Overview
This lecture discusses the five basic functions of communication, explaining how humans use language for various purposes in daily life.
Functions of Communication
- Communication serves as a tool to accomplish tasks, goals, or objectives.
- The five basic functions are control, social interaction, motivation, emotional expression, and information dissemination.
Control or Regulation
- Communication can regulate or control the behavior and activities of others.
- Examples include instructions, demands, or requests like "Please come in" or "Take this medicine three times a day."
Social Interaction
- Communication helps to develop, maintain, and strengthen social bonds and relationships.
- Social interaction occurs in conversations, greetings, group bonding, and casual talks.
Motivation
- Communication is used to motivate, persuade, and express desires, needs, or ambitions.
- Motivation can be intrinsic (self-motivation) or extrinsic (motivating others), common in management and leadership.
Emotional Expression
- Communication allows people to express emotions verbally or non-verbally.
- Emotions such as love, anger, or joy are shown through words, facial expressions, and body movements.
Information Dissemination
- Communication shares and receives information in the form of facts or news.
- Ensures information is accurate, clear, and reciprocated between sender and receiver.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Control/Regulation — Using communication to direct or influence others’ actions or behavior.
- Social Interaction — Communication that forms, maintains, and strengthens relationships.
- Motivation — Communication to inspire, persuade, or express desires and ambitions.
- Emotional Expression — Sharing feelings or emotions through verbal and non-verbal means.
- Information Dissemination — Exchanging factual information to inform or educate.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the five functions and prepare examples for each.
- Reflect on how communication serves different purposes in your daily interactions.