Introduction
Oral communication (also known as verbal communication) is a technique of transmitting information or thoughts through spoken words. It is a process of transferring ideas, facts or messages through verbal mode. It is fast and cost-effective process. Face-to-face conversation, telephone calls, speeches, debate, meetings etc. are some examples of oral communication.
Advantages Of Oral Communication
The main advantages of oral communication can be pointed out as follows:
1. Time And Cost Saving Process
Oral communication ensures quick exchange of information, Messages and information can be transferred immediately that saves time.. It does not require paper work that helps to save cost and effort. Therefore, it saves time, money and effort.
2. Flexible Process
Oral communication is more flexible and dynamic than written communication. Messages can be revised, refined modified easily. It helps the sender to correct himself/herself and make communication more clear.
3. Immediate Feedback
Another advantage of oral communication is that it provides immediate feedback. Because of rapid transmission of message receiver can respond quickly.
4. Clarity
Oral communication provides more clarity than written type of communication. Because of personal touch between sender and receiver, information and ideas can be transmitted more clearly that helps to obtain the objective of communication.
5. Suitable For Large Audience
Verbal communication is suitable to interact with large audience. It is also suitable for illiterate people who cannot read or write properly.
6. Build Trust And Relationship
Because of personal touch, honest dialogue and discussions, it helps to reduce misunderstandings and conflict. It helps to build trust and better relationship among the members of the organization.
7. Useful For Emergency Situation
It is very suitable at the time of emergency because of quick transmission of message, It helps the receiver to make prompt decision and take appropriate action.
Disadvantages Of Oral Communication
Some of the notable drawbacks of oral communication can be highlighted as follows:
1 .Lack Of Record
Verbal communication lacks documentation because it is impossible to maintain or preserve messages for future use.
2. Lack Of Legal Validity
Another disadvantage of oral communication it lacks legal validity because there is no tangible record of the communication.
3. Limited Scope
It has limited scope because it is not suitable to deliver confidential messages. It is also not suitable to send lengthy and sensitive information through this mode of communication.
4. Possibility Of Misinterpretation
There exists a chance of misinterpretation because of the perception of individuals. It may create misunderstanding between speaker and listener.
5. Less Authentic
Verbal communication is less authentic because it lacks documentation, it is informal and less organized than written communication process.
Also Read
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Written Communication
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Formal Communication
6. Barriers
Several barriers like ling distance, noise, distraction etc. may impact the quality of communication negatively. So, it may not be able to obtain desired objective of organization effectively.
Pros And Cons Of Verbal Communication In Brief
Pros
* It is time, cost, effort and resource saving process
* It is flexible and dynamic type of communication
* It ensures immediate response and feedback
* It is suitable to communicate with large audience
* It builds trust and promotes the sense of team spirit in the workplace
Cons
* It lacks documentation of message
* There is no legal validity because of the lack of preserved document
* It has limited scope than written communication
* There is a chance of misinterpretation of message
* There are many physical barriers
* It lacks secrecy and privacy
