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Functions of Communication Explained

The document discusses the functions of communication. The five main functions are: control, social interaction, motivation, emotional expression, and information dissemination. It also describes different types of "talk" and their purposes, such as small talk to facilitate social interaction, light-control talk to motivate people, and straight talk for problem-solving. Examples are provided to illustrate how to identify the function of communication in different situations.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
256 views8 pages

Functions of Communication Explained

The document discusses the functions of communication. The five main functions are: control, social interaction, motivation, emotional expression, and information dissemination. It also describes different types of "talk" and their purposes, such as small talk to facilitate social interaction, light-control talk to motivate people, and straight talk for problem-solving. Examples are provided to illustrate how to identify the function of communication in different situations.

Uploaded by

Tsej Isaac
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MODULE 6: FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

"Sometimes our actions are much more meaningful than words. A hug can
sometimes express more than our words will ever express. “
~Catherine Pulsifier~

There is one lesson covered by the module.

FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

After going through this module, you are expected to:

 identify the functions/ purposes of communication.

PRE-TEST
Directions: Read the sentences carefully then choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. It is a type of communication which allows you to act and react to the behavior of people around us.
a. Emotional expression c. motivation
b. Control d. social interaction
2. One function of communication is to exercise restraint or direction formally or informally.
a. Control c. motivation
b. social interaction d. information dissemination
3. It is a function of communication which refers to the energy that influences a person’s behavior in
different ways to his pursuit of his goal or objective.
a. Social interaction c. information dissemination
b. motivation d. emotional expression
4. One of the most basic functions of communication provides data and information for effective completion
of tasks, solution of problems, and elimination of uncertainty.
a. Social interaction c. emotional expression
b. information dissemination d. control
5. This function of communication facilitates people’s expression of their emotions.
a. Social interaction c. information dissemination
b. Motivation d. emotional expression
6. It is the type of talk that refers to the tactful use of power to get results and may be used to motivate
people.
a. Straight Talk c. Light control Talk
b. Heavy - Control Talk d. Search Talk
7. This 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.
a. Small Talk c. Heavy - Control Talk
b. Light control Talk d. Straight Talk
8. It is a nonthreatening approach when you want to gather data or the consensus of other to be able to
provide information.
a. Small Talk c. Light control Talk
b. Search Talk d. Heavy - Control Talk
9. This purpose of talk is a form of nonthreatening communication that may be used to effect social
interaction.
a. Search Talk c. Small Talk
b. Heavy - Control Talk d. Straight Talk
10. This talk is designed to place blame and to control or regulate people. This creates defensiveness on the
part of the receiver and is rarely, if ever, appropriate.
a. Heavy - Control Talk c. Search Talk
b. Light control Talk d. Small Talk

MODULE
6 FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

WHAT’S NEW?
Draw and Speak Up
Think of one very important object that you cannot live without and draw it. Think of the reasons why
this object means so much to you. How does this function in your life. Write your answers on your
Communication Activity Notebook.

The thing that I cannot live without…

SPOTLIGHT
Now, let’s learn the 5 basic functions of communication

1. Control - to exercise restraint or direction formally or informally. This happens particularly


among members or acquaintances.
2. Social Interaction - Communication allows to act and react to the behavior of people around us.
By revealing our thoughts and feelings, we elicit reactions from others.

3. Motivation - the energy that influences a person’s behavior in different ways to his pursuit of his
goal or objective. It encourages people to live better.

4. Emotional Expression - Communication makes possible the release or unloading of emotions,


resulting in catharsis. It facilitates people’s expression of their feelings and emotions.

5. Information dissemination - It is the most basic function of communication that provides data
and information for effective completion of tasks, solution of problems, and elimination of
uncertainty.

The purposes of communication can be effectively realized and fulfilled by using different kinds
of “talks.” (Locke, 1998)

1. Small-talk is a form of nonthreatening communication that may be used to effect social


interaction.

Purposes:
 To maintain the status quo;
 To break the ice;
 To get acquainted; and
 To establish relationship

2. Light-Control Talk is the tactful use of power to get results and may be used to motivate people.

Purposes:
 To persuade;
 To direct;
 To seek but not force agreement; and
 To use legitimate authority.

3. Heavy- Control Talk is designed to place blame and to control or regulate people. This creates
defensiveness on the part of the receiver and is rarely, if ever, appropriate.

Purposes:
 To blame;
 To attack;
 To threaten;
 To coerce; and
 To demand.

4. Search Talk is another nonthreatening approach when you want to gather data or the consensus
of other to be able to provide information.

Purposes:
 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.

Purposes:
 To concentrate on the here and now;
 To focus on issues;
 To share feelings;
 To acknowledge feelings; and
 To accept without judging.

PRACTICE YOURSELF
Cite an example situation where you used the given functions of communication. Write your answers on
your Communication Activity Notebook.

For example: Control – My mother scolded me. Her anger made me keep quiet.

