LESSON

PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
3 INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION
photos, or facebook memes. Lastly, to be creative
means you have to read, and do your research.
TOPICS 4. MEMORABLE. A speech is really informative
when your audience hears a lot of new ideas –
1. Informative Speaking
but you need to help them remember main
2. Methods of Informing
points. Here are some techniques:
3. Visual Communication
 Presentation aids:
4. Understanding the Basics of Visual
 Use: To provide audience with a visual or
Design
auditory memory of important or difficult
LEARNING OUTCOMES material
At the end of the lesson, you should be  Example: A diagram of process of making
able to: ethanol from sugarcane.
1. Distinguish the different methods of  Repetition
informing  Use: To give audience a second or third
2. Create a visual presentation chance to retain important information by
repeating or paraphrasing it
 Example: “One of the dimensions of love is
respect; that is, it can’t really be love if there is
TOPIC 1: INFORMATIVE SPEAKING no respect.”
 Transitions
We, humans, do not just simply live; but we  Use: To help the audience understand the
also participate in humanity. We do not grasp relationship between the ideas being
knowledge simply for ourselves – but we also share presented, including primary and supporting
them to other people. The process of sharing factual information
ideas to other people is called as informative  Example: “So the three main characteristics of
speaking. Oftentimes, we encounter communication love are mutual respect, trust, and acceptance.
situations when we send facts, truths, and principles Now, let’s look at each of the five ways you can
in a way that motivates other people to also learn and keep love alive. The first is through
share. That being said, informative speaking is communication…”
described as communication that is designed to  Humor and other emotional anecdotes
educate audiences; aim to answer questions about a  Use: To create an emotional memory link to
topic; and targets to achieve mutual understanding important ideas.
about an object, person, place, process, event,  Example: “True love is like a pair of socks, your
concept, or issue. have to have two, and they have got to match.
So you and your partner need to be mutually
For instance, we do informative speaking
committed and compatible.”
when we teach a person the particular instructions on
 Mnemonics and acronyms
how to cook a meal and what ingredients are needed;
describe a specific place by its geographic location,  Use: To provide an easy memory prompt for a
number of population, and scenic appearance; series or a list.
narrate experiences on how to recover from a  Example: “You can remember the four criteria
particular disease; describe similarities and for evaluating a diamond as the four Cs: carat,
differences of living in urban and rural places; and clarity, cut, and color.”
define unfamiliar terminologies.  Example: “As you can see, the useful goals are
SMART.” (SMART: Specific, Measurable,
Characteristics of Effective Informative Action-oriented, Relevant and Time-bound)
Speaking 5. ADDRESS DIVERSE LEARNING STYLES.
The audience may have different styles when it
1. INTELLECTUALLY STIMULATING. For a topic to
comes to understanding and remembering
be intellectually stimulating, it must be a new and
points. Hence, as a speaker, you have to be
significant one which arouses the curiosity of the
creative in assisting their learning. Below are
listeners and excite their interest. the suggested ways:
 Address the watching dimension through
2. RELEVANT. Incorporate listener relevance links, visual aids
statements that clarify how a particular point may  Address the thinking dimensions by including
be important to a listener, throughout the speech. explanations, definitions, and statistics.
 Address the doing dimensions by encouraging
3. CREATIVE. Creativity does not require talent; it is your listeners to act on something during the
a product of hard work, good research, time, and speech or afterward.
productive thinking. You may insert news,
anecdotes, jokes, quotations, viral videos or

1 | PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION| OMSC Murtha Campus

