Different Speech Functions

Functions of speech are different ways of communicating. The differences among the speech
functions have to do with the intention of the communication. Different intention or goal leads to
the use of a different function of speech. There are many different functions if speech but we will
look at the six that are listed below.
 Referential
 Directive
 Expressive
 Phatic
 Poetic
 Meta-linguistic
Referential
Referential speech provides information. For example, a person might share the time with
someone (“It's five o’clock”). Referential speech can often provide information to a question
(“what time is it?”).
Directive
Directives or commands try to get someone to do something. Examples include “turn
left” or “sit down”. The context of a directive is one in which something needs or should be
done. As such, one person tries to make one or more other persons do something. Even children
say directives towards their parents (“give me the ball”).
Expressive
Expressive speech shares a person’s feelings. An example would be “I feel happy
today!”. Expressive communication can at times provide clear evidence of how someone is
doing.
Phatic
Phatic speech is closely related to expressive speech. However, the main difference is
that phatic speech is focused on the well-being of others while expressive speech focuses on the
feelings of the person speaking.
An example of phatic speech is saying “how are you?”. This is clearly a question but it is
focusing on how the person is doing. Another phrase might be “I hope you get well soon.” Again
the focus on is on the welfare of someone else.
Poetic
Poetic speech is speech that is highly aesthetic. Songs and poetry are examples of
language that is poetic in nature. An example would be the famous nursery rhyme “Roses are
red, violets are blue…..). Poetic speech often has a powerful emotional effect as well.
Meta-linguistic 
Meta-linguistic speech is communication about language. For example, this entire blog
post would be considered by many to be meta-linguistic because I am talking about language and
not really using language as described in the other functions of speech.
Exceptions
There are many more categories than the ones presented. In addition, the categories
presented are not mutually exclusive. Many phrases can be correctly classified into many
different categories. For example, if someone says “I love you” you could argue that it’s
expressive, poetic, and or even phatic. What is missing is the context in which such a statement
is made.
Conclusion
The ways in which we communicated have been briefly explained here. Understanding
how people communicate will help others to better understand those around us and improve our
style of communicating.