Oral or verbal communication describes any type of interaction between individuals which makes use of

words and involves speaking and listening. In oral communication, the sender and receiver exchange
their thoughts or ideas verbally either in face-to-face discussion or through any mechanical or electrical
device like telephone or VOIP system like Skype. The ability to communicate effectively through
speaking is highly valued in business.

Examples of oral communication within an organisation include:

staff meetings, business meetings and other face-to-face meetings

personal discussions

presentations

telephone calls

informal conversation

public presentations such as speeches, lectures and conferences

teleconferences or videoconferences

interviews

Oral communication is effective when it is clear, precise, relevant, tactful, considerate, concise,
informative and adapted to the needs of the listener. The delivery of effective communication requires a
speaker to consider his or her vocal pitch, rate, and volume. It is important to incorporate changes in
vocal pitch to add emphasis and/or avoid monotony.

Non verbal elements such as posture, gestures, and facial expression are also important factors in
developing good oral communication skills. Good verbal communicators make frequent eye contact to
ensure understanding and to develop rapport with the listener.

This type of communication has certain advantages over written communication:

quick and prompt with the opportunity to both the transmitter and receiver of the message to respond
directly

permits plain language

questions can be asked immediately to improve understanding

generally inexpensive
oral communication can be supported by non-verbal communication such as gestures which enhance
the message

facilitates close contact and collegiality potentially improving motivation

However, oral communication does have some drawbacks:

unless the conversation is recorded there is no formal record of what was said

it may not be suitable for confidential or personal information

often more time-consuming than say an e-mail

it relies on the presenter's verbal skills

formal presentations are time-consuming to prepare

Next pageContents pagePrevious page

Copyright - Triple A Learning