Second Semester | Academic Year 2021-2022
Instructor: Mark Anthony S. Bartolome, MAEd
 LESSON
PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
3 INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION
TOPIC 2: Methods of Informing change over time, origin may reveal very little about
modern meaning. In some instances, however, the
1. DEFINITION history of a word lends additional insight that will
help the audience not only better remember the
Definition is a method of informing that
meaning but also bring the meaning to life. For
explains the meaning of something. Because of its
instance, a “censor” originally was one of two
importance in solving problems, learning and
Roman magistrates appointed to take the census
understanding, defining explaining what a word
and later, to supervise public morals. The best
means is essential for effective communication
source of word derivation is the Oxford English
because it helps audiences understand and relate to
Dictionary.
key concepts (Weaver, 1970, p. 212). In your
informative speeches, you are likely to use both short Extended definitions
and extended definitions.
Often a word is so important to a speech that
Short definitions an extended definition is warranted. An extended
definition is one that serves as an entire main point
Short definitions are used to clarify concepts
in a speech or at times, an entire speech. Thus, an
in as few words as possible. Effective speakers learn
entire speech can be built around an extended
to define by synonym and antonym, classification and
definition of a term such as freedom, equality,
differentiation, use or function and etymological
justice, love or impressionistic painting.
reference.
An extended definition begins with a single
1. Synonyms and antonyms. Using a synonym or an
sentence dictionary definition or stipulated
antonym is the quickest way to define a word because
definition. For example, Webster’s Third New
you are able to indicate an approximate, if not exact,
International Dictionary defines jazz as “American
meaning in a single sentence. Synonyms are words
music characterized by improvisation, syncopated
that have the same or nearly the same meanings;
rhythms, contrapuntal ensemble playing and
antonyms are words that have opposite meanings.
special melodic features peculiar to the individual
Defining by synonym is defining by comparison for a
interpretation of the player.” This definition suggests
word that does not bring up an immediate concrete
four topics (“improvisation,” “syncopation,”
meaning, we provide one that does. Synonyms for
“ensemble” and “special melodies”) that could be
prolix include long, wordy and verbose. Its antonyms
used as a basis for a topical order for a speech.
are short and concise. Synonyms are not duplicates
for the word being defined, but they do give a good The key to the effectiveness of the speech
idea of what the word means. Of course, the synonym would be how well you explain each topic. Your
or antonym must be familiar to the audience or its use selection and use of examples, illustrations,
defeats its purpose. comparisons, personal experiences and
observations will give the speech its original and
2. Classification and differentiation. When you
distinctive flavor.
define by classification, you give the boundaries of the
particular word and focus on the single feature that To add, there are four ways to define something.
differentiates that word from words with similar
meanings. Most dictionary definitions are of the a. Define a word or idea by classifying it and
classification differentiation variety. For instance, a differentiating it from similar ideas.
dog may be defined as a carnivorous, domesticated For example, in a speech on vegetarianism,
mammal of the family Canidae. “Carnivorous,” you may use information from the Vegan’s
“mammal” and “family Canidae” limit the boundaries Society’s Website to develop a definition of
to dogs, jackals, faxes and wolves. “Domesticated” vegan: “A vegan is a vegetarian who is seeking
differentiates dogs from the other three. a lifestyle free from any animal products for the
benefit of people, animals, and environment…”
3. Use or function. A third short way to define is by
explaining the use or function of the object b. Define a word by derivation or history.
represented by a particular word. Thus, when you say, For instance, the word vegan is made from
“A plane is a hand powered tool used to smooth the the beginning of the word vegetarian and was
edges of boards” or “A scythe is a piece of steel coined in the United Kingdom in 1944, when the
shaped in a half circle with a handle attached that is Vegan Society was founded. Offering this
used to cur weeds or high grass,” you are defining etymology will help your audience to remember
tools by indicating their use. Because the use or the meaning of vegan.
function of an object may be more important than its
classification, often this is an excellent method of c. Define a word by explaining its use or function.
definition. For example, in vegan recipes, you can use
tofu to replace meat and soy milk to replace
4. Etymology. Etymology is the derivation or history
cow’s milk.
of a particular word. Because meanings of words

2 | PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION| OMSC Murtha Campus

Second Semester | Academic Year 2021-2022
Instructor: Mark Anthony S. Bartolome, MAEd
 LESSON
PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
3 INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION
d. Define something by using a familiar synonym or In some cases, you may be clearer by
antonym. describing what it looks like rather than what it is. For
A synonym is a word that has the same or similar example, you may say that something looks metallic
meaning; an antonym is a word that has the even if it is made of plastic rather than metal.
opposite meaning.
Therefore, you can define vegan by comparing it You can describe the something by its age
to a word vegetarian (synonym) or to the word and condition. For example, describing a city as old
carnivore (antonym). and well-kept gives a mental picture.

2. DESCRIPTION Revising descriptions

Description is improved with careful revision.

