Functions of Communication

Communication is a complex process but also the key to any healthy

relationship. How is it essential? Well, knowing much more about it can help you build
healthier surroundings and enable you to express yourself fully. Exploring
communication, there are five (5) functions: Regulation, Social Interaction, Motivation,
Information, and Emotional Expression. Why do we need to know about these?
Because different situations require different actions, having prior knowledge about
these can help you improve and respond appropriately.

In the regulation or control video, they showed a clear example of how this
function can be used. A doctor was instructing his patient to take his medicines on time;
it was controlling the behavior of the patient. In the next video, Pocahontas was chatting
to a stranger, John, talking about their own towns, having a smooth talk. It was about
social interaction. What came next was very motivating; the Speaker was clear about
his goals – the topic; he delivered the message in an inspiring tone, convincing us
listeners – giving us motivation. The information video was a role-play of newscasting; it
was shaky but understandable. The news gave them information about the weather,
and they prepared for the storm. The last one was a Disney movie titled “Inside Out”,
where Joy realizes the importance of Sadness in Riley’s life. It was moving and full of
affections, a clear presentation of emotional expression.

These different functions of communications all depend on the purpose of the

Speaker. Several functions but only have one goal; to have an effective communication.