7 Section 1.1 Introduction to Professional Communication Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. • Inform. A message that informs is one that provides information or education. For example, a nutrition label on a product conveys a message that informs the consumer. A major goal of professional communication is to inform. • Persuade. A message that persuades is one that attempts to change the behavior of the receiver. A car advertisement is an example of a message that attempts to persuade the receiver of the information to buy a car. Professional communication attempts to persuade and change behavior through messages such as an advertisement or a brochure. • Instruct. A message that instructs others is one that attempts to provide direction or guidance. If you send an e-mail to your department directing them to attend a meeting, you are sending a message to instruct others. Professional communication focuses on influencing the audience by providing guidance such as directions in a technical document or manual. It uses graphics to help readability and visuals to provide appeal. • Make a request. Many messages that you send during a day take the form of a request. A message that makes a request is one that asks a question about information or asks for an action to occur. Sending an e-mail to your supervisor to request to use your vacation time is an example. • Respond to a request. Alternatively to making a request, there will be times that you must respond to a request that has been made of you. You are responding to a request when a customer asks you to suggest the right product for his or her needs and you make a recommendation. Communication involves written, verbal, and nonverbal messages. Rido/Shutterstock.com