Oral communication

3. Oral Communication vs Written Communication. Oral communication is the way of
passing on messages or reports from the dispatcher to the receiver with the help of
word of mouth. In contrast, written communication is communicating messages or
information to the writer and receiver through a printed form.
Oral communication
Oral communication is transfer of information from sender to receiver by means of
verbal and visual aid. Examples of oral communication include presentations, speeches,
discussions, etc.
Oral Communication Types
Types of oral communication include formal communication, such as classroom
lectures, speeches and meeting presentations; and informal communication, such as
casual phone or dinner table conversations

4. Advantages of Oral Communication
 There is high level of understanding and transparency in oral communication as it is
interpersonal.
 There is no element of rigidity in oral communication. There is flexibility for allowing
changes in the decisions previously taken.
 The feedback is spontaneous in case of oral communication. Thus, decisions can be
made quickly without any delay.
 Oral communication is not only time saving, but it also saves upon money and efforts.
 Oral communication is best in case of problem resolution. The conflicts, disputes and
many issues/differences can be put to an end by talking them over.
 Oral communication is an essential for teamwork and group energy.
 Oral communication promotes a receptive and encouraging morale among
organizational employees.
 Oral communication can be best used to transfer private and confidential
information/matter.

5. Disadvantages/Limitations of Oral Communication
 Relying only on oral communication may not be sufficient as business communication
is formal and very organized.
 Oral communication is less authentic than written communication as they are informal
and not as organized as written communication.
 Oral communication is time-saving as far as daily interactions are concerned, but in
case of meetings, long speeches consume lot of time and are unproductive at times.
 Oral communications are not easy to maintain and thus they are unsteady.
 There may be misunderstandings as the information is not complete and may lack
essentials.
 It requires attentiveness and great receptivity on part of the receivers/audience.
 Oral communication (such as speeches) is not frequently used as legal records except in
investigation work.

6. Written communication
Written communication is any written message that two or more people exchange.
Written communication is typically more formal but less efficient than oral
communication. Examples of written communication include: Emails. Text messages.
Types of Written Communication
 Memos.
 Reports.
 Bulletins.
 Job descriptions.
 Employee manuals.
 Emails.
 Instant messages.

7. Advantages of Written Communication
 Written communication helps in laying down apparent principles, policies and rules for
running of an organization.
 It is a permanent means of communication. Thus, it is useful where record
maintenance is required.
 It assists in proper delegation of responsibilities. While in case of oral communication, it
is impossible to fix and delegate responsibilities on the grounds of speech as it can be
taken back by the speaker or he may refuse to acknowledge.
 Written communication is more precise and explicit.
 Effective written communication develops and enhances an organization’s image.
 It provides ready records and references.
 Legal defenses can depend upon written communication as it provides valid records.

8. Disadvantages of Written Communication
 Written communication does not save upon the costs. It costs huge in terms of
stationery and the manpower employed in writing/typing and delivering letters.
 Also, if the receivers of the written message are separated by distance and if they need
to clear their doubts, the response is not spontaneous.
 Written communication is time-consuming as the feedback is not immediate. The
encoding and sending of message takes time.
 Effective written communication requires great skills and competencies in language
and vocabulary use. Poor writing skills and quality have a negative impact on
organization’s reputation.
 Too much paper work and e-mails burden is involved.

9. Key Differences Between Oral Communication and Written
Communication
The following are the major differences between oral communication and written
communication:
 The type of communication in which the sender transmits information to the
receiver through verbally speaking the message. The communication mode, which
uses written or printed text for exchanging the information is known as Written
Communication.
 The pre-condition in written communication is that the participants must be literate
whereas there is no such condition in case of oral communication.

10.  Proper records are there in Written Communication, which is just opposite in
the case of Oral Communication.
 Oral Communication is faster than Written Communication.
 The words once uttered cannot be reversed in the case of Oral Communication.
On the other hand, editing of the original message is possible in Written
Communication.
 Misinterpretation of the message is possible in Oral Communication but not in
Written Communication.
 In oral communication, instant feedback is received from the recipient which is
not possible in Written Communication.

12. BASIS FOR COMMUNICATION ORAL COMMUNICATION WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Meaning Exchange of ideas, information and
message through spoken words is Oral
Communication.
Interchange of message, opinions and information in written or printed form is Written Communication.
What is it? Communication with the help of words of
mouth.
Communication with the help of text.
Literacy Not required at all. Necessary for communication.
Transmission of message Speedy Slow
Proof No record of communication is there. Proper records of communication are present.
Feedback Immediate feedback can be given Feedback takes time.
Revision before delivering the
message?
Not possible Possible
Receipt of nonverbal cues Yes No
Probability of misunderstanding Very high Quite less