FUNCTIONS OF COMMUNICATION

This is already included in Chapter 1, However, I am posting it separately for the convenience of students and friends searching primarily for this topic. 

Functions of Communication

The functions of communication are numerous. A few of these functions are mentioned below:

• Information: One of the primary functions of communication is to inform another person. In any given field whether family, friendships or business, sharing of information is integral for communication to occur.
• Social needs: Communication helps one to fulfill one's social need. The needs to be identified, belong, control and be affectionate and receive affection are innate and communication helps in the same.
• Practical needs: Communication helps one to fulfill the practical needs. For instance, simple things like buying a product, asking someone to pass an object, etc.
• Education: Communication helps in the process of education. It is an important element in the transfer of knowledge, ideas and concepts. To spread literacy and create awareness is an important function of communication.
• Co-ordination: Communication helps to co-ordinate 
• Persuasion: Persuasion could include various dimensions of persuasion. For instance, a mother persuades her child to drink milk for good health but persuasion could also mean different organisations persuading you to buy their product.
• Motivation or Raising Morale: An individual could motivate others through actions, words or deeds. One could always encourage and boost the morale of those around through kind words of encouragement, motivation and inspiration.  A good teacher is a good communicator who motivates and raises the morale of her students by encouraging them to achieve their dreams and work hard for it.
• Instruction: Communication also helps in instructions. It is important while driving to follow the instructions of safe driving. 
• Advice: Communication could also mean advice. 
• Warning: Communication could include warning. For instance: The weather forecast department issues warning regarding the weather conditions to the people.
• Connectivity: In today's arena, communication has jumped leaps and bound and has led to a connectivity unimaginable before. Social networking forums have led to people connecting globally.
• Networking: The world today with its digital activity has become a constant forum for networking. It is not surprising them that Social Networking forums have become major forums for communication and networking.