What is the first step in the process of informing?

The first step in the process of informing is attracting information to the communication. This foundational action involves ensuring that relevant and engaging information is recognized and brought into the communicative process. By attracting information, the communicator involves the audience in the message and sets the stage for effective dissemination of ideas.

This step is crucial because, without engaging the audience and drawing their attention to the pertinent information, the subsequent steps—such as interpretation, storage, and acceptance—become less effective. For instance, if the information isn't compelling or relevant enough to attract the audience, they may not process the message or retain it for future use.

In the context of public relations, the initial engagement captures interest and creates a pathway for further communication. Without this step, the likelihood of successful information transfer diminishes significantly.