There are a variety of techniques for dialogue.  Ultimately the goal is to build knowledge and understanding through repectful but stimulating interraction.

These discussions can be divided into four categories.

Contradiction

While contradiction can be used in an argument in and of itself basically contradiction is the statement of a position opposite to one already made.

This category of dialogue can be conducted respectfully but is relatively superficial.

Arguments

Arguments differ from contradiction  because they need to include a reason or set of reasons with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.

That is, arguments are rational, and while without care they can morph into more heated discussion with care they can be conducted in a very respectful manner relative to all participants.

Debate

Debates are in essence an argument within the context of a formal structure.  The may be moderated with time periods set for each participant to put forward their points.  The topic is usually defined and the discussion held within the topics boundaries.

These are respectful in nature,the rules of the debate are designed to make that the case.  Although, as in the example of the recent U.S. presendential election debates, this is not always achieved.

Fighting

The main difference between a fight and all the other categories involves the use of personal attacks.  As soon as the dialogue moves from the focus of the topic to the personal (easily identified when the pronouns  “I or you ” enter the conversation), it is more a fight than anything else.

This is basic human nature, the personal statements are interpreted as attacks, and attack is the underpinning of a fight.  These discussions quickly move from the rational to the emotional.

This category is to be avoided.