What characteristic distinguishes purposive communication from ordinary conversation?

Purposive communication is characterized by having a specific intention or goal behind the interaction. This difference sets it apart from ordinary conversation, which may be more casual and may not necessarily aim to achieve a particular outcome. In purposive communication, every exchange is directed towards fulfilling a specific purpose, whether it be to inform, persuade, educate, or resolve a conflict.

For example, in a business meeting, the communication is carefully crafted to achieve objectives like making decisions, sharing information, or strategizing. This goal-oriented nature ensures that the communication is more focused and organized, as opposed to the often spontaneous and unstructured nature of regular conversations, which may merely serve to socialize or fill time without a clear purpose.

This intention behind purposive communication is also what shapes the choice of language, context, and methods of delivery, making it effective in fulfilling its aims.