SH1621

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 and to imbibe good values. In social organizations,
information is shared to guide people on the processes and procedures necessary to operate efficiently
and effectively.
Instructive function Many times, older people, people who hold important information, and those
in the higher rank communicate to instruct people on what to do, when to do them, and on why and
how to do them.
Persuasive function You may find yourself wanting to influence others opinion to believe and
accept your stand or claim on an issue or a problem, so you think of strategies on how to persuade
them to change their perspectives or opinion and to decide accordingly.
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.
Aesthetic function We use communication for pleasure and enjoyment.
Therapeutic function or emotional expression Communication is curative and serves to maintain
good health. Have you found yourself talking with a friend about your personal problems? Have you
consulted your teacher for your academic standing? Sometimes, talking with a person does not mean
asking for his/her help; we talk with another person merely to ventilate our feelings. After the talk, we
find ourselves in a much better condition to think over matters that troubles us.
Regulation/Control People use communication to maintain control over other peoples 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. In school, teachers and the administrators use
communication to direct your efforts to positive channels in order to learn new skills, gain more
knowledge, develop competencies, and imbibe good values. In the workplace, leaders and managers
use communication to maintain control over their employees and their work environment, or to
encourage them in their work. The media use communication to urge the public to patronize a new
product or service, to support an advocacy or rally against a cause, or even to remove government
officials from office.
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 and conversing with them
about any topic with the intention of getting to know each other and to feel that we belong. Likewise,
we avoid communicating with a person when our relationship with him/her turns sour. Our nonverbal
language tells the other person that we are using communication in order to stop communicating with
him/her.

Source: Fernandez, Ana Marie O., Suarez, Elineth Elizabeth L. (2016). Speac: Speak and listen in
context. Quezon City, Philippines. The Publishing House.

02 Handout 1 *Property of STI

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