The document compares the key differences between written and spoken communication. It notes that writing transcends time and space while speaking is immediate, and that writing allows for revisions before publication. Additionally, it states that writing follows an organized structure, uses more content words, and aims to be error-free, whereas speaking utilizes gestures, intonation and allows for errors.

2.  Writing transcends time and space while
spoken communication operates in the here-
and-now world
 Writing tends to be more permanent while
speaking is often transient

3.  In writing, the audience may often be general
than specific, and may be represented as a
type rather than as an addressee who we can
see and interact with

4.  In writing, there is time lag between the
production and reception.The writer has time
to modify what will appear in the finished
product

5.  Writing follows a defined course of
organization and the language used
 In writing, the level of correctness and the
issue of well-formed-ness is addressed
 Lexical density or the proportion of the
content words to grammatical (function)
words – written text frequently has more
content words than function words.

6.  Phrasal verbs are likely to appear in spoken
words than in formal writing
 Hesitation markers (umm, well), non-clausal
units (Mmm, Uh-huh), and interjections are
common in speech than in writing
 Contracted forms, tag questions, and echo
questions are less common in writing

7.  Speakers and listeners use expressions and
gestures, as well as stress and intonation, to
convey meaning
 Writing has fewer signs and symbols but they
can be just as powerful

8.  Meaning is a work in progress in speaking so
error is tolerated.
 Writing is supposed to be an error-free
finished product