Purpose of Statements

Describing Overt Information

• Done or shown openly
• Plainly apparent
• Can be applied to any type of activity

Describing Covert Information

• Not openly acknowledged or displayed
• Often used within the military
• Can be used at the same time as overt

Statements that seek information

Inflection

• The change of tone of ones voice
• Change in pitch
• Change in pace
• Change in volume
• A smile or pause is also impactful

Inflection can change the overall meaning behind a conversation. It can mean the difference between a speaker showing confidence or a lack thereof.

Commands

• Do not invite discussions
• Puts others on the defensive

The use of commands does not invite others to engage into a conversation with you. Commands can be humiliating and belittling towards the receiver. Commands are often seen as aggressive and impolite.

Indirect Questions

• Can be invitational
• Invites a yes or no answer
• Close with a period, not a question mark

Indirect questions should invite the other person into a conversation with you. They tend to be a little more formal and polite. They are often used with someone you don't know very well or in a professional setting.

Works Cited

• http://esl.about.com/od/gramma1/a/indirectques.htm
• http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-overt-and-cove...
• www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflection‎