[ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT] Session 6
Functions of Communication
1. Regulation and Control Function
As a function of communication, Regulation and
Control means being able to use language,
gestures, and emotions to manage individual or
group activities.
Examples:
1. A parent telling a child not to misbehave
2. A traffic officer signalling the stop and go of
vehicles
Regulation/Control is observable if there is
focus on the Verbal and Nonverbal cues used by
the speaker to achieve his/her purpose.
a. Verbal Cues
-Specific words are chosen and used.
Words are usually directives (orders, requests),
meant to regulate and control other people’s
behavior.
Ex. Verbs +/- “please” = “Cook dinner.”
“Do your homework.”
“Have fun today!”
In Philippine society, in an interaction involving
women, or a superior and a subordinate, an
order is often worded as a request.
b. Nonverbal cues
- includes hand gestures, bodily action
(including posture), vocal tone (paralanguage),
and eye contact.
- The tone and the bodily action that
accompany the words are authoritative and
firm, eye contact is direct.
- In our culture, these cues may be softened for
the children and the elderly.
When using verbal and nonverbal cues, the
Speaker and Listener should be respectful of
each other’s culture, as well as their age,
gender, social status, and religion.
Both verbal and nonverbal cues are
necessary for a successful outcome of
communication.
2. Social Interaction Function
As a function of communication, Social
Interaction is the most obvious and most often
used. It is by which we exchange ideas and
information with one another, or even just to
enjoy each other’s company.
ex.
1. Getting to know someone more intimately.
2. Clarifying the validity of your answers with
your teacher.
3. Talking about the movie that just came out
with friends.
Just like Regulation and Control, Social
Interaction occurs when verbal and nonverbal
cues are appropriately applied.
a. Verbal Cues
-Specific words are chosen and used.
-Words used are mostly informal terms and are
casually delivered
Ex. Philippines – Usage of po/opo not present
-In the Philippine society, certain decorum must
be observed when talking to elders or figures of
authority.
 [ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT] Session 6
b. Nonverbal Cues
- includes hand gestures, bodily action
(including posture), vocal tone (paralanguage),
and eye contact.
- the tone used is friendly, even teasing, and
bodily action is relaxed.
Social Interaction uses the most verbal and
nonverbal cues with the most adaptations
simply because it happens everyday.
3. Motivation Function
Definition: The process of motivating; provision
of a stimulus/purpose (Merriam-Webster)
Function in communication:
-It fosters motivation through persuasion.
Examples:
1. A person might want to talk to a friend
in order to share a problem.
2. A husband might want to talk to his
wife about a decision that they need to
make as a couple.
Non-verbal Cues
1. Pumping fist in the air to show confidence.
2. Applauding a presentation to show you
enjoyed it
3. Patting someone in the back or on the
shoulder to say they did a good job.
4. Information Function
Definition : Data, facts or figures that go along
with the statements
Function in communication:
It provides the information that one needs to
make decision by transmitting the data to
identify and evaluate the alternative choices.
Keyword/s: INFORMATION/DATA
Examples:
1. A priest gives a homily after reading the
Gospel.
2. A reporter gives information regarding a
vehicular accident.
3. A music teacher will give a lecture on how to
play the guitar.
NON-VERBAL CUES
-Pointing directions
-Nodding and Shaking head to say Yes or NO
-Illustrating something’s size
-Signage that tells you where you are or where
you need to go
5. Emotional Function
Definition of emotion: Feelings, visceral
components of communication
Function in communication:
This provides a release for the emotional
expression of feelings and for fulfillment of
social needs (appealing to the listener’s
feelings).
Keywords: FEELINGS, ACTION
Examples:
1. Angelica Panganiban’s airplane scene in That
Thing Called Tadhana.
2. We are usually moved by goodbye speeches
or graduation speeches.
3. Davaoenyos are fired up by speeches given
by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.
 [ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT] Session 6

Summary

Regulation and Control

-Deals with COMMANDS and MANAGEMENT

Social Interaction
-deals with CASUAL and INFORMAL speech

Motivation Function
-deals with persuasion

Information Function
-deals with the INFORMATION/DATA in the
speech

Emotional Expression Function

-deals with the FEELINGS/EMOTIONS of the
listeners