Oral vs. Written Communication: Key Differences

The Process of Human Communication

Notice: Communication is the process by which humans convey information. The primary instrument of communication is verbal.

Elements of Communication

• Emitter: The source that initiates the message.
• Receiver: The individual who receives the information.
• Message: The specific information being conveyed.
• Channel: The vehicle through which the information travels.
• Code: A set of signs and rules used to convey language.

Oral Communication

• Auditory Perception: It uses the ear canal, as one perceives words through the sense of hearing.
• Linearity: Phonemes are heard in a linear fashion (one after another); a person cannot say two words simultaneously.
• Retractability: The sender has the opportunity to retract or clarify what they say during the interaction.
• Interaction: There is direct interaction and immediate feedback between the speakers.
• Ephemerality: Communication is ephemeral; words disappear as they are spoken, lasting only as long as the sound remains in the environment.
• Multi-modal Elements: It utilizes verbal, non-verbal, and paraverbal media, including movement, gestures, voice tones, visual aids, and technological tools.

Written Communication

• Visual Perception: It is perceived through vision. This requires higher concentration, as the reader must analyze the content and evaluate the writing style or direction.
• Holistic Process: It involves a holistic process where the reader analyzes parts horizontally or vertically to ensure full comprehension.
• Higher Development: Writing often has a higher level of development than oral communication, as words are chosen more carefully. The sender can also edit and fix mistakes or ill-conceived ideas before the message is finalized.
• Punctuation and Stress: Elements such as pauses, questions, accent marks, and commas are vital for providing meaning and rhythm to the reading.
• Permanence: The recipient can reread the document as many times as desired, as written communication is permanent unless destroyed.
• Delayed Interaction: There is no instant or direct interaction between the sender and the receiver.
• Lexical Basis: The foundation of this communication is the written word. While the text can include charts, drawings, and designs, the core remains the written lexicon.