Difference Between Oral And Written Communication

Difference Between Oral Communication And Written Communication

The major dissimilarities or difference between oral and written communication can be described as follows:

1. Introduction

Oral Communication: Type of communication in which information, ideas or messages are transmitted or exchanged through face to face conversation or verbally.

Written Communication: Type of communication in which messages or ideas are transmitted or exchanged through writing or texting.

2. Transmission Speed

Oral Communication: Very quick transmission of information or message

Written Communication: Slow transmission of information and messages.

3. Verification

Oral Communication: It is not possible to verify the sent message

Written Communication: Messages can be verified.

4. Cost And Time

Oral Communication: It is less costly and less time consuming means of communication.

Written Communication: It requires costs for typing, printing and delivering the message. So, it is costly and time consuming means of communication.

5. Proof/Evidence

Oral Communication: There is no proof because there will be no record of the message.

Written Communication: Record of written communication is kept properly. So, there is a proof or evidence.

6. Type Of Communication

Oral Communication: Informal

Written Communication: Formal

7. Reliability

Oral Communication: Less reliable than written communication

Written Communication: It is more reliable means of communication

8. Flexibility

Oral Communication: It is more flexible than written communication

Written Communication: Less flexible than oral communication

9. Suitable Or Applicable

Oral Communication: It is suitable or applicable if sender and receiver are nearer.

Written Communication: It is applicable and suitable for long distance communication (if sender and receiver are at distant place)

      Also Read: 

Difference Between Formal And Informal Communication

10. Immediate Feedback

Oral Communication: Possible

Written Communication: Impossible

11. Examples

Oral Communication: Face-to-face conversation, speech, meeting, telephone conversation etc. are some examples of oral communication

Written Communication: Text messages, letters, journal, e-mail etc. are some examples of written communication

Oral Vs Written Communication (Comparison Chart)

Basis	Oral Communication	Written Communication
Introduction	Transmission of  idea, message or information verbally	Transmission of idea, message or information through writing
Transmission Speed	Quick	Slow
Verification	Not Possible	Possible
Cost And Time	Less	More
Proof/Evidence	No	Yes
Type	Informal	Formal
Reliability	Less	More
Flexibility	More	Less
Suitable/Applicable	For short distance	For long distance
Immediate Feedback	Yes	No

I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between oral communication and written communication and to make comparison between them.