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

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,

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

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.

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, C.and Lopez E. (2008). Effective Speech Communication 5th Edition.

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.

https://oralcom.wordpress.com/2016/10/14/functions-of-communication/ 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. .
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