Based on Austin and Searle¡¦s speech act theory and Argyris¡¦ organizational learning theory, this study investigates how defensive speech routines impact the level of communication comprehension by information system professionals. Relying on the eye tracker as tool to measure information attention of participating IS professionals, the present researcher has conducted experiments to evaluate how indirect and direct speech acts as well as defensive speech routines influence subjects¡¦ understanding of illucotionary forces embedded in the speeches. The findings suggest that the different speech acts exert significant influence on subjects¡¦ comprehension and information attention, and information attention in turn significantly influences comprehension. The results of this study may help researchers to further investigate the congitive processes involved in IS professionals¡¦ communication and aid practitioners in reducing dysfunctional organizational learning due to defensive speech routines.