BASIC PURPOSES OF

COMMUNICATION
 Developing strong relationships
depend in large part on your skills as a
communicator
 The following presentation will
introduce you to five BASIC purposes of
communication
CARTHARSIS: An act of purging, cleansing,
unloading: usually done best with people whom
we have a bond relationship
PHATIC COMMUNICATION: Communication of
small talk to build binding relationships
INFORMATION: Exchanging information:
development of a knowledge base
PERSUASION: Designed to reinforce traditional
beliefs, change beliefs, or cause people to act
ENTERTAINMENT: Designed to create
enjoyment
 Within the five basic purposes of
communication, we find several
different “styles of talk”
Small Talk:
Maintain status quo
Break the ice
Getting acquainted
Establishing relationships

Note: Small Talk is a form of non-

threatening communication
Light Control Talk:
Persuade
Direct
To seek, not force agreement
Use legitimate authority

Note: communication that relies on

the discreet use of power to get
results
Heavy control Talk:
Blame (placing blame, controlling situation
Attack (creates defensiveness on the part of
the receiver)
Threaten (rarely IF ever appropriate)
Coerce (forcing certain behavior form the
receiver
Demand
Note: Communication designed to place
blame and control the situation. This type
of communication creates defensiveness
on the part of the receiver and is rarely, if
ever, appropriate
Search Talk:
Centers on the issues
Concentrates on others
Examines
Clarifies

Note: Search talk involves a non-

threatening approach. It is good when we
want data or the consensus of others
Straight Talk:
Concentrates on the hear and now
Focuses on issues
Share feelings
Acknowledging feelings
Accepting – without judging

Note: Good for problem solving and

conflict resolution
Suggestions for matching the style
of talk to the situation
Never “small talk” big issues

Use control talk to take command

Note: Heavy control talk rarely, if ever,

works

Search talk is appropriate when exploring

situations