Oral communication is the transmission of spoken messages through the mouth, while written communication is written down on paper. Each has its own advantages, but to communicate effectively in oral and written communications is to carefully learn the dynamics as well as limitations of each form.
Oral communication involves individuals who converse with each other, and is the best form of communication when speaking to a large crowd such as an audience or during a presentation. It is used best when the messages are required to be transmitted temporarily or direct interaction is required, but it is of high value when it comes to building trust with another person. This is why speeches, meetings, interviews, and conferences make use of oral communication.
Advantages include speed in feedback, so that important decisions can be made rapidly. It is also especially useful in dispute resolution so that ideas and issues can be easily voiced out and any conflicts can be put to an end. When it comes to the transfer of sensitive and highly confidential issues, communicating by mouth will ensure secrecy.
Written communication, on the other hand, can be more detailed and visual and doesn’t rely on written word alone. Many times, graphs, charts, and diagrams can be used for effective written communication. Important messages and rules are also permanently recorded through the use of reports, policies, orders, agreements, and other documents used in organizational operations.
Written communication ensures uniformity of message understanding among anyone who encounters the information, and is a platform for permanently referencing important messages for the future. The permanent nature of the printed and written word allows little room for misinterpretation and altering of the message, and is also ideal for conveying information to large amounts of people at a time.
Each type of communication has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s best to study them well before you decide which way you want to present your ideas and messages.
Oral communication involves individuals who converse with each other, and is the best form of communication when speaking to a large crowd such as an audience or during a presentation. It is used best when the messages are required to be transmitted temporarily or direct interaction is required, but it is of high value when it comes to building trust with another person. This is why speeches, meetings, interviews, and conferences make use of oral communication.
Advantages include speed in feedback, so that important decisions can be made rapidly. It is also especially useful in dispute resolution so that ideas and issues can be easily voiced out and any conflicts can be put to an end. When it comes to the transfer of sensitive and highly confidential issues, communicating by mouth will ensure secrecy.
Written communication, on the other hand, can be more detailed and visual and doesn’t rely on written word alone. Many times, graphs, charts, and diagrams can be used for effective written communication. Important messages and rules are also permanently recorded through the use of reports, policies, orders, agreements, and other documents used in organizational operations.
Written communication ensures uniformity of message understanding among anyone who encounters the information, and is a platform for permanently referencing important messages for the future. The permanent nature of the printed and written word allows little room for misinterpretation and altering of the message, and is also ideal for conveying information to large amounts of people at a time.
Each type of communication has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s best to study them well before you decide which way you want to present your ideas and messages.