FUNCTIONS OF

COMMUNICATION
C

Prepared by: Mr. Richard John G. Lugtu, LPT

In our previous discussion, you were
already introduced to the reasons why we
communicate. In this lesson, these
functions will be specified for you to
distinguish one from the other.
 REGULATION/CONTROL

It is the function of communication that

uses language, gestures, and emotions
to manage individual or group
activities.
Regulation/Control is observable if we focus on the Verbal and Nonverbal cues used by the
Speaker to achieve his/her purpose.

A. VERBAL CUES
The words are usually directives , orders, requests, etc., meant to regulate and control
other people’s behavior. In certain cases involving women or in situations in Philippine
society involving a superior and a subordinate, an order is oftentimes worded as a request.

B. NONVERBAL CUES
> The tone and the bodily action that accompany the words are authoritative and firm. Eye
contact is direct. In our culture, these cues may be softened for children and the elderly.
 Instances:
VERBAL
1. A traffic constable telling a pedestrian to cross the street using the pedestrian lanes.
2. A parent telling her children to behave.
3. A child telling her parents to stop teasing her about her crush.
4. The school janitor telling the students to move away from the corridor he’s cleaning.
5. A teacher telling her students to keep quiet.
NONVERBAL
6. The teacher looks sharply at the noisy students.
7. A traffic constable directing the motorists to proceed to the street on the left side.
 SOCIAL INTERACTION
This communicative function is the most obvious, the most
often used, and the most popular. Imagine how many people
in the world use this function everyday.
Notice that one’s interaction with different people from
different groups will not be the same interaction experience.
Still, communication happens between you and them.
A.VERBAL CUES
The words usually used are mostly informal terms and casually
delivered, although Philippine society dictates certain decorum
when talking to elders or figures of authority.

B. NONVERBAL CUES
> The tone used is friendly, even teasing, and the bodily action is
relaxed.
Instances
VERBAL
1. Asking the maintenance people where the comfort room is.
2. A group of students in the corridor talking about something.
3. The boys calling out to friend to come over and join them.
4. The employees teasing their manager during his surprise birthday.
5. A group of senior citizen sharing experiences of their childhood.
 MOTIVATION
It is believed to be the most purposive. When
people communicate, they always have a
purpose or a reason. There will always be a goal
to be achieved and a motive to be
accomplished.
A.VERBAL CUES
More direct and purposeful words are chosen for both men
and women, although these can be softened for children and
the elderly.

B. NONVERBAL CUES
> Strong words are accompanied by emphatic gestures and a
forceful tone of voice. Direct eye contact is necessary to
underscore the speaker’s sincerity and conviction.
 Instances:
Verbal
1. A student asking her teacher to give more consideration for the project.
2. A customer convincing a vendor to sell a bigger sized mango for the same
price as a smaller one.
3. A politician making promises during campaign.
Nonverbal
4. A friend patting another friend’s shoulder after the latter’s break – up.
 INFORMATION
This communicative function is to provide
pieces of information. This is solely to give
the listeners an additional knowledge about
something.
A.VERBAL CUES
The speaker should take into consideration his/her
listeners’ culture, age, gender, social status, and
religion.

B. NONVERBAL CUES
> The delivery of information can be shown through
actual demonstrations and pictures.
 EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION
Its purpose is to move another person to act
and be moved in the particular direction the
speaker wants that person to move.
A.VERBAL CUES
There are words children use that the elderly might find insulting
and vice versa, so be very careful on your choice of words.
B. NONVERBAL CUES
> When we appeal to someone by using emotions, we accompany
this appeal with touching, hand holding or hugging, or even putting
an arm around someone’s shoulder. Certain societies do not allow
women and men to touch, while others still frown on men and
women intermingling freely.