A new strategy for providing definitions in task-oriented dialogues

Definitions may be made up of one or more components, which correspond to strategic predicates. The selection of which components to use in giving a definition in a task-oriented dialogue depends heavily on the needs of the user. The selection strategy we present involves weighting possible strategic predicates and the propositiomL used to fill them at multiple points throughout an ongoing dialogue and at the actual time of giving the definition. Weighting will he influenced by a model of the user's domain kimwledge~ task-related plans and goals, and receptivity to the different kinds of intormation that could he presented. An utteraalce can then be produced that incorporates the most important information while adhering to common rhetorical practices.