This is the Alternative Delivery Mode self-learning module for Oral Communication in Context, Quarter 1, Module 1, titled “The Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication.” It is for Senior High School learners who study at home or in class. It explains what communication is, its five functions, and the steps and elements of the communication process.
What learners will learn
The module states two goals. Learners should be able to:
- Better understand the nature and elements of oral communication in context, and realize the importance of effective communication.
- Design and perform effective controlled and uncontrolled oral communication activities based on context.
Lesson in this module
The module has one lesson, Lesson 1: The Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication. It moves from a definition of communication, to its nature and functions, to the process and its eight elements, including the barriers called noise.
Nature of communication
The module defines communication as a process of sharing and conveying messages or information from one person to another within and across channels, contexts, media, and cultures (McCornack, 2014). It needs at least a sender, a message, and a receiver. It is more than passing on information, though. The message has to be sent successfully.
Communication happens when two or more people exchange ideas in two ways:
- Verbal: written or spoken words.
- Nonverbal: actions.
Both can be used at the same time.
The five functions of communication
| Function | What it does | Example from the module |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation or control | Controls behavior and regulates the kind and number of activities people do | “Take your medicine before you go to bed.” |
| Social interaction | Lets people build bonds, express needs and decisions, and give or get information | “Would you like to go to church with me?” |
| Motivation | Persuades or encourages someone to change an opinion, attitude, or behavior | “You’re on the right track. Keep up the good work.” |
| Emotional expression | Helps people express feelings such as love, fear, anger, joy, or hope | “I’m so happy to have you in my life.” |
| Information | Conveys information, both giving and getting it | “The Philippine Normal University was founded in 1901.” |
The process of communication
The module shows the process as a cycle, with noise at the center. The basic steps are:
- The speaker develops an idea to be sent.
- The speaker encodes the idea, turning it into words or actions.
- The speaker sends the idea through a medium or channel.
- The receiver gets the message and decodes or interprets it.
- The receiver sends feedback.
When the receiver responds, the receiver becomes the new sender, and the cycle continues. Noise can happen at any point and get in the way.
The elements of the process
- Sender: the person who starts the message. The message can be words, pictures, symbols, postures, gestures, or even a smile.
- Message: the content the sender wants to convey. It can be verbal or nonverbal.
- Encoding: putting the idea into symbols, words, pictures, or gestures.
- Channel: the medium the message passes through. Examples are face-to-face talk, telephone, radio, television, memorandum, or computer.
- Receiver: the person the message is meant for. How the receiver understands it depends on their knowledge of the subject, their experience, and their relationship with the sender.
- Decoding: the receiver interprets the encoded message and tries to understand it.
- Feedback: the receiver’s response. It shows whether the message was encoded and decoded well.
- Noise: anything that blocks communication.
Types of noise
- Physical noise: sounds around you, such as loud music, a noisy engine, or a classmate talking during a lecture.
- Physiological noise: problems in your own body, such as a headache, toothache, or hunger.
- Psychological noise: qualities in us, such as prejudice or strong feelings, that affect how we communicate and interpret others.
How to use this module
The module follows the usual self-learning module parts, in this order:
- What I Know: a 10-item matching pretest on communication terms.
- What’s In and What’s New: a short review, then a concept map about communication that you fill in.
- What Is It: the main discussion.
- What’s More: watch the video “A Failure to Communicate,” then explain each of the eight elements as it appears in the video. If you cannot watch it, think of a real situation where miscommunication happened.
- What I Have Learned: eight fill-in-the-blank items.
- What I Can Do: write two sentences for each function, then suggest solutions to communication barriers in five situations.
- Assessment: a 10-item multiple-choice post-test.
- Additional Activities: a short skit showing all five functions.
For learners: Write all answers on a separate sheet, not on the module. The answer key is there for self-checking, so use it honestly. Ask your teacher if any task is unclear.
For parents and relatives: The skit is meant to be made with the help of friends or relatives. You can take part or help your child practice.
For teachers: The skit is graded with a rubric on four criteria: content, script, projection, and grammar. Scores are 5, 4, or 2. Learners submit the skit to you.
Frequently asked questions
What grade level is this Oral Communication in Context module for?
The module is labeled for Senior High School. It is Quarter 1, Module 1 of Oral Communication in Context.
What are the five functions of communication in this module?
They are regulation or control, social interaction, motivation, information, and emotional expression. The module gives example sentences for each one.
What is noise in the communication process?
Noise is anything that blocks communication, and it can happen at any step. The module names three types: physical (such as loud music), physiological (such as a headache or hunger), and psychological (such as prejudice).
Does the module have an answer key?
Yes, an answer key appears at the end of the module. Learners are asked to use it honestly to check their own work.
