1. Listen Carefully

When someone gives you a message, give them your full attention. Look at the speaker and do not distract yourself with other things.

• Pay attention to every word
• Do not interrupt the speaker
• Keep quiet while listening

2. Remember the Key Parts

A good message has three important parts:

• Who — Who is the message for?
• What — What is the message about?
• When/Where — When or where should something happen?

3. Report Accurately

When passing the message to another person:

• Use your own words but keep the same meaning
• Do not add information that was not said
• Do not leave out important details

Original message from Mr. Joseph to Amina: "Please tell Emmanuel that I will come to his house tomorrow morning at nine o'clock to collect the books."

How Amina should report this to Emmanuel: "Emmanuel, Mr. Joseph asked me to tell you that he will come to your house tomorrow morning at nine o'clock to collect the books."

Notice how Amina:

• Used the correct names (Emmanuel, Mr. Joseph)
• Kept the exact time (nine o'clock tomorrow morning)
• Included the reason (to collect the books)

This game helps you practice reporting messages accurately.

Step 1: Your teacher will whisper a short sentence to the first student in each row.

Step 2: That student whispers the exact sentence to the next student.

Step 3: Continue until the last student receives the message.

Step 4: The last student says the message out loud.

Step 5: Compare the final message with the original. Was it the same? If not, where did it change?

Example sentences for the game:

• "The headteacher will visit our classroom at ten o'clock."
• "Bring your math books to the library tomorrow."
• "There will be a meeting for all Standard Six pupils in the hall."

An announcement is a message that is shared with many people. When making an announcement, speak clearly and loudly so everyone can hear.

Steps to make a good announcement:

1. Get everyone's attention first
2. Say who the announcement is for
3. Give the main information clearly
4. End by repeating the important details

Example Announcement:

"Attention, please! Attention, please! All pupils who signed up for the football team should meet Mr. Hamisi at the playground tomorrow at four o'clock. Please bring your sports shoes. Thank you."

• Be quick — Pass the message as soon as possible
• Be clear — Use simple language
• Be accurate — Do not change the message
• Be polite — Use words like "please," "thank you," and "excuse me"

Try to answer these:

1. Your mother calls and says, "Tell your father to buy sugar on his way home." How will you report this to your father?

2. Listen to this announcement: "School will close early today at twelve o'clock for cleaning." Report this message to your classmate who was absent.

In Tanzania, you will often need to report messages in your daily life. For example, if your neighbour calls and asks you to tell your mother that the mwendesha (motorcycle taxi) driver will come at five o'clock, you must listen carefully and pass this message correctly. If you forget the time or the name, your mother may miss the ride and lose the money she had prepared for transport. Reporting messages accurately helps your family and community communicate well and avoids misunderstandings.