Functions of Communication

Informative Function We want to inform other people of what we know – facts, information, and knowledge. In school, most of our speaking activities are directed to get and give information to develop or improve our knowledge and skills.

(b) Instructive Function Many times, older people who hold important information, and those in higher rank communicate to instruct people on what to do, when and where to do them, and on why and how to do them.

(c) Persuasive Function You may find yourself wanting to influence the opinion of others to believe and accept your stand or claim on an issue or problem; so you think of strategies on how to persuade them to change their perspectives or opinion.

(d) Motivation Function We communicate to entice and direct people to act and reach their objectives or goals in life. In the process, we use positive language to make them realize that their actions lead them to something beneficial for their being.

(e) Aesthetic Function We use communication for pleasure and enjoyment.

(f) Therapeutic Function or Emotional Expression Communication is curative and serves to maintain good health. Sometimes, talking to a person does not mean asking for his help; we talk to another person merely to vent our feelings. After we talk we find ourselves in a much better condition.

(g) Regulation or Control People use communication to maintain control over other people’s attitude and behavior. Your parents use it to guide, inspire, or reprimand you when you seem to lose control over your schedule, studies, and relationships, among others.

(h) Social Interaction https://www.facebook.com/CASTIorcashs/ (h) Social Interaction Communication helps us start, maintain, regulate, or even end relationships with other people. We usually establish a positive climate at home, in school, and in the workplace by greeting the people around us and by exchanging pleasantries with them.