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Comparing oral communication and written communication
Question
Define both oral communication and written communication, using examples to describe when each type of communication is most effective.
| Subject | Communication | Pages | 2 | Style | APA |
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Answer
Oral Communication and Written Communication and when using each is Effective
Words play a central role in communication. Words are used to transmit information in an intended manner. In communication, words can either be conveyed through word of mouth (oral communication) or writing (written communication). While both differ in the mode and medium of transmitting, they are fundamental types of gathering and disseminating information.
Oral communication is any form of interaction between people that uses words through speaking and listening (Rani, 2019). Oral communication can either be through face-to-face discussion or distance through any electric device such as telephone, skype, or zoom. In either situation, the speaker is required to consider his or her vocal pitch and volume. Considering the needs of the listener including barriers to effectively deliver a message, oral communication is most effective where there is a need for an immediate response such as asking questions such as during an interview or staff meeting. Further, oral communication is convenient whereby the sender and receiver are in close contacts such as during lectures or conferences.
The contrary is written communication which involves conveying information through writing letters, manuals, reports, telegrams, emails, or office memos. Unlike oral communication, written communication is less flexible, costly, time-consuming, and unfitting for emergent communication (Rani, 2019). Regardless, written communication is most effective when there is a need for a permanent record for legal evidence or future reference. For instance, in a meeting, written communication can be used to write the minutes that could be used for both legal evidence and future reference (Keyton, 2017). Further, written communication is suitable for repetitive standing orders and essential for the receiver since it gives them time to think and respond. For instance, written communication is more effective when conveying unpleasant news or complex information such as statistical data that requires comprehensive thinking.
Overall, both oral and written communication are effective forms of verbal communication that can be used to convey both official and non-official messages. While oral communication is effective when conveying emergent information, written communication is best when conveying comprehensive information and long-term.
References
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Keyton, J. (2017). Communication in organizations. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 4, 501-526. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-032516-113341 Rani, V. (2019). Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral and written Communication. Available at: https://rrjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1338-1340_RRIJM190403293.pdf |