What is the final output of the module?
Learners create a short skit that shows the five functions of communication. They make it with the help of friends or relatives and submit it to their teacher, who grades it with a rubric on content, script, projection, and grammar.
Full text of the module
The text below is a transcription of the PDF above, as printed.
Senior High School
Oral Communication in Context
Quarter 1 – Module 1: The Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication
[illustration: students reading, studying, and learning at home and outdoors, with a globe and a lamp]
Oral Communication in Context Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 1 – Module 1: The Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication First Edition, 2020
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders. Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership over them.
Published by the Department of Education Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio
Development Team of the Module
Writers: Maria Criselda M. Reyes
Editor: Joselito E. Calios
Reviewers: Joselito E. Calios, Wilma Q. Del Rosario, Jenorie P. San Agustin, Arlene I. Donor, Aillen G. Sumagaysay,
Illustrator: Hannah Krystelle Q. Del Rosario, Ernesto D. Tabios
Lay-out Artists: Elinette B. Dela Cruz, Fegenius N. Rosas
Management Team: Wilfredo E. Cabral, Micah S. Pacheco, Dennis M. Mendoza, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A. Agustin, Carolina T. Rivera, Manuel A. Laguerta, Joselito E. Calios, Wilma Q. Del Rosario
Printed in the Philippines by _____________________
Department of Education – National Capital Region
Office Address: Misamis St., Bago Bantay, Quezon City Telefax: 02-929-0153 E-mail Address: depedncr@deped.gov.ph
Oral Communication in Context
Quarter 1 – Module 1: The Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication
Senior High School
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the teacher are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.
What I Need to Know
This module, The Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication was designed to make you better understand the nature and elements of oral communication in context, and realize the importance effective communication.
As you go through this module, you are expected to design and perform effective controlled and uncontrolled oral communication activities based on context.
What I Know
Directions: Match the word in column B with its definition in column A. Write the letter of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
| A | B |
|---|---|
| 1. It refers to the idea transmitted by the sender to the receiver | A. Communication |
| 2. It is the response or reaction given by the receiver to the sender of the message. | B. Motivation |
| 3. It is when communication is used to encourage people. | C. Message |
| 4. It is the exchange of information by speech, signals, or writing. | D. Encode |
| 5. It is when communication is used to control behavior. | E. Source |
| 6. It means to translate an idea into language. | F. Feedback |
| 7. It is a medium used to send the message. | G. Regulation |
| 8. It means to translate a language into an idea. | H. Decode |
| 9. It refers to the one who develops the message to be communicated to either internal or external parties. | I. Channel |
| 10. It hinders the participants of the communication process to understand one another. | J. Noise |
Lesson 1: The Functions, Nature, and Process of Communication
What’s In
Communication is the act of transferring information from one person to another person or a group. Communication involves at least one sender, a message, and a receiver; but communication is more than just a transmission of information. It requires success in transmitting or sending a message.
What’s New
Directions: Complete the concept map below. Fill out the web with ideas that are related to communication.
[chart: concept map; blank web for learners to fill in, with the center labeled “Communication” and six empty ovals connected to it by arrows]
What is It
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).
Nature of Communication
Communication is a process. It takes place when two or more people exchange ideas either through written or spoken words (verbal) or actions (nonverbal). Both verbal and nonverbal can be used at the same time.
Functions of Communication
There are five functions of communication. These are regulation or control, social interaction, motivation, information, and emotional expression.
Regulation / Control – Communication functions to control behavior. It can be used to regulate the nature and number of activities people engage in.
“Take your medicine before you go to bed.”
“Finish your work before you go.”Social Interaction – Communication allows people to interact with others to develop bonds or intimacy. It also allows individuals to express desires, encouragement, needs, and decision or to give and get information.
“Would you like to go to church with me?”
“Come on! You can do it!”Motivation – Communication persuades or encourages another person to change his/her opinion, attitude, and behavior.
“You’re on the right track. Keep up the good work.”
“My dream is to finish my Senior High School despite this pandemic”.Emotional Expression – Communication facilitates people’s expression of their feelings such as love, fear, anger, joy, hope, or any other emotion.
“I’m so happy to have you in my life.”
“I like you so much.”Information – Communication functions to convey information. It can be used in giving and getting information.
“The Philippine Normal University was founded in 1901.”
“You can find the bathroom right next to this door”
The Process of Communication
[chart: flowchart; The Process of Communication (cyclical diagram with center label “Noise”)]
Labels, in the order of the arrows starting from the top:
- Message
- Encoding
- Medium
- Decoding by Receiver
- Receiver (now Sender)
- Message
- Encoding
- Medium
- Decoding by Sender (now Receiver)
- Sender
In order to successfully communicate, it is important to understand the process of communication. The diagram above shows the basic steps.
