Functions of Communication Lecture Notes

Presented by: Ma'am Honey
Module: 1, Lesson: 1

Overview

• Communication is a tool used by humans to achieve tasks, goals, or objectives.
• It serves various functions in human activity.

Importance of Communication

• Integral part of daily life.
• Essential for accomplishing various purposes.

5 Basic Functions of Communication

1. Control

   • Used to control behavior and regulate activities.
   • Examples:
     • Commands or requests (e.g., "Please come in.", "Get a chair.")
     • Doctor's prescriptions, teacher instructions, traffic regulations.
     • Ordering at a restaurant.

2. Social Interaction

   • Facilitates the development and maintenance of relationships.
   • Examples:
     • Statements like "Let's be friends!"
     • Conversations among friends, group activities, small talks.
   • Closeness can be formed through communication without direct invitations.

3. Motivation

   • Uses language to motivate and persuade oneself and others.
   • Expresses desires, needs, and choices.
   • Examples:
     • Talking about ambitions and preferences, making requests.
   • Can be extrinsic (external motivation) or intrinsic (self-motivation).
   • Important in business management for motivating teams.

4. Emotional Expression

   • Allows humans to express emotions, both verbally and non-verbally.
   • Emotions include love, fear, anger, joy, and hope.
   • Expressed through language, gestures, facial expressions, and body movements.

5. Information Dissemination

   • Used for giving and receiving information.
   • Usually involves statements of facts.
   • Requires two-way communication for accuracy and clarity.
   • Examples:
     • "Philippine Normal University was established in 1901."
     • "There’s a secret apartment at the top of the Eiffel Tower."

Quick Review Activity

• Examples and Functions:
  1. Advisor informs students of a project deadline change.
     • Function: Information Dissemination
  2. Manager instructs Jordan to follow dress code.
     • Function: Control/Regulation
  3. Jason talks to Dorothy about a movie.
     • Function: Social Interaction
  4. David confronts Ethan about a missing cellphone.
     • Function: Emotional Expression
  5. Jennie gives Lisa modeling tips.
     • Function: Motivation

Conclusion

• Communication is vital for peaceful coexistence and understanding.
• A significant portion of our lives (70%) is spent communicating.
• Understanding the functions of communication helps reduce misunderstandings and enhance clarity.