Name: Bouali Hajare

Lecture 2

Forms of communication
Keywords:
Oral Communication – Written Communication – Graphic Communication –
Verbal Communication – Nonverbal Communication – Business
Communication – Formal/ Informal - Process – Speech

1. Introduction
Business communication is the process of exchanging and deciphering symbols within a
business context. This process is considered important because through it we are able express
ideas, experiences, and needs. In this section, we will focus on introducing three types of
communication found in business communication.
The symbols used within a business context come in many forms such as pictures, words, facial
expressions…. Using these symbols, we can categorize communication into three forms:
Verbal, non-verbal, and graphic communication
2. Verbal Communication
Verbal communication, just like the name indicate, is any interaction that uses words. If we
apply this definition to a business context, we can further split this type into two section
which are: oral (ex. speeches) and written (ex. reports)
a. Verbal Communication: Oral
Oral communication is any verbal interaction that uses mouth to transfer messages. The main
focuses in oral interactions are on the words uttered and the manner they were pronounced.
Human beings are gifted with language and their primary use of this gift was through speech.
Therefore, speech is considered the primary source of expression then comes writing. Oral
communication is a chore process in organization since without it becomes lifeless and
unimportant.
Oral Communication in an Organization:
A big portion of business communication is spent using oral communication. The time spent
by employees on it in accordance to their level of hierarchy. For example, a study revealed that
supervisors spend 25% of their time on oral communication, executives spend between 65%
and 75% on it, and high management can go even up to 90%.
While speech is usually viewed in informal way, in an organization we find both formal and
informal oral communication. Formal oral communication happens using formal channels and
uses the formal code of conduct. Informal oral communication, however, happens in a casual
manner and for social purposes. It usually overcomes the limitations and barriers. In an institute,
a fair amount of both types is used.
Characteristic Features of Oral Communication:
Oral communication in an institute has many characteristics which are:
- Instantaneous and a two-way process
- One off exercise (not repeated)
- Day to day language
- Both the sender and receiver are present
- Principles: Accuracy, clarity and brevity are the three principles of oral communication
- Effect of body and speech modulation
- It cannot be erased or mended
Methods of Oral Communications:
In an institution, oral communication can be found practiced in many scenarios some of which
are:
Among Individuals
- Face to face conversation
- Interviews
- Telephone
- Grapevine discussion
Among Groups
- Negotiations
- Meetings
- Lectures and speeches
- Presentations
- Conferences/ seminars/ workshops
Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Communication:
Using oral communication in business is very beneficial. Some of the advantages of using it
are: immediate feedback, time saving, immediate effectiveness, and good for emergencies.
However, this does not mean it doesn’t have its fair share of disadvantages such as: lack of
documentation, distortion of the message, having no legal validity, and physical barriers.