functions of speecg communication

Functions of Speech Communication

1. Utilitarian . Oral Communication has it’s practical use . We need to fulfill our desires , needs and goals . We use communication to express these aspirations and needs .
2. Aesthetic . Oral Communication is artistic and relates to good taste . Communication via tv , radio , and stage drama are examples of the aesthetic function. These forms give man not only information but also pleasure and enjoyment .
3. Therapeutic .Communication is also curative and serves to maintain good health .
4. Phatic . This may take the form of small talk or simple greetings like “ Hi!,” “Hello “ and “ How do you do ? “ . Phatic communication usually begins with a question that needs an answer . When people use phatic communication , their only purpose is to start to communicate .
5. Prevention of Communication . This aims to stop communication > Rewards like “ I don’t know ‘ , “ Who cares ? “ I see “ show disinterested in the speaker and a desire to end a conversation or sometimes even friendship .
6. Recording – Transmitting . Examples of these are : students jotting down messages received from teachers so that they can transmit these information and ideas to other people when the need arises , and newsmen recording interviews of politicians and transmitting these to the public thru the newspaper , radio or television .
7. Instrumental . When a person says something and something happens as a result of what he says , then his remark has been instrumental in causing that event to happen .
8. Affective – this refers to the effect of communication on the ego of a person . Certain comments can make a person feel good or bad and can reinforce behavior we want him to show .

e. g . Compliments . Praise , Flattery , Insults

9. Catharsis . In Psychology , this refers to a method of bringing repressed ideas or experiences to consciousness by means of free association and the like so that underlying tensions may be relieved . Language , therefore is used to release tension and repressed emotions . Habitual expressions , which a person utters when she is mad , hurt , sad , confused or worried are called “ cathartic expressions ‘