ORAL COMMUNICATION

Oral communication: 

• Oral communication is one of the modes of verbal communication in which language (words) is used through speech organs. Hence, oral communication is the process of exchange of information and ideas through speech organs using language. 
• Examples of oral communication include- speech, debate, telephonic conversation, seminars, interviews, etc.
• It can be done face to face or through any electronic device like a telephone. It can also be done either formally or informally. 
• Oral communication is considered a powerful skill that is used almost at every place whether at home or in the professional field. This skill helps a professional/leader to impress others if it is used intelligently.
• Paralinguistic features like the quality of voice, pronunciation, articulation, tone, pitch, rate, etc., play a vital role in effective oral communication. 

Merits/Advantages of Oral Communication

 

1. It is time Saving.
2. Immediate feedback/answer is received.
3. It is easy and fast.
4. There is no fear of spelling.
5. Literacy is not required for oral communication.
6. It can easily be corrected if something relevant is spoken. 
7. It can take help of body language to convey a message effectively.
8. Use of voice dynamics makes it impressive.  

Demerits/Disadvantages of Oral Communication

 

1. It is not considered authenticated.
2. It cannot be used for legal record.
3. It needs of good knowledge of Paralinguistic features of Voice like pronunciation, articulation, volume, etc.
4. It needs costly device for recording and storing.

 Importance of oral communication

Oral communication is advantageous in many personal, academic, social, and business settings for many reasons. Effective oral communication enables a person to express himself, listen actively, and respond appropriately to the needs of others. The importance of oral communication is mentioned below-

 

1. It establishes a more personal and relational communication between the sender and the receiver.

2. It is typically less formal hence giving confidence to the speaker.

3. It is more approachable hence developing rapport between speaker and listener. 

4. It is flexible and also able to adapt to change quickly.

5. In urgency oral communication helps to respond to problems more quickly. 

6. In a professional setting, it is built on transparency, understanding, and trust. 

7. Effective oral communication boosts morale, improves performance, and promotes teamwork.

8. It saves time by giving a message directly to the other person and getting their response immediately.

9. It helps to resolve conflicts with face-to-face communication.

10. It enhances interaction and relationship building, 

11. It facilitates collaboration among individuals.

Difference between oral communication and Written Communication

 

BASIS FOR DIFFERENCE	ORAL COMMUNICATION	WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Meaning	The exchange of ideas, information, and messages through spoken words is Oral Communication.	The interchange of messages, opinions, and information in written or printed form is Written Communication.
What is it?	Communication with the help of word 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