- The speaker develops an idea to be sent.
- The speaker encodes the idea or converts it to words or actions.
- The speaker transmits or sends out the idea using a specific medium or channel.
- The receiver gets the message and decodes or interprets it.
- The receiver provides or sends feedback.
At any point of the communication process, noise may take place and hinder the flow of communication process.
The Elements in The Process of Communication
Sender
The sender is the one who initiates the message that needs to be transmitted. He sends the message that may be in different forms such as pictures, symbols, postures, gestures, or even just a smile. After generating the idea, he sends it in such a manner that can be understood clearly by the receiver.
Message
Message refers to the information intended to be communicated by words as in speech, letters, pictures, or symbols. It can be verbal or non-verbal. It is the content the sender wants to convey to the receiver.
Encoding
It is the process of expressing the idea into appropriate medium. It may be verbal or non-verbal. The sender may put the message into a series of symbols, words, pictures or gestures.
Channel
It refers the medium or passage through which encoded message is passed to the receiver. It may be transmitted through face-to-face communication, telephone, radio, television, memorandum, or computer.
Receiver
Receiver refers to whom the message is meant for. He plays a significant role in the communication process like the sender. He needs to comprehend the message sent. His translation of the message received depends on his/her knowledge of the subject matter of the message, experience, and relationship with the sender.
Decoding
It means translating the encoded message into a language that can be understood by the receiver. After receiving the message, the receiver interprets it and tries to understand it.
Feedback
It refers to the response of the receiver to the message sent to him/her by the sender. Feedback ensures that the message has been effectively encoded and decoded.
Noise
It is a hindrance to communication. This can take place at any step in the entire communication process. There are various types of noise. Examples of physical noise are loud music, an irritating sound of an engine of a machine, or a classmate who talks to you while the teacher is giving a lecture. The second type of noise is physiological – when the body becomes the hindrance to communication such as headache, toothache, or hunger. The third type is psychological noise that refers to qualities in us that affect how we communicate and interpret others such as prejudice and any feeling can interfere with communication. Noise is considered as a barrier to effective communication.
What’s More
Directions: Watch the video presentation with the title “A Failure to Communicate” through the link below. On a separate paper, identify the elements in the process of communication. Explain how each element affects the communication process.
If you cannot watch the said video, just think of a situation where miscommunication takes place between or among the participants in the communication process.
[illustration: screenshot of a video page showing the title “A FAILURE TO COMMUNICATE”]
Sender
Message
Encoding
Channel
Receiver
Decoding
Feedback
Noise
What I Have Learned
Directions: Fill in the blanks with the suitable words.
Communication is a transmission and _____ of information and ideas between two or among humans using words, symbols, and gestures.
Communication is more than just a transmission of information; it requires in transmitting a _____.
A sender is someone who clearly _____ and sends a message to a receiver using a particular channel.
Communication can be expressed through _____ or _____ or both at the same time.
The five functions of communication are regulation or control, social interaction, _____, information, and emotional expression.
Control or Regulation communication functions to _____.
Communication when used to encourage people is called _____.
Emotional expression facilitates one’s expression of his _____.
What I Can Do
A. Directions: Write two sentences for each function of communication.
Regulation/Control
a. _____
b. _____Social Interaction
a. _____
b. _____Motivation
a. _____
b. _____Information
a. _____
b. _____Emotional Expression
a. _____
b. _____
B. Directions: Complete the table below by giving a solution to a barrier present in each situation.
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Your classmate played a loud music while you were talking to a friend on your phone. | |
| 2. You are in a class where you think the teacher is boring. | |
| 3. You are a doctor and you are talking to people who are not familiar with medical terms. | |
| 4. You are assigned to give a three-minute talk in front of the class but you are shy. | |
| 5. Your little brother asks you to help him with his assignment but you’re very hungry. |
Assessment
Directions: Choose the best answer to the following questions. Write the letter of your answer on the space before the number.
_______ 1. Which is an example of regulation and control?
- A. “It’s nice to meet you.”
- B. “Clean your room, then you can play basketball.”
- C. “Where can I find the library?”
- D. “Seychelles is one of the world’s smallest countries.”
_______ 2. Which of the situations shows social interaction?
- A. A parent tells her child to finish answering the module.
- B. Joy invites Yolly for a coffee.
- C. Rachel tells her friend not to lose hope.
- D. The teacher introduced Conditional Probability to her class.
_______ 3. Which one has different function?
- A. “We pray for those who mourn.”
- B. “Thank you for coming into my life.”
- C. “Keep quiet.”
