The main difference between oral communication and written communication is that oral communication is the way of conveying the planning and thoughts of any group or in particular to others in words, while written communication means directing messages or advice in the form of letters.

Oral communication versus written communication

Oral communication is the procedure of transmitting messages or reports from the dispatcher to the receiver through word of mouth. In contrast, written communication is the method of collaboration of messages or information to the writer and the receiver through the printed form. Oral communication is an informal form, while written communication is a formal form.

Oral communication has no record, while written communication always has a story. Oral communication is inexpensive, while written communication is expensive. Oral communication has an instantaneous reaction, while written communication requires time to provide feedback. Oral communication takes less time to prepare and give massages, while written communication takes a long time to organize to convey messages. Oral communication is not considered reliable, while written communication is the most reliable.

In oral communication, it is not necessary to review the massage before transmitting it, but in written communication, it is essential to reread the messages before sending them to someone. Oral communication is more flexible; can alert or modify according to the condition, while the written communication is not adjustable and comfortable; it takes time to bring change or adjust messages.

A high level of literacy does not mean in oral communication, the receiver should only understand the message, but literacy is applicable in written communication. Oral communication can start directly, while written communication must follow various formalities, and that is why it involves a formal process to start such a discussion. Generally, grammar is not considered much in oral communication, while written notification must be grammatically accurate because it affects the message.

Comparative chart

What is oral communication?

Oral communication is the way of transmitting or receiving messages through the use of spoken words. This style of communication is being used enormously around the world due to the quick and fast reactions. The best thing about this communication is that the sender and receiver can report non-verbal signals such as body language, facial expression, tone of speech, and etc. This communication enhances the most genuine oral communication. A good relationship is being generated between the sender and the receiver due to its special touch. There is no exact rule of mention to follow of procedures in oral communication.

Oral communication can be direct and indirect. Long conversation is having between two or more individuals such as face-to-face communication, speeches, conferences, assemblies, discussions, sessions, etc. And the long conversation is that type of communication in which there must be some use to exchange such as telephone dialogue, videotape, vocal sound, etc.

Oral communication is more delicate. There is also additional flexibility in it, and you can even chat about disturbed aspects of any matter and make decisions quickly as well. However, in oral communication, words, once spoken, can never be reserved.

Although it is not appropriate for confidential or particular information because it does not have an authorized record of what was said, without having any recorded tape or video, because, in the fumble situation, no one will take responsibility. Oral communication must be firm, meaningful, delicate, simple, and instructive. It is economical because it protects the money that can be spent on writing materials.

What is written communication?

Communication in which the message is on paper is known as written communication. It is the most reliable way to communicate, and it also greatly favors the professional side because it is a correct and elegant way. The various written communication networks are literature, electronic message, newsletters, publications, reporters, writing notes, etc.

It is a systematized communication because before transferring the message you have to reread it or write it again. Written communication is cautiously strategic and words are selected with great care. In this type of connection, the height of literacy is essential because a person receiving a massage must know what is written on it. In this situation, the dispatcher never knows that the receiver reads the message or not, and the sender also has to wait for the receiver’s reply.

Written communication is accurately recorded; therefore it is more reliable and trustworthy. There is also the possibility to edit the message before forwarding it. You have less flexibility because you have less ability to change or adjust information. It takes some time to start the process because there are various formalities involved that the sender must follow here, and the written communication must be precise in structure and grammatically as well.

It seems suitable for long-distance communication and gives the receiver ample time to consider and respond. It can be sent to many people at the same time. It is also an easy way to address any unpleasant or bad news in written words, but it is not effective in an emergency.

Key differences

1. Oral communication is verbal, while written communication is in writing.
2. Oral communication is informal. On the other hand, written communication is formal.
3. Oral communication is fast; on the contrary, written communication is slow.
4. Oral communication takes less time; on the other hand, and written communication takes more time.
5. Oral communication is more flexible, while written communication is less flexible.
6. Oral communication is inexpensive. On the other hand, written communication is expensive.
7. Oral communication has no evidence; on the other hand, oral communication has been demonstrated.
8. Oral communication has immediate feedback, while written communication does not have immediate feedback.
9. Oral communication is not reliable; on the other hand, written communication is authentic.

Final Thought

It is difficult to choose between two communications which is superlative because both are worthy and valuable instead, oral communication is informal, which is generally used in individual discussions, while written communication is formal communication, which is used officially. Most people use an oral style because it is appropriate and takes less time. Although people tend to consider written text more, that is why written communication is deliberate as a coherent form of communication.