Informative speeches can be made more
For most people, vivid description does not come
vivid by describing, telling what it looks like. To
easily we are not used to describing vividly in
describe effectively requires you to observe
ordinary conversation. In practicing a speech, the
particular descriptive characteristics and to create
speaker has the opportunity to work on the language,
vivid ways to communicate those observations.
revising general and bland statements to make them
Description is the informative method that is more specific and vivid. We can work with a single,
used to create an accurate, vivid, verbal picture of simple idea to illustrate the revision process.
an object, geographic feature, setting, event,
person, or image. This method usually answers who, Consider these sentences:
what, or where question. It will be more effective if
you have presentational aid, but verbal descriptions (Several pencils were on Jamal’s desk.)
that are clear, vivid, can create mental pictures that This statement of fact tells us that pencils
are also informative. To describe something (plural) were on a desk, but it gives no real
effectively, you can explain its size, shape, weight, description.
color, composition, age, condition, and spatial Revising this description begins by asking
organization. questions that relate to the essentials of description
You can describe size subjectively, such as we discussed. By asking “How many pencils? What
large or small, and objectively by nothing specific color were they?” specific descriptive details come to
numerical measures. For example, you can describe mind. This revision answers those questions:
the New York City subjectively as the largest in the (Five yellow pencils decorated Jamal’s desk.)
US or more objectively as home to more than 8m
people with more than 26,000 people per square “Five” is more descriptive than “several”
meter. because it is more specific; “yellow” begins a
description of how they look ed; “decorated” is more
You can describe a shape by reference to descriptive than “on” because it carries a mental
common geometric forms like round, triangular, picture.
oblong spherical, conical, cylindrical, or by reference
to common objects as a book or a milk carton. Now ask the questions “What condition were
the pencils in? How were they arranged?” In the
You can describe weight subjectively, such following two sentences, we get completely different
as heavy or light, and objectively by pounds and descriptions of the pencils based on the answers to
ounces or kilograms or grams. these questions:
As with size, you can clarify weight with (Five stubby, well chewed pencils of different
comparisons. For example, it’s about as heavy as an colors, all badly in need of sharpening, were
Octopus. The adult North Pacific Giant Octopus scattered about Jamal’s desk.)
usually weighs around 50kg. It is the largest octopus
species and is known for its considerable These examples begin to show the different
intelligence, including the ability to open jars, solve pictures that can be created depending on how you
mazes, and mimic other octopuses. use the observed details.
You can describe color by combining a basic Continued revision may lead to your trying to
color (such as black, white, red, or yellow) with a memorize the speech. As you practice, try to keep
common object. For instance, instead of describing the essentials in mind but use slightly different
something as a dark red or purple brown, you may wordings each time to express your descriptions. By
describe the object as “eggplant purple.” making minor changes each time, you will avoid
memorizing the speech.
You can describe the composition of
something by explaining what it is made of, such as
by saying that a building was made of bricks,
concrete, wood, or siding.

3 | PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION| OMSC Murtha Campus

Second Semester | Academic Year 2021-2022
Instructor: Mark Anthony S. Bartolome, MAEd
 LESSON
PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
3 INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION
3. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST You may organize compare-and-contrast
essays in one of the following two ways:
Comparison and contrast is a method of
informing that focuses on how something is similar According to the subjects themselves,
or different from other things. discussing one then the other
Comparison in writing discusses elements According to individual points, discussing
that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses each subject in relation to each point
elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast
essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing The organizational structure you choose
them, contrasting them, or both. depends on the nature of the topic, your purpose, and
your audience.
The key to a good compare-and-contrast
essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect Phrases of Comparison and Contrast
in a meaningful way. The purpose of conducting the
comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but Comparison Contrast
rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected
 one
similarities.  one difference
similarity
For example, if you wanted to focus on
contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples  another  another
and oranges; rather, you might choose to compare similarity difference
and contrast two types of oranges or two types of  both  conversely
apples to highlight subtle differences.
 like  in contrast
For example, Red Delicious apples are
sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic.  likewise  unlike
Drawing distinctions between elements in a similar
category will increase the audience’s understanding  similarly  while
of that category, which is the purpose of the
 in a similar
compare-and-contrast essay.  whereas
fashion
Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose
two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay
comparison essay, you likely would not choose two
apples or two oranges because they share so many First choose whether you want to compare
of the same properties already. Rather, you might try seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly
to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects.
similar. The more divergent the two subjects initially Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with
seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should
be. come at the end of the introduction, and it should
establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or
The Structure of a Comparison and Contrast both as well as state what can be learned from doing
Essay so.
The compare-and-contrast essay starts with The body of the essay can be organized in
a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are one of two ways: by subject or by individual points.
to be compared, contrasted, or both and the reason The organizing strategy that you choose will depend
for doing so. The thesis could lean more toward on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You
comparing, contrasting, or both. Remember, the may also consider your particular approach to the
point of comparing and contrasting is to provide subjects as well as the nature of the subjects
useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following themselves; some subjects might better lend
thesis as an example that leans more toward themselves to one structure or the other. Make sure
contrasting. to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the
reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the
Thesis statement: Organic vegetables may relationship between the subjects.
cost more than those that are conventionally grown,
but when put to the test, they are definitely worth 4. NARRATION
every extra penny.
Narration is the method of informing that
Here the thesis sets up the two subjects to recounts autobiographical or biographical event, a
be compared and contrasted (organic versus myth, a story, or some other account.
conventional vegetables), and it makes a claim
Recall from that a narrative is a story, a tale
about the results that might prove useful to the
or an account (often humorous) that has a point or
reader.

