Scripts are prescriptions for social behavior. These scripts can come from a variety of places. For example, a script is likely to originate from a group that a person is a member of; such as a person’s family; a street gang; or another member of the armed forces. Many of these social scripts originate from the ubiquitous social media. These scripts can be formal as well as informal social recipes that help guide people’s social interaction. 

All social interaction involves some sort of “game.” During these social games, there are often explicit parameters and rules that guide the actions of the members of each of the “sides” playing them. In relationships, for example, each of the “sides” is attempting to figure out what the other game-player, or “side,” is trying to accomplish. That is, each “side” is constantly trying to figure out what the agenda is of the person on the “other side.” In short, during a relationship, each of the partners is attempting to figure out the motives and actions of their relationship partner.  

Goffman claims that during these social games, there are certain types of communication that are being utilized during social interactions. Below are some examples of the different types of communications that help illustrate the concepts Goffman was describing in his theories on strategic interaction.