Lesson 3: Functions of Communication

Most Essential Learning Competency:

Explain the functions, nature Lesson
and process of communication.
3: Functions of Communication

RODRIGO FAMILY
At the endPrinted
*Exclusively of thefor
lesson, youSchool
Senior High can: Students of IETI College of Science and Technology, Inc.
LEARNING MODULE IN ORAL COMMUNICATION
1
 discuss the functions of communication;
 identify the speaker’s purpose(s); and
 -Customers making orders
Language Forms

Example: An interviewee trying to control herself to meet the expectations set by the
interviewer. The interviewee changes her behavior according to how the interviewer
manages the conversation.

2. SOCIAL INTERACTION-Social interaction as a function of communication refers

to the use of communication to socialize or interact with other people around us. By
revealing our thoughts and feelings, we elicit reactions from others. The way we
WHAT ARE COMMUNICATION FUNCTIONS? communicate with others will depend on how close we are to them or how much we
value them. How you talk to your best friend will be very different with how you talk to
Communication functions refer to how people use language for different purposes. It someone you just met or to someone with high authority.
is also referring to how language is affected by different time, place, and situation
used to control the behavior of people used to regulate the nature and number of BASIC FORMS OF SOCIAL INTERACTION
activities people engage in.  Invitations
 Greetings
 Appreciations
THE 5 BASIC FUNCTIONS COMMUNICATION  Encouragement
1. REGULATION/CONTROL-Communication can be used to controlhuman  Marriage proposals etc.
behavior. It can be used to regulate the nature and amount of activities humans
engage in. It ranges from simple requests to laws governing countries and large 3. MOTIVATION- It is the energy that influences a person’s behavior in different
territories. ways to his pursuit of his goal or objective that encourages people to live better.

COMMANDS STATEMENTS BASIC FORMS OF MOTIVATION

BASIC FORMS OF OR RHETORICAL OR  Expressing one’s ambitions (I dream of… )
REGULATION/CONTROL IMPERATIVES QUESTIONS DECLARATIVES  Talking about preferences ( This is good over the other )
 Ordering in a fast food restaurant ( I want… )
-Doctors’ prescriptions Please come in Why don’t we I want to be  Asking for milk ( Can I…? )
-Parents’ instructions to Get a chair go to the lobby alone.  Making petitions
their children Take your seat now? It’s hot in here.
 Expressing a need (I need… )
-Friends giving advice on Run Can you pass You need to
what course of action to the salt? hurry.
take Can I have a MOTIVATIONAL KIND OF COMMUNICATION
-Scolding moment of
-Employers orders to their silence ? Positive motivation happens when the speaker uses his or her skills in
employees communication as a bridge towards self assessments, confidence, knowledge, etc.
RODRIGO FAMILY
*Exclusively Printed for Senior High School Students of IETI College of Science and Technology, Inc.
LEARNING MODULE IN ORAL COMMUNICATION
2

Negative motivation can lead either to communication apprehension, social anxiety,
shyness or public speaking anxiety.
 Communication anxiety happens when a person becomes fearful of
communicating with another person or a group. This fear is either imagined or
real, and may have rooted from a previous experience. The physical signs of
apprehension include sweaty palms or feeling upset stomach. These signs
motivate someone to avoid communication or feel anxious when forced to
communicate.
 Context apprehension happens when the anxiety to communicate happens
in certain situations only such as interpersonal, small group or public
speaking.
Where is Mrs. Ching?
Did it rain last night?
Is it windy outside?
 GETTING INFORMATION USING IMPERATIVES
Show me how to tie a knot.
Give me information regarding the weather.
 GETTING INFORMATION USING DECLARATIVES
I don’t know where to find the city hall.
I need to understand how my bill was computed.
5. EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION-Emotional expression as a function of
communication makes possible the release or unloading of emotions, resulting in
catharsis. It facilitates people’s expression of their feelings and emotions such as
love, fear, anger, joy, hope, or any other emotion.

 Fear of Public speaking is also called stage fright. This is when a person BASIC EXAMPLES OF EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION
hesitates or avoids speaking in front of a large group or large audience.  Yes!
 Oh no!
 Shyness happens when a person feel uncomfortable when speaking to a  Ouch!
small group or people. Shy people are afraid to initiate communication or  Expletives
actively participate in small group discussions.  Really?

 Social anxiety is when someone hesitates interpersonal communication.

This kind of anxiety happens when a person feels threatened and scared of PURPOSES OF COMMUNICATION
what other people say or think about them.
1. Small-talk is a form of non-threatening communication that may be used to affect
4. INFORMATION-Communication can be used in giving and getting information. It social interaction. Its purpose is to maintain the status quo; to break the ice; to get
is the most basic function of communication that provides data and information for acquainted; and to establish a relationship.
effective completion of tasks, solution of problems, and elimination of uncertainty.
2. Light-Control Talk is the tactful use of power to get results and may be used to
BASIC FORMS OF INFORMATION motivate people. The purpose of this is to persuade; to direct; to seek but not force
 GIVING INFORMATION USING STATEMENT S agreement; and to use legitimate authority.
I have three sisters
For every action, there is a reaction. 3. Heavy- Control Talk is designed to place blame and to control or regulate people.
 GIVING INFORMATION USING RHETORICAL QUESTION This creates defensiveness on the part of the receiver and is rarely, if ever,
Did you know that some earphones can be used as microphones? appropriate. The purpose of heavy control talk is to blame; to attack; to threaten; to
coerce; and to demand.
 GETTING INFORMATION USING QUESTIONS
RODRIGO FAMILY
*Exclusively Printed for Senior High School Students of IETI College of Science and Technology, Inc.
LEARNING MODULE IN ORAL COMMUNICATION
3
4. Search Talk is another non-threatening approach when you want to gather data
or the consensus of others to be able to provide information. Its purpose is to center
or an issue; and to examine and clarify the issue.

5. Straight Talk is good for problem-solving and conflict resolution and may be used
to facilitate emotional expression for catharsis, which is the act of purging, cleansing,
and unloading of ideas and emotions. The purpose of straight talk is to concentrate
on the here and now; to focus on issues; to share feelings; to acknowledge feelings;
and accept without judging.

References:
Websiteshttps://oralcom.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/functions-of-communication/
#:~:text=The%20most%20basic%20functions%20of,to%20express%20and%20to
%20motivate.
https://www.elcomblus.com/teaching-guide-functions-of-communication/

Books
Bandiala, Dorcas M. (2020) Oral Communication in Context, Alternative Delivery Mode,
Department of Education, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental

Derige, Flor M., Master Teacher II, Oral Communication in Context, DIVISION OF CITY
SCHOOLS – MANILA

RODRIGO FAMILY
*Exclusively Printed for Senior High School Students of IETI College of Science and Technology, Inc.
LEARNING MODULE IN ORAL COMMUNICATION
4