Human communication and the earliest phase of its formation in ontogenesis - enlivening complex - is discussed. Two sides of communication are outlined: communication as an activity and communication as a means and condition of other types of activity. The former is determined as a functional activity; the need for it is contained in the process of this activity itself. Philogenetic prerequisites of such a need are shown. Comparative-psychological analysis of child's enlivening complex and the development of sensomotor activity and the means of communication in ontogenesis is presented.