CONTROL SOCIAL
INTERACTIO
N

EMOTIONAL MOTIVATION
EXPRESSION
INFORMATIO
N

ASSESSMENT

Identify the function of communication in each of the following situations.

1. The teacher reads and discusses classroom policies to her students.

2. Ross greets Rachel; then, they start talking about their plans for the holidays.

3. Phoebe shares her insights on how to live peacefully despite a complicated life.

4. Monica shares her personal frustrations with Chandler.

5. The geometry teacher lectures about mathematical concepts.

6. Sheila delivers her valedictory speech.

7. The President delivers his last State of the Nation Address.


8. A television personality thanks the supportive moviegoers during an interview.

9. The city mayor presents her strategies to execute the plans in a public forum.

10. A tourist guide orients a group of tourists about a heritage site.

REFERENCES
Baraceros, Esther L. and Lintao, Rachelle, B. (2010). English 4: Oral Communication in Context (First Edition).
Quezon City: Rex Bookstore, Inc.

Dapat, Jose Rizal O., Sadorra, Bryan Eli B., and Lumabi,Bethany Marie C. (2016). Oral Communication in
Focus. Quezon City: Lorimar
Publishing, Inc. Quezon City, Metro Manila. ; P38-54.

Diaz, Rafaela Hernandez. (2014). Speech and Oral Communication for College Students, Revised Edition.
Quezon City: National Bookstore.

Flores, [Link] Lopez E. (2008). Effective Speech Communication 5th Edition.


National Bookstore: Philippines.

Galero-Tejero, E. (2008) Doorways to English Language Proficiency: A self Improvement program, National
Bookstore: Philippines.

Sipacio, P.J.F. & Balgos, A.R.G. Oral Communication in Context for Senior High School. Types of Speech
Styles. p35. 2016. C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon City, Philippines.

[Link] Retrieved on December 28, 2018

Sipacio, P. F., & Balgos, A. G. (2016). Oral Communication in Context for Senior High School. Quezon City: C
& E Publishing, Inc. .
[Link]
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X4Elt7lMYxHUq-RhQ5TMaYlgpv8vzVMX-_hgTVCCytW9SD64GFFeyvmbKQL8BpiKWr

Common questions

Powered by AI

'Straight Talk' impacts conflict resolution by addressing issues directly and promoting open emotional expression, which encourages mutual understanding and resolution. 'Search Talk', while nonthreatening and effective for data collection, may not adequately address the emotional elements of conflict. Thus, 'Straight Talk' can be more effective when emotional issues need acknowledgment and resolution .

Communication serves the purpose of emotional expression by facilitating the release or unloading of emotions, known as catharsis. It allows individuals to express their feelings, leading to emotional relief and understanding. For instance, Monica sharing her personal frustrations with Chandler exemplifies this function .

Public speeches leverage the 'Information Dissemination' function to achieve strategic goals by relaying crucial information clearly and persuasively to a broad audience. For instance, a city mayor presenting strategies in a public forum uses this function to inform, align, and mobilize public support and resources toward common objectives .

In a workplace setting, 'Search Talk' can be utilized to improve team dynamics by facilitating open dialogue about issues or challenges without creating a threatening atmosphere. It allows team members to collaboratively gather information, clarify uncertainties, and focus on solutions, fostering a culture of cooperation and mutual respect .

'Heavy-Control Talk' uses strategies like blame, attack, or coercion to control others, often creating defensiveness and escalating conflict. In contrast, 'Light-Control Talk' uses persuasion and authority more tactfully and respectfully to guide behavior. 'Light-Control Talk' is generally more effective in resolving conflicts because it seeks agreement without forcing compliance, which is conducive to a positive resolution .

The 'Control' function of communication in a formal setting operates by exercising restraint or direction. This can occur through established authority or rules that guide behavior. An example is a teacher discussing classroom policies with students to regulate classroom conduct .

The 'Social Interaction' function of communication influences interpersonal relationships by allowing individuals to act and react to the behaviors of others. By sharing thoughts and feelings, people can elicit responses that help build and maintain relationships. For example, when Ross greets Rachel and they converse about their holiday plans, it reinforces their connection .

'Information Dissemination' is considered the most basic function of communication because it provides essential data and information needed for effective task completion, problem-solving, and reducing uncertainty. It forms the foundation for other communication functions by ensuring everyone has the necessary knowledge to proceed .

'Small Talk' is more appropriate in scenarios such as casual social gatherings or initial meetings where the goal is to establish rapport and ease into more meaningful conversations. It helps maintain social equilibrium and prevents potential awkwardness. In contrast, 'Straight Talk' is suited for problem-solving and addressing specific issues directly, which might be too direct or intense for social settings .

The 'Motivation' function of communication affects a person's pursuit of goals by providing energy and drive. It influences behavior by encouraging individuals to continue working towards objectives despite challenges. For example, a motivational speech or discussion can boost morale and inspire action by reinforcing purpose and commitment .

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