ORAL COMMUNICATION 11
Arvin V. Amaga
Subject Teacher
NATURE, PROCESS, AND FUNCTIONS OF
COMMUNICATION
Welcome to our very first lesson in our
class, Oral Communication in Context. At
the end of this lesson you are expected to
explain the functions, nature, and process
of communication.
Before we’ll start with our lesson, I want
you to think about the last communication
that you had. What was it all about? To
whom have you communicated with?
From that conversation, what is
communication for you then?
What is Communication?
Communication is a process of sharing and conveying messages or information from one
person to another within and across channels, contexts, media, and cultures (McCornack,
2014). There is a wide variety of contexts and situations in which communication can be
manifested; it can be a face-to-face interaction, a phone conversation, a group discussion, a
meeting or interview, a letter correspondence, a class recitation, and many others.
Name of Student: ________________________ 2
Nature of Communication
1. Communication is a process. Communication is a series of actions between people
that transfers information or meaning from one to the other. In a broad sense every
series of related actions is a process and thus, communication can be considered a
process.
2. Communication occurs between two or more people (the speaker and the receiver).
3. Communication can be expressed through written or spoken words, actions
(nonverbal), or both spoken words and nonverbal actions at the same time.
Elements of Communication
Communication is divided into elements which help us better understand its mechanics or
process. These elements are the following:
1. Speaker – the source of information or message
2. Message – the information, ideas, or thoughts conveyed by the speaker in words or in
actions
3. Encoding – the process of converting the message into words, actions, or other forms
that the speaker understands
4. Channel – the medium or the means, such as personal or non-personal, verbal or
nonverbal, in which the encoded message is conveyed
5. Decoding – the process of interpreting the encoded message of the speaker by the
receiver
6. Receiver – the recipient of the message, or someone who decodes the message
7. Feedback – the reactions, responses, or information provided by the receiver
8. Context – the environment where communication takes place
9. Barrier – the factors that affect the flow of communication
Process of Communication
The process of communication starts with the speaker generating an idea. The speaker then
encodes an idea or converts the idea into words or actions. Afterwards, the speaker transmits
or sends out a message. The receiver in turn gets the message and decodes or interprets the
message based on the context. Finally, the receiver will send or provides feedback. Below is a
summary of the process of communication with the corresponding example.
Process of Communication Example
The speaker generates an idea. Daphne loves Rico, her suitor, as a friend.
The speaker encodes an idea or converts the She thinks of how to tell him using their
idea into words or actions. native language.
The speaker transmits or sends out a message. She tells him, “Rico, mahal kita bilang
kaibigan.”
The receiver gets the message. Rico hears what Daphne says.
The receiver decodes or interprets the He tries to analyze what she means based on
message based on the context. the content and their relationship, and he is
Name of Student: ________________________ 3
heartbroken.
The receiver sends or provides feedback. He frowns and does not say something,
because he is in pain.
Functions of Communication
Basically, there are five functions of communication. These are control, social
interaction,motivation, emotional expression, and information dissemination.
1. Control – Communication functions to control behavior.
Example: The students are noisy, and the teacher is telling them to minimize their
noise.
2. Social Interaction – Communication allows individuals to interact with others.
Example: You and your classmates are talking with each other about your crushes.
3. Motivation – Communication motivates or encourages people to live better.
Example: The senatorial candidates persuading the masses to vote for them by
promising them a better Philippines if they will vote for them.
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4. Emotional expression – Communication facilitates people’s expression of their
feelings and emotions.
Example: A woman is trying to console her friend who just had a breakup with her
boyfriend.
5. Information dissemination – Communication functions to convey information.
Example: Kuya Kim gives the weather update on national television.
I know that you have read and understand
everything in the discussion section. Now,
let’s check your understanding about this
lesson by answering the series of activities
in the next page.
Name of Student: ________________________ 5
Activity 1 In your own words, explain the nature of communication in three to five sentences
each. You may use your own experience to further explain the nature of communication.
1. Communication is a process.
2. Communication occurs between two or more people (the speaker and the receiver).
3. Communication can be expressed through written or spoken words, actions
(nonverbal), or both spoken words and nonverbal actions at the same time.
Activity 2 Give a step by step example of the communication process that takes place in your
home. Write your answers below. Refer to the example in the Process of Communication.
Name of Student: ________________________ 6
Activity 3 Identify the function of communication in each of the following situations. Write
your answers on the space provided.
___________________1. The teacher reads and discusses classroom policies to her students.
___________________2. Ross greets Rachel; then, they start talking about their plans for the
holidays.
___________________3. Phoebe shares her insights on how to live peacefully despite a
complicated life.
___________________4. Monica shares her personal frustrations with Chandler.
___________________5. The geometry teacher lectures about mathematical concepts.
___________________6. Sheila delivers her valedictory speech.
___________________7. The President delivers his last State of the Nation Address.
___________________8. A television personality thanks the supportive moviegoers during
an interview.
___________________9. The city mayor presents her strategies to execute the plans in a
public forum.
___________________10. A tourist guide orients a group of tourists about a heritage site.
Yay! We’re done with our first lesson.
For our next lesson, if you have access to
the internet, please read about the
models of communication.
If you have questions and/or clarifications
regarding our lesson, please feel free to
contact me at 09496205972 or drop me a
message through my FB messenger – Arvin
Villamor Amaga. I will only entertain
questions during my scheduled time with
your class. Thanks!
Name of Student: ________________________ 7
