According to Goffman, “giving” information means that a person is not only aware of what they are communicating, but that they are also fully aware of what they are signaling. They realize that they are engaging in purposeful communication. In other words, the actor is aware of whatever it is they are attempting to communicate, and the manner in which this is occurring. This type of communication is open and each “side” is aware of the message being communicated.  

EXAMPLES: 

Eating at a certain restaurant. Driving an expensive automobile.  

Wearing a certain type of shoes. Using certain words as part of your vocabulary. 

Wearing a certain type of hat. “Name Dropping.”