The essentials of dialogue. Dialogue is a survival skill of the human race. It is based on our ability to share our experiences of the world around us, of others and ourselves. Through speaking we communicate our daily thoughts and feelings, express our wonders, direct everyday actions, teach children to understand the world around them, argue and reconcile. The Dialogue Book is related to the dialogical approach developed in Finland over the past 30 to 40 years which has then spread around the world. It covers a range of practices for educational, social and care work, as well as for work communities, teams and management of organizations. The book outlines the principles of dialogue and describes in practical terms the facilitation of dialogical conversation and the role of the facilitator.