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Second Semester | Academic Year 2021-2022
Instructor: Mark Anthony S. Bartolome, MAEd
 LESSON
PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
3 INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION
climax. A joke has a punch line; a fable has a moral; whether a topic is simple or complex, effective
other narratives have climactic endings that make the demonstrations require expertise, developing a
stories interesting. Thus, the primary goal of a hierarchy of steps, and using visual language and aids.
narrative is to make a point in such a unique or
interesting way that the audience will remember it Regardless of whether a topic is simple or complex,
because of the way it was presented. In a speech effective demonstrations require expertise, developing
about the costs of faulty listening, suppose you a hierarchy of steps, and using visual language and
exemplified your point with this narrative: aids.

Abraham suffered great personal cost by Watch the following videos for examples:
working all day to finish a report for the five o’clock Figure 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ntYZjkogWM
deadline, only to find as he turned it in that he was a
Figure 2https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li-gBHFBkIo
day early.
This one sentence narrative about Abraham TOPIC 3: VISUAL COMMUNICATION
can then be developed to be both more interesting
and more memorable. Let’s consider three major As people are distinguished with their
elements of narration and how they can increase the different communication styles, they are also
power of this particular narrative statement. different when it comes to their learning styles. While
some may learn with just listening, plainly reading
1. Narratives are built with supporting details. words, or by doing, some learn best when they are
Narratives can be long or short depending on the able to see visual presentations. Here are some
number and degree of development of supporting benefits of visuals…
details used to build the story to maximize its effect.
For instance, in the narrative of Abraham’s report,  Most people understand things better when
you could introduce details such as how Abraham got they have seen how they work
to work at 6 A.M., more than two hours earlier than  Complex ideas can be presented clearly and
usual, to find the time to work on the report and how quickly using visual aids
Abraham had to turn down a lunch invitation from a  People retain information longer when it is
man he had been trying to see for three weeks about presented to them visually
an important issue of company policy.  Visuals can be used to communicate to a wide
range of people with different backgrounds.
2. Narratives usually maintain suspense. Part
 Visuals are useful when trying to condense
of the power of the narrative can be increased by
information into a short time period.
withholding the punch line until the end. If you can
Visual aids when used imaginatively and
tease the audience, you will hold their attention. The
appropriately will help your audience remember
audience will be trying to see whether they can
more. Consider the following:
anticipate what you are going to say. Vocally, a slight
pause before delivering the punch line will heighten  People think in terms of images, not words, so
the effect: visuals help them retain and recall technical
information
Abraham worked all day to finish his report for
the five o’clock deadline, only to discover when he  Visuals attract and hold attention of observers
turned it in [pause] it was one full day early!  Visuals simplify technical information
 Visuals may be useful in presenting technical
3. Narratives include dialogue when possible. information to a nontechnical audience.
A story will be much more enjoyable to an audience
if they can hear it unfold through dialogue. For Understanding the Basics of Visual Designs
instance, notice how our one line story improves with
this presentation:  Keep it simple.
- Do not overload.
As Abraham burst into his boss’s office with - Give clear and immediate impact
his report in hand, his boss’s secretary stared at him, - Simplicity maintains maximum
dumbfounded. When he said breathlessly, “Here’s personal contact with the audience
the report, right on the dot!” she exclaimed,
 Emphasize only key ideas
“Abraham, the report isn’t due until tomorrow!”
- When you call attentions to ideas with
5. DEMONSTRATION graphic representations, make sure the
graphic clearly illustrates your key
Demonstration is a method of points or most important supporting
informing to show how something works. idea.
Demonstration range from very simple with a few  Show what you can’t say
easy-to-follow steps (such as how to iron shirts) to - Visuals are used to reveal materials that
a very complex (such as explaining how a computer cannot be easily described orally
operating system (OS) functions.) Regardless of - Photographs, drawings, charts, and
