Functions, Features & Barriers of Communication

Learning Objectives

• Explain the key functions, features, and barriers of communication
• Identify a speaker’s purpose in varied contexts
• Observe & critique real‐life oral communication for mastery

Functions of Communication

• Regulation / Control – direct, command, or influence actions
• Social Interaction – build & nurture relationships; share needs, wants, preferences
• Motivation – persuade or inspire attitude / behavior change
• Information – transmit data or knowledge for awareness & understanding
• Emotional Expression – convey feelings; thank, praise, apologize, empathize

Features of Effective Communication (Seven C’s)

• Completeness – include all necessary details
• Conciseness – brief, no filler words
• Consideration – tailor to listener’s mood, culture, status
• Concreteness – back ideas with facts & examples
• Courtesy – respect beliefs & values
• Clearness – simple, specific diction
• Correctness – accurate grammar & content boosts credibility

Barriers to Communication

• Physical – noise, distance, weak connectivity
• Language – jargon, unfamiliar vocabulary, different mother tongues
• Psychological – fear, bias, anxiety, low confidence
• Cultural – contrasting norms, gestures, etiquette

Strategies to Avoid Breakdown

Verbal Communication

• Appropriateness – match formality to context
• Brevity – precise, powerful wording; limit fillers
• Clarity – state message & intent plainly
• Ethics – choose inclusive language
• Vividness – creative descriptions maintain interest

Nonverbal Communication

• Use facial expressions, posture, and gestures to reinforce meaning
• Consistency between verbal & nonverbal cues strengthens trust
• Good nonverbal skills keep audience attention & reveal speaker character

Quick Recall Questions (Self-Test)

• Which function directs behavior? → Regulation / Control
• Sharing trivia fulfills which function? → Information
• “I’m grateful you’re here” shows which function? → Emotional Expression
• Offering coffee is an example of? → Social Interaction
• A graduation speech urging perseverance demonstrates? → Motivation

Exam Tips

• Connect each function to its typical verbs: order, invite, persuade, inform, express
• Remember the Seven C’s acronym for features: Complete, Concise, Considerate, Concrete, Courteous, Clear, Correct
• Match each barrier with one practical fix (e.g., Physical → quiet venue)
• Practice paraphrasing jargon into plain language to overcome the Language barrier