Communicating Information:
Purpose

What is the Purpose of the Communication?

We usually gather information and do research for a purpose. In college, it is often for a research paper, speech, or oral presentation (which may include some visuals or a PowerPoint presentation). Most likely, your instructor will tell you which of these formats you will need to prepare.

In life, you may be doing personal research on your child's illness and writing notes so you are prepared to talk with his or her doctor. You may be gathering information to prepare for a job interview with a company. in your job, you be assigned to do research and summarize it in a memo, formal report, or oral presentation.

When you have a choice of format to communicate information (research paper, speech, oral presentation, memo, interview, etc.), you need to ask yourself: What is the purpose of the communication? Which format will be most effective?