5 | PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION| OMSC Murtha Campus
Second Semester | Academic Year 2021-2022
Instructor: Mark Anthony S. Bartolome, MAEd
 LESSON
PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION
3 INFORMATIVE COMMUNICATION
graphs may accomplish this objective • Typical situation: Responding to audience’s
 Use close-up photos question
- Close-up are effective in evoking emotional response 1. Extemporaneous (a planned, researched,
 Keep the number of images you present and rehearsed speech). Sandwiched between
manageable the memorized and impromptu delivery styles
- Maximum of 8 to 10 images you find the extemporaneous speech style. For
 Combine variety with coherence this style, the speech is not completely written
- In using a number of images, vary the design enough out. It is usually delivered with keynotes for
to make them interesting but keep them aesthetically reference.
consistent. Most public speaking courses and books
 Use large lettering describe extemporaneous speeches as carefully
prepared and rehearsed, but delivered using
- Avoid presenting long texts
notes of key words and phrases to support the
speaker. Phrasing is pre- rehearsed, words are
Tips for Using Presentation Media
pre-chosen, and the organization is fluid and
well-constructed. There should be no fumbling
Consider Practice Set up Speak to for words, no rambling, and length of time should
the room with your early your be carefully monitored. The style does offer the
media audience not
speaker flexibility to include references to the
your media
immediate surroundings, previous speeches,
news of the day, and so on.
As being familiar If you can, • Advantages: Allows speaker to develop
You want to be
comfortable with with the venue is arrive a day Always make expertise on a topic, to adjust to audience
necessary, so early on the sure that you face
the environment feedback
as being familiar venue so you your audience •
before the Limitation: Rehearsing and researching take
on how to use may set up and avoid turning
speaking time
engagement; your media. the materials your back from • Typical situation: Classroom, professional,
Practice using needed them. Looking at
hence, make and community presentation
the media and beforehand. the presentation
sure to be 2. Manuscript. The word manuscript is the clue
imagine Doing this will media to read the
familiar with it to the style. The speech is written and the
prior the event. possible help you ease content is a
interruptions so your speaker reads it word for word to the audience.
Familiarize common mistake
yourself with the that you may nervousness committed by
Originally, it was done from the hand-written
arrangement already identify about the speakers. This is paper manuscript. Today the manuscript style
solutions as speaking the reason why is common, but the paper is gone. In the old
and identify
well. Conduct a engagement practicing with days, the manuscript was hand-lettered on cue
possible
drill of your and will the media is
distractions. If cards, which were held next to the camera lens.
possible, speech and the decrease important.
your anxiety Then paper scrolls, like printed piano rolls were
rearrange the media so you
on the used, especially in Soap Operas. Today, a
room the way may acquaint
yourself. materials you special teleprompter (working like a periscope)
you want.
are to use. is attached to the camera so the newscaster is
looking at the lens while reading.
• Advantages: Allows speaker to choose each
DELIVERY METHODS word precisely
1. Impromptu (speaking without preparation). • Limitation: Speaker uses written than spoken
Theoretically, an “impromptu” speech is “made up on the language which is difficult to modify
• Typical situation: Political speeches
spot.” It is unprepared and unrehearsed. Often
3. Memorized. The memorized style of speaking
ceremonial toasts, grace before meals, an
is when the manuscript is committed to
acknowledgement, an introduction, offering thanks and
memory and recited to the audience verbatim
so on, fall into this category.
(word for word). In the days
Impromptu speeches are generally short and are
when elocution was taught, this was a typical
often given with little or no notice. Notes are rare and the
approach.
speaker generally looks directly at the audience. It would
• Advantages: Allows speaker to present speech
be presumptuous and arrogant to declare rules for without notes
Impromptu Speaking. It is fair to explain that “impromptu” • Limitation: Can seem artificial
describes a range from absolutely no preparation, to a • Typical situation: Short ceremonial
modest amount of preparation (mostly thought) and rarely speeches
incorporates research or the formalities of outlines and
citations that more formal speeches would include.
• Advantages: Flexibility, spontaneous
• Limitation: Not rehearsed, can be disorganized

6 | PURPOSIVE COMMUNICATION| OMSC Murtha Campus

Second Semester | Academic Year 2021-2022
Instructor: Mark Anthony S. Bartolome, MAEd