Unlike the traditional meaning of the word "published," a defamatory statement does not need to be printed. Rather, a statement heard over the television or seen scrawled on someone's door is considered to be published.

Can a private conversation be slander?

Defamation is when one party makes an unprivileged false statement of fact about another party. ... So, except in the rarest of circumstances, defamation lawsuits can't be crafted around private conversations between an attorney and client talking about cases.

Can you slander someone without mentioning their name?

For statement to be considered defamation, it must be about the plaintiff. Even if the statement does not mention him or her by name, it can be actionable on grounds of defamation if a reasonable person would understand the communication as referring to the plaintiff.