Functions of Communication

1. Control – communication functions to control behavior

2. Social interaction – communication allows individuals to interact with others
3. Motivation – communication motivates or encourages people to live better
4. Emotional expression – communication facilitates people’s expression of their feelings and
emotions
5. Information dissemination – communication functions to convey information

Features of an Effective Communication

1. Completeness – Complete communication is essential to the quality of the communication process

in general. Hence, communication should include everything that the receiver needs to hear for
him/her to respond, react, or evaluate properly.
2. Conciseness – Conciseness does not mean keeping the message short, but making it direct or
straight to the point. Insignificant or redundant information should be eliminated from the
communication that will be sent to the recipient.
3. Consideration – To be effective, the speaker should always consider relevant information about
his/her receiver such as mood, background, race, preference, education, status, needs, among others.
By doing so, he/she can easily build rapport with the audience.
4. Concreteness – Effective communication happens when the message is concrete and supported by
facts, figures, and real-life examples and situations. In this case, the receiver is more connected to the
message conveyed.
5. Courtesy – The speaker shows courtesy in communication by respecting the culture, values, and
beliefs of his/her receivers. Being courteous all the time creates a positive impact on the audience.
6. Clearness – Clearness in communication implies the use of simple and specific words to express
ideas. It is also achieved when the speaker focuses only on a single objective in his/her speech so as
not to confuse the audience.
7. Correctness – Correctness in grammar eliminates negative impact on the audience and increases
the credibility and effectiveness of the message.

Barriers to Communication

Barrier Example Solution

You are having a bad day or Recognize these kinds of emotions, and politely
you feel frustrated. ask the other person to give you a moment so
Emotional you can relax or calm yourself.
Barriers You sit in a meeting or class Recognize this kind of attitude, reset, and reflect
where you think the speaker is on how you can be interested in what the speaker
boring. is pointing out.
You are a scientist discussing a Jargon refers to the set of specialized vocabulary
certain weather phenomenon in a certain field. To avoid communication
Use of jargon with your neighbor who does breakdown due to lack of clarity, adjust your
not know much about the language; use layman’s terms or simple words
topic.
You are asked to share Develop self-confidence by joining organizers
something about your day or where you can share and develop your interests.
Lack of weekend, but you are hesitant Look for opportunities in your school or
confidence because you are shy. community that will help you find your strengths
and improve your abilities.
You are having a conversation Recognize that noise is a common barrier. Make
Noisy with some friends when a some adjustments by asking someone to
environment song was played loudly. minimize the volume or by looking for a quiet
area where you resume the conversation.
Verbal Communication and Non-verbal Communication

Verbal Communication refers to an interaction in which words are used to relay a message.

1. Appropriateness – The language that you use should be appropriate to the environment or
occasion (i.e., whether formal or informal).
2. Brevity – Speakers who often use simple yet precise and powerful words are found to be more
credible. Try to achieve brevity by being more direct with your words. Avoid fillers and insubstantial
expressions which do not add to the message, such as “uh”, “you know”, “I guess”, and others.
3. Clarity - The meanings of words, feelings, or ideas may be interpreted differently by a listener;
hence, it is essential for you to clearly state your message and express your ideas and feelings.
4. Ethics – Words should be carefully chosen in consideration of the gender, roles, ethnicity,
preferences, and status of the person or people you are talking to.
5. Vividness – Words that vividly or creatively describe things or feelings usually add color and spice
to communication; hence, you are encouraged to find ways to charm your audience through the use
of vivid words.

Nonverbal Communication refers to an interaction where behavior is used to convey and represent
meanings. All kinds of human responses that are not expressed in words are classified as nonverbal
communication.

Mastery of nonverbal communication is important for several reasons:

1. It enhances and emphasizes the message of your speech, thus making it more meaningful, truthful,
and relevant.
2. It can communicate feelings, attitudes, and perceptions without you saying a word.
3. It can sustain the attention of listeners and keep them engaged in the speech.
4. It gives the audience a preview to the type of speaker you are.
5. It makes you appear more dynamic and animated in your delivery.
6. It serves as a channel to release tension and nervousness.
7. It helps make your speech more dramatic.
8. It can build a connection with listeners.
9. It makes you a credible speaker.
10. It helps you vary your speaking style and avoid a monotonous delivery.

Reference:
Sipacio, P. & Balgos, A. (2016). Oral Communication in Context for Senior High School