Difference Between Oral and Written Communication

This article discusses the main differences between oral and written communication. It explains the advantages and disadvantages of each form of communication and provides examples.

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Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro
Department of Software Engineering
ASSIGNMENT
OF
Technical & Business Writing
Submitted by: Saqlain Mustafa
Roll No: 19SW81

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TOPIC: Written & Oral 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.

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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

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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 m
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.

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Comparison Chart
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