unbelievable.
B: That's the consequence of his actions. I'd stay away from all that stuff.
A: When the truth comes out, the consequences will be double.
B: The punishment is already served.
A: Knowledge is a powerful tool.
B: It's not that big of a deal. I'll see you at lunch.
A: I'll order, so don't be late.
B: Just make sure my food's right. I've got a meeting.