DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

The use of words in communication is very crucial. Two major ways of communication are oral and
written communications. Oral communication is the use of speech to convey messages and
thoughts. Written communication is a written message that two or more people exchange. Written
communication is more formal way of communicating. Verbal communication is more efficient way
of conveying messages.

Oral communication takes less time in terms of response as compared to written communication. On
the other hand, written communication is more reliable as it has a record. Therefore oral
communication is considered unreliable.

Oral communication has an instant feedback, whereas written communication takes time for a
feedback. Time wise, oral communication is more efficient and requires very less time to pass on the
message, where as in written form, the message is reviewed couple of times before being
dispatched.

Oral messaging is very flexible and can be modified according to the situation, whereas written
communication cannot be modified after it is dispatched. It takes a formal approach to start a
debate since oral communication can begin right away whereas written communication must follow
certain number of formalities. Accurate grammar is very important while using written form of
communication, whereas grammar does not play an important role in oral communication.