What is Oral Communication
After reading this article you will learn about:-
- 1. Meaning of Oral Communication
- 2. Advantages of Oral Communication
- 3. Limitations
Meaning of Oral or Verbal Communication:
Transmission of orders, messages, information or suggestions through spoken words is called ‘Oral or Verbal Communication’.
It is effective for communication in meetings, conferences, gatherings, group discussions, interviews, face-to-face talks, telephonic talks, etc.
It is a direct and informal method of communication. A personal contact is established in such communication. So, it is useful in motivating people. It is very much flexible in nature. It is speedy, economic and suitable for confidential and emergent talks.
Advantages of Oral Communication:
The advantages of Oral or Verbal Communication are mentioned below:
1. It saves time. Contact can be established quickly. Time spent on preparing a draft of letters, circulars, notes, explanation and finalising them in the case of written communication can be saved.
2. Clarification and feedback are possible immediately. The listener may ask questions for proper explanation and the speaker is also in a position to know the reaction of the listener immediately.
3. A personal contact between the communicator and the communication helps to build up a better relationship between them.
4. It fosters a friendly and co-operative spirit as oral communication is often carried on through informal basis.
5. It is most suitable for confidential and emergent talks.
6. Oral communication is effective for communication in meetings, conferences, gatherings, group discussions, interviews, face-to-face talks, telephonic talks, etc.
7. It is flexible and changes can be made easily.
8. It is economic. It saves money. Stationery spent in written communication can be saved.
9. While making oral communication the gestures, body language, changes in voice, etc. of the participants disclose their intention.
10. Oral communication is effective in persuading people. This is why, the managers and supervisors prefer to communicate their ideas, opinion and thinking to their subordinates through this mode.
11. If for some reasons or other cancellation of any communication becomes necessary, withdrawal of oral communication is easier than written communication. 3.7.2 Limitations or Disadvantages of Oral Communication
Limitations of Oral Communication:
The limitations or disadvantages of Oral or Verbal Communication are as follows:
1. It is not suitable if the distance between the speaker and the listener is great. Of course, this difficulty may be removed with the help of some mechanical devices like a telephone.
2. It is unsuitable if the matter to be communicated is lengthy.
3. The economy in such communication depends on control. Use of telephone may cost a lot if proper control is not exercised.
4. It lacks recorded evidence for future reference.
5. It does not allow the listener much time to think, act and react.
6. It can be easily distorted or changed.
7. As no records of oral communication are generally kept, denial is easy.
8. It has no legal validity unless it is tape-recorded or video-recorded.
9. In the case of a mistake or neglect of duty, no one can be specifically held responsible owing to the absence of proof of oral communication.
10. Communication of statistical data is not suitable for oral communication as a mistake is likely to occur easily.
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