Blog

Difference Between Oral and Written Communication

When we speak of language as a tool for communication, we mean both spoken and written forms of the language. Both these modes can be used for communication. While they perform the same functions, their form and manner of use differ in many respects. For example, one makes use of sounds, other of symbols.

Oral Communication

The speaker has available to him/her the full range of voice quality effects, as well as facial expressions, postural and gestural systems, but these paralinguistic features are denied to the writer.

Written Communication

The writer, on the other hand, has typographical variety at his/her disposal. The speaker is face-to-face with the hearer while the writer writes for an absent reader who may also be far away in space and time.

Every day we choose between written and spoken communication to get our messages across. Sometimes a text or an email is more convenient, but a phone call or face-to-face conversation might get results faster. Knowing which choice is the better option will put you on track to better, more effective communication in the workplace.

What is Oral Communication?

Oral communication is communication by speaking rather than in some other way – for example, writing. You will also be looking at ways of listening to others – an important skill in many everyday situations. It may be face-to-face talk, telephonic talk, video-chat, television, radio or chat over the internet, such as Skype or Whatsapp.

Personal traits such as clarity of pronunciation, pitch, slang, volume, speed, etc. influence this mode of conversation. It is an effective form of communication.

For example, when the teacher teaches in the class, it is face-to-face communication. During the Covid-19 pandemic, classes were held online using Zoom, Google meets or Microsoft Team platforms. It is also face-to-face verbal communication as the teacher and students could see each other although they were not present in the class bodily.

When two persons talk on Skype or Whatsapp, they communicate face-to-face verbally. In the telephonic talk, the communication is verbal although it is not face-to-face as they cannot see each other.

What is Written Communication?

This kind of communication involves any kind of exchange of information in written form. To put it simply, written language communication is communication by means of written symbols that is communicated by or to or between people or groups.

Thus, written communication is the presentation of ideas or essays that make a clear point, supply details supporting that point and demonstrate unity and coherence of thought.

For example, e-mails, texts, letters, reports, SMS, posts on social media platforms, documents, handbooks, posters, flyers, etc. written communication requires careful consideration. Writing is a result of long practise and patience in learning. The written word is an indelible record of proceedings in a business.

Difference Between Oral and Written Communication

Now we will learn about the differences between oral and written communication.

Conclusion

Each of the different media of communication has its strengths and weaknesses which determine its uses and suitability for communication in any particular context. Thus, in some cases, oral communication might be useful while in others, written communication may be necessary, as both of these have their own relative merits and demerits, as discussed above.

As such, one cannot depend upon a particular medium of communication and both of these media are complementary to each other. That is why, in practice, both these media are used. Oral communication, however, is more useful where the subject matter is complex and a final decision requires deliberations from the persons concerned.

Moreover, in day-to-day business and in routine types of activities, oral communication may be relied upon. Where the messages are to be kept for future reference, written communication is the only possibility.

FAQ Section