- D. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
_______ 4. The health secretary is sharing the data on the number of covid cases in the country with the viewers, “There are 500 who recovered from covid19 as of yesterday.” What function of communication is shown in the situation?
- A. control
- B. motivation
- C. social interaction
- D. information
_______ 5. The teacher tells Nocel that he is doing great and keep it up. What function of communication is shown in the situation?
- A. control
- B. motivation
- C. social interaction
- D. information
_______ 6. The teacher gives a lecture on Plate Tectonic Theory to her students. Arni can hardly understand the lesson because he is suffering from migraine. What is the noise in the communication process?
- A. lecture
- B. Plate Tectonic Theory
- C. students
- D. migraine
_______ 7. Which element of communication answers “What was Jhay’s answer to to the question?”
- A. barrier
- B. channel
- C. feedback
- D. decoding
_______ 8. What element of communication is shown when Emmanuel wrote an email to Skycable.
- A. barrier
- B. decoding
- C. feedback
- D. medium
_______ 9. Girlie told her groupmates that she has already the data for their research. The word groupmates is what element of communication?
- A. message
- B. sender
- C. encoding
- D. receiver
_______ 10. In yesterday’s class with Miss Bullo, Rommel gave a report on Atmospheric Science and Climate. His classmates listened attentively. Who is the sender in the situation?
- A. class
- B. Rommel
- C. Miss Bullo
- D. classmates
Additional Activities
Directions: With a help from your friends or relatives, create a short skit showing the five functions of communication and submit it to your teacher. Your work will be graded based on the following rubric.
| 5 | 4 | 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content | All functions of communication are seen in the presentation | At least four functions of communication are seen in the presentation | Less than four functions of communication are seen in the presentation |
| Script | Script has complete, logical story with a beginning, middle, and end. | Script is complete. It has a story with a beginning, middle, and end. | Script is complete with rough spots; Beginning, middle and end may be difficult to determine. |
| Projection | The audience could hear all words with naturalness and ease in communication | The audience could hear most words with naturalness and ease in communication | The audience could hear few words with naturalness and ease in communication |
| Grammar | There are no errors in grammar | There are few errors in grammar | There is a number of errors in grammar |
Answer Key
[illustration: answer key icon]
[transcriber’s note: this page is printed upside down (rotated 180 degrees); it is transcribed upright below. The column headers are printed as “C B A” across the top of the Assessment box and are matched here by their contents.]
What I Know
- C
- F
- B
- A
- G
- D
- I
- H
- E
Assessment
| A | B | C |
|---|---|---|
| 1. TRUE | 1. F | 1. Information |
| 2. FALSE | 2. I | 2. Social Interaction |
| 3. TRUE | 3. B | 3. Motivation |
| 4. TRUE | 4. E | 4. Emotional Expression |
| 5. FALSE | 5. G | 5. Information |
| 6. C | 6. Regulation/Control | |
| 7. D | 7. Emotional Expression | |
| 8. A | 8. Emotional Expression | |
| 9. H | 9. Regulation |
References
Anudin, Ali G. and Pena , Andrew Rey. Oral Communication, Quezon City, Philippines: Vibal Group Inc., 2016
Balgos, Anne Richie G. and John Philippe F. Sipacio. Oral Communication in Cotext for Senior High School. Quezon City: C & E Publishing Inc., 2016.
Communication Models, Group Communication. “Aristotle’s Communication Model.” Communication Theory, July 10, 2014. Accessed November 5, 2019. https://www.communicationtheory.org/aristotle%e2%80%99s-communication-model/?fbclid=IwAR2NGurovRORrjH3ttYhifUCqq4QOlXOVUxRRNHMrDNuASLJhN_GPmLtk4c.
“Effective Communication Process.” Accessed November 5, 2019. https://www.tutorialspoint.com/effective_communication/effective_communication_process.htm.
“Exploring the Communication Process.” Accessed November 5, 2019 http://www.sps186.org/downloads/basic/270480/chap02.pdf
Flores, Ramona S. Oral Communication in Context . 1st ed., Manila, Philippines: Rex Book Store, 2016.
Kalpana, R. “Elements and Importance of Communication Process: Business Management.” Essays, Research Papers and Articles on Business Management, February 4, 2014. https://www.businessmanagementideas.com/communication/elements-and-importance-of-communication-process-business-management/2354.
“Nature and Elements of Communication .” Accessed November 4, 2019. https://www.acadshare.com/nature-and-elements-of-communication-quiz/.
Nordquist, Richard. “What Do Noise and Interference Refer to in the Communication Process?” ThoughtCo. Accessed November 4, 2019. https://www.thoughtco.com/noise-communication-term-1691349.
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:
Department of Education – Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)
Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600
Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985
Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph
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