What is Purposive Communication and how it differs from Oral Communication

Want to learn the major difference between Purposive and Oral Communication? Major difference is the way to communicate such as habitual manner vs Specific Manner or common terms vs specific terminologies etc.

Communication is undoubtedly one of the most essential skills of all time. In its simplest terms communication means the exchange of ideas. From ancient times, communication has been supporting survival. All the organisms interact or communicate in their own way. But what is need to communicate at all? To answer this question, one should take time and think about what will happen if there was no means of exchange of information or ideas. We will not be able to tell that we are hurt or this topic is to be understood this way and many more instances. Communication is required to give and take information among individuals. To do this there are many ways. Spoken, written, or signs are the most common modes of communication. Let’s explore more and talk about the difference between oral communication and purposive communication while illuminating the importance of the latter. 

Purposive Communication

When a purpose is associated with any mode of communication it becomes purposive communication. Unlike oral communication is adheres to some rules and formats. Purposive communication is the use of communicating language according to different audiences. It is also used for different purposes to talk, write, and present. Purposive language helps individuals to understand the intercultural aspects of language and can raise awareness about cultural aspects and modify them for better interaction with the audience. The use of purposive language can make effective and accurate interactions with a wider range of audience. This is most important for academic and formal purposes.

To understand better what is purposive discussion and how it differs from oral communication let us consider the following example. Usually, when we talk we do not consider the environment around us before speaking anything. In such a scenario, it is possible that we use some inappropriate sentences and phrases although we don’t mean to hurt anyone. This happens when we are simply communicating with the aid of oral communication.

However, if we take a pause and assess the situation around us and then choose further words and sentences, it would be called purposive communication. Sometimes, we want to convince investors, sometimes we want to win a debate competition, sometimes we want to teach students, in all these cases we make sure that we use appropriate words, syntax, and styles. Then this will be called purposive language.

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Spoken or Oral Communication

The daily conversations, informal speech and debate sessions, etc. constitute oral conversation. In laymen’s terms, oral communication means the exchange of information or ideas by talking. Oral communication doesn’t strictly follow any rules. It may vary from place to place. In oral communication, there is no specific syntax to be followed. It can be categorized as a collection of well-arranged and articulate informal contexts filled with a lot of fillers. Fillers are words like “like”, “you know”, etc. These words are used to make speech more lucid and interactive. They are additional words and may be omitted. Oral communication is quite casual in nature and may be used effectively to establish new relationships among individuals.

Difference between Purposive Communication and Oral Communication

By now you must have got some idea about the difference between oral and purposive communication.

  • Oral communication involves the use of language in a very habitual manner whereas purposive communication involves the use of language in a specific manner. Both differ greatly in hearing and approaches.
  • Oral communication usually includes common terms and words but purposive communication involves specific terminologies according to the event and purpose.
  • Oral communication is the same for all kinds of audiences whereas purposive communication is different for different audiences. For example, a lecture for engineering students will be greatly different from those belonging to medical school.
  • Oral communication includes a number of fillers and unnecessary terms while speaking whereas purposive language is more refined and such words are omitted.
  • Purposive language is restrictive and limited. It is not subject to change once decided what is to be spoken or written but oral communication is flexible and can be modified at any point in time.
  • Memory plays a major role in conducting purposive discussions but there is no need for memory in oral communication.
  • Purposive language may be used at any time without worrying about receptors response at it is very formal but oral communication should be done with known individuals only as it is quite informal in nature.

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Importance of Purposive Communication

There is no doubt that quality in anything raises the bar high and meets optimum expectations. The use of purposive communication also does the same. Some pointers are as follows:

  • It enhances the quality of communication and brings better results. This happens as purposive discussion involves prior information before speaking or asking anything. It considers the cause and effect of the purpose of nay proposed sentence while speaking or writing.
  • The use of purposive language is very helpful for academians as they will be able to express themselves more clearly and achieve their aims and objectives.
  • Using purposive language one can covey their ideas more comprehensively with greater clarity.
  • These days purposive language is extensively used while writing, critiquing, responding, comprehending, etc. It helps to provoke better explanations in your own words.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major concepts of Purposive Communication?

Two Major Concepts of Purposive Communication are as follows:

  1. To maintain and develop our sense of self.
  2. To meet our Social needs.

What are two basic difference between Oral Communication and Written Communication?

Oral communication is generally suitable for small groups and informal settings, is swift and proffers immediate feedback, but may maintain less accuracy and clarity. Written communication is a best match for large groups and relatively formal settings, holds more accuracy and clear idea of discussion, however it is somewhat slower and provides delayed feedback.

What are the 7 Cs of Communication?

The 7 Cs in Communication stands for: Clear, Concrete, Correct, Concise, Coherent, Courteous and Complete. There may be some different variations too, One can use these 7 Cs as a checklist in their Written and Oral Communication.

What are Four types of Communication?

The four types of communication are Verbal, Visual, The four types of communication are Verbal, Visual, Non-Verbal, and Written Communication.

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