UNIT II

COMMUNICATING FOR A
REASON
LESSON 9
EXPLAINING THE
FUNCTIONS OF
COMMUNICATION
WHY DO PEOPLE
COMMUNICATE?
Explaining REGULATION/CONTROL
as a Function of Communication
 This function of
communication means being
able to use language,
gestures, and emotions to
manage individual or activities.
REGULATION/CONTROL is observable if we
focus on the Verbal and Nonverbal cues used
by the Speaker to achieve his/her purpose.

 VERBAL CUES are the specific words chosen

and used. The words are usually directives,
orders, requests, commands, etc., meant to
regulate and control other people’s behaviour.
 Everybody, please stand.
 I am asking everybody to pay attention.
 You can copy the notes later.
 Could you hand me the cup of tea please?
 NONVERBAL CUES
include hand gestures,
bodily action (including
posture), vocal tone
(paralanguage), and eye
contact.
Explaining PERSUASION as a Function
of Communication
 The main purpose of this function is to
change or influence the attitudes and
behaviours of others. It also means using
the best arguments to win over others and
convince them.
 Commercial
 Vendor selling his products
 Advertisements
Explaining SOCIAL INTERACTION
as a Function of Communication
This function of communication is
most obvious, the most often
used, and the most popular.
Explaining INFORMATION as a
Function of Communication
 This function is to provide information. To
illustrate, a Filipino scientist provides information
to a low-income community on how to light up
their homes by using a bottle filled with water
and a teaspoon of bleach. A weather
forecaster on TV tracks the path of a low-
pressure area (LPA), which might turn into a
typhoon.
Explaining EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION
as a Function of Communication
 The main function of this communication is to
appeal to the listener’s feelings. It is used by a
Speaker for the purpose of moving another
person to act, to move in the particular
direction. Filipino can be moved to tears by a
movie, a TV drama, or a song. Photos of
suffering or devastation touches the heart of a
Filipino.