Understand the difference between oral and written communication.
To convey the message, one needs to understand the difference between oral and written communication.
Words play an important role in the communication process. They are important to pass on the message in the way it is intended to be conveyed or transmitted. When words are used in communication, it is called verbal communication. Verbal transfer of information can be performed orally or in written form, generally known as oral and written communication.
Oral and written communications are both major ways of communication. For example, communicating by word of mouth is called oral communication, whereas written communication involves writing/drawing symbols to communicate. In every field, both these communication forms play a major role in sharing ideas.
So there is the main difference between Oral and written communication mentioned below;
The main or core difference between Oral Communication and Written Communication is that Oral Communication is in the form of words conveying planning and thoughts from any particular people or group to others. Meanwhile, Written Communication refers to directing messages or advising in lettering form.
Here let us look at some more differences.
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 is an informal way, whereas written communication is often in a formal way. Oral communication doesn’t possess any record, whereas written communication always has a history or many records. Oral communication doesn’t cost much, while written communication is expensive.
Oral communication has a quick reaction, whereas written communication takes ample time to give feedback. Oral communication takes less time to get ready and deliver messages, whereas written communication takes longer to organize passing messages.
Therefore, oral communication is not considered reliable. However, written communication is much more trustworthy.
In oral communication, it is not required to review the message before passing, while in written communication, it is necessary to reread messages before dispatching them to someone. Furthermore, oral communication is very flexible. It can alert or modify according to condition, while written communication is not adjustable and comfortable because it takes time to carry change or adjust messages.
A high literacy level doesn’t mean that the receiver must only understand the message in oral communication, but literacy is applicable in written communication.
Oral communication starts directly, but written communication needs to follow various formalities, and that’s why it involves a formal procedure to initiate such a discussion.
For example, grammar is not considered in oral communication, but written notification must be accurate grammatically as it affects the message.
The major dissimilarities according to the way of communication between oral and written communication can be discussed as follows:
Oral Vs Written Communication
1. Introduction
Oral Communication: Form of communication in which information, ideas or messages are conveyed, transmitted or exchanged via face to face conversation or verbally.
Written Communication: Here, a form of communication in which messages or ideas are conveyed, transmitted or exchanged through writing or texting.
2. Transmission Speed
Oral Communication: Very fast and easy transmission of information or message
Written Communication: It is the slow transmission of information and messages.
3. Verification
Oral Communication: It is very difficult or almost impossible to verify the sent message
Written Communication: Here, one can verify messages.
4. Cost And Time
Oral Communication: It is a less costly and less time-consuming way of communication.
Written Communication: It costs money for typing, printing and later delivering the message. So, it is a costly and also time-consuming means of communication.
5. Proof/Evidence
Oral Communication: There is no real proof because there will be no record of the message because the way of communication is via word of mouth.
Written Communication: Records of written communication can be preserved properly. So, there is proof or evidence.
6. Type Of Communication
Oral Communication: Informal
Written Communication: Formal
7. Reliability
Oral Communication: Not much more reliable than written communication
Written Communication: It is a very much reliable means of communication
8. Flexibility
Oral Communication: It is more flexible compared to written form.
Written Communication: It is less flexible than oral communication
9. Suitable Or Applicable
Oral Communication: It is often suitable or applicable if the sender and receiver are nearer to each other
Written Communication: It is applicable and suitable for long-distance communication only if the sender and receiver are at a distant place or far away from each other.
10. Immediate Feedback
Oral Communication: Possible
Written Communication: Impossible
11. Examples
Oral Communication: E.g. Face-to-face conversation, telephone conversation, speech, webinars, meetings etc.
Written Communication: For, e.g. Text messages, letters, journals, e-mail etc.
By understanding these key differences, individuals can effectively choose the appropriate communication method for their needs for oral and written communication. Compare and contrast oral and written communication to optimize your communication strategy. By analyzing What is the difference between oral and written communication, provides a comprehensive overview of the distinctions between these two essential communication forms.
Advantages And Disadvantages of Oral Communication:
Advantages:
1. Instant feedback: Oral communication allows for immediate feedback, which can be useful in situations where quick responses are needed.
2. Flexibility: Oral communication can be more flexible than written communication, allowing for changes in tone, pitch, and volume to convey different meanings or emotions.
3. Personal touch: Oral communication allows for a personal touch that written communication often lacks, which can help build stronger relationships and foster better understanding.
4. Nonverbal cues: Oral communication provides the benefit of nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language, which can help convey meaning and intention.
5. Interactive and engaging: Oral communication is interactive and engaging, facilitating active listening and understanding.
6. Builds rapport and interpersonal connections: Oral communication helps build rapport and interpersonal connections, fostering better comprehension and retention.
7. Enables quick decision-making: Oral communication enables quick decision-making, promoting collaboration and teamwork.
8. Adaptable to the needs of the audience: Oral communication is adaptable to the needs of the audience, providing opportunities for persuasive communication.
Disadvantages:
1. Lack of permanence and documentation: Oral communication is not permanent and lacks documentation, making it difficult to reference or review later.
2. Potential for miscommunication or forgetfulness: Oral communication can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or forgetfulness due to various factors such as accents, language barriers, or limited attention span.
3. Dependency on physical presence or synchronous availability: Oral communication requires physical presence or synchronous availability, limiting its reach and flexibility.
4. Limited precision and revision: Oral communication can lack precision or clarity, particularly in complex or technical discussions, and revisions can be difficult to make.
Advantages And Disadvantages of Written Communication:
Advantages:
1. Permanence and documentation: Written communication provides a permanent record that can be referenced or reviewed at a later time.
2. Precision and careful wording: Written communication allows for careful organization, revision, and editing, making it more precise and clearer than oral communication.
3. Accessibility at any time: Written communication can be read and responded to at one’s convenience, making it accessible at any time.
4. Language clarity and accuracy: Written communication can be easier to understand and less prone to misinterpretation than oral communication, making it ideal for technical or complex discussions.
5. Overcoming language barriers: Written communication can overcome language barriers, as it can be translated and shared with a wider audience.
6. Reach and distribution: Written communication can reach a wider audience and be distributed widely, making it an effective way to communicate with multiple people.
7. Formal and official communication: Written communication provides a platform for formal and official communication, making it suitable for professional and business settings.
Disadvantages:
1. Lack of immediate feedback and interactivity: Written communication does not allow for immediate feedback, making it difficult to know if the message has been received or understood.
2. Absence of non-verbal cues: Written communication lacks non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language, which can lead to misinterpretation.
3. Potential for misinterpretation without context: Written communication can be misinterpreted without context, leading to confusion or misunderstanding.
4. Time-consuming for drafting and reading: Written communication can be time-consuming to create and review, particularly for longer documents or messages.
5. Difficulty in conveying emotions: Written communication can struggle to convey emotions effectively, which can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
6. Limited flexibility: Written communication can be less flexible than oral communication, as changes in tone or emphasis are not as easily conveyed.
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