The increase in the incidence and mortality rates of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for Americans in the United States suggests that health communicators need to reach sexually active Americans with prevention information. If successful interpersonal communication skills can be cultivated, then those skills can be applied to the negotiation of safe sex practices between sexual partners. Application of communication theory may add to the concept and practice of prevention. Dr. A. Grieco, in an article titled "Cutting the Risks for STDs," provided behavioral scripts or scenarios entitled "Discussing Condoms with Resistant, Defensive, or Manipulative Partners." These scripts can be critically analyzed and their message strategies described using theories of persuasion, compliance gaining, compliance resistance, conflict management, and power. Prevention, through the use of message strategies in sexual influence situations, is a function of interpersonal communication and persuasion. (Fourteen references are attached, and an appendix contains Dr. Grieco's scripts.) (SR)