1. Purpose Practice ©2003 Gilberto Berríos Universidad Simón Bolívar

2. What will we practice? In this exercises you will: identify process-oriented verbs identify goal-oriented verbs decide when a purpose is well expressed

3. Let’s remember The purpose should: express your goal be clear to you be clear to your audience start with a goal-related verb, such as: “I’m here today to demonstrate…”

4. Let’s express purpose adequately “I’m here today to talk about the importance of chemical waste disposal.” No way! Why? It emphasizes process, not goal! Does this sentence express a purpose?

5. In other words… Merely talking about anything equals BLAH, BLAH, BLAH!!

6. Does the following sentence emphasize a goal? …the implementation of a chemical waste disposal program.” “My purpose here is… YesNo …to suggest …

7. You are soooo wrong! Go back

8. Right! ‘To suggest’ implies that you will try to persuade the audience. They will expect a formal justification to implement a chemical waste disposal program.

9. How about this sentence? Does it emphasize a goal? …the importance of chemical waste disposal.” “My aim in this presentation is… YesNo …to express my view of…

10. Think again! Go back

11. Correct! To express your view is a valid goal. The audience will get ready to hear your position regarding chemical waste disposal.

12. Does this sentence emphasize a goal? …the process of chemical waste disposal.” “My objective here is… YesNo …to outline…

13. Look at the verb! Go back

14. That’s correct! ‘To outline’ implies that you will present the major points of the topic. The audience will expect a schematic explanation of the chemical waste disposal process.

15. Does this sentence emphasize a goal? …the importance of chemical waste disposal.” “My goal today is… YesNo …to tell you about…

16. Go back I don’t think so!

17. The sentence starts with ‘my goal,’ but telling someone about something seems more a process than a goal. The audience will think that you did not prepare anything specific about chemical waste disposal. Good!

18. Express your purpose adequately These sentences express valid purposes: “In this presentation, I will clarify two ways of disposing of chemical waste.” “I will demonstrate the steps for proper chemical disposal.” “Today, I will make you aware of the dangers involved in chemical waste disposal.”

19. But… They use language that may put people down They may sound condescending

20. Express your purpose adequately These sentences may sound better: “In this presentation, I would like to clarify two ways of disposing of chemical waste.” “In a few simple steps I plan to demonstrate proper chemical disposal.” “Today, I intend to make you aware of the dangers involved in chemical waste disposal.”

21. This is all for now, my friends.

22. The end