MODULE 6 COMMUNICATION FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES

FIRST FUNCTION: TO PROVIDE INFORMATION

That we live in an information age is given, and that providing information, a task we perform
hundreds of times each day, is undeniably the most common and important form of communication. A
lot of talking goes on in the world, and a large part of it is done to give instructions, provide facts, or
clarify ideas.

NATURE OF INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION

Providing information usually deals with objects, processes, events, and concepts (Lucas, 2012).

1. Objects may include anything that is visible, tangible, and stable in form. They may be nonliving
or living, such as places, structures, animals, and even people.
2. Processes may comprise any systematic series of actions that lead to a specific result or product.
Communication about processes explains how something is made, how something is done, or
how something works.
3. Events can be anything that happens or is regarded as happening.
4. Concepts may consist of beliefs, theories, ideas, principles, and the like. They are more abstract
than objects, processes, or events.

FORMAL SITUATIONS REQUIRING INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION

In the world outside your school, speakers find a variety of opportunities for giving the following
types of informative talks: (a) public lecture, (b) status report, (c) briefing, (d) fireside chats, and (e) chalk
talk (Lucas, 2012).

1. The public lecture. As a result of a person’s special interest or expertise, he may be invited to
give a public lecture to a community group or club. Someone who had an intensive research on
herbal medicine, for example, might be invited to give a lecture to various clubs and
organizations interested in the topic.

2. The status report. Every business or social group must be kept up-to-date on its various
projects. Periodically, the group will ask a knowledgeable person to give a status report
indicating what has been accomplished so far, and what plan exists for the future. Suppose you
are the committee chair of a volunteer organization that works with senior citizens in your
community, and your committee is planning a formal dance for the seniors, you may be asked to
give the committee a status report on possible venues for affair.

3. The briefing. This is a very common informative speech used to tell members of a group about
changes in policy or procedure. For instance, you may need to tell the members of your
swimming team about how to order T-shirts for team or about a new layout plan.

4. The fireside chats. This usually features a group leader addressing the concerns, worries, and
issues at the moment. The principal of a senior high school (SHS), for instance, may schedule a
fireside chat with the parents of the SHS students to review school goals and policies.
 5. The chalk talk. The speaker giving a chalk talk relies on a visual aid (such as a chalkboard). As an
example, imagine a coach showing the team how to execute the person-to-person category of
team defense or a director outlining plans to present a stage play.

ORGANIZATIONAL PATTERNS FOR INFORMATIVE SPEECHES (Nelson, 2012)

1. The Chronological Pattern. This pattern allows you to explain how someone or something has
developed over a period of time. With this pattern, you highlight the importance of each step in
that development.
2. The Spatial Pattern. This pattern allows you to describe the physical or directional relationship
between objects or places. The pattern works well with informative speeches about objects,
places, people, or any other living creatures. You can best use it to highlight certain locations,
areas, or spaces in a particular place.
3. The Topical Pattern. In the topical pattern, you divide your topic into subtopics that address the
components, elements, or aspects of the topic. If you want your audience to understand a
process, use the topical pattern to describe the main features of the process.
4. The Narrative Pattern. The narrative pattern used to retell a story or a series of short stories. It
has much in common with the chronological pattern, but it provides a stronger emphasis on the
dramatic unfolding of event.