Which leads to Efficiency. MLG applications such as database interfaces and, in the future, spoken language interfaces demand speed. In the past, this requirement has often been met by simplifying the semantic input structure as well as the range of language outputs produced. Simplifying semantics leads to misunderstanding and misrepresentation. Simplifying language leads to sterile text at best, and often to incorrect assumptions that again produce misunderstanding.

This paper presents an approach to controlling an MLG text planning component that recognizes and takes advantage of the complex inter-dependencies present in a realistic communication situation. It describes how dependencies can be tracked and then exploited by ``opportunistic'', ``island driven'', and ``sound'' processing techniques. Furthermore, it discusses the typology of rules necessary for the text planning component, and how these affect the style of processing.