Dimensions of Communication

Words play a crucial role in communication process, to transmit the message in the way it is
intended to be conveyed. When words are used in the process of communication, it is known
as verbal communication. Verbal transfer of information can be performed, orally or in
written form.

1. Oral/Written Communication

Oral Communication is the oldest means of communication, which is most commonly used
as a medium for the exchange of information. It involves gathering or disseminating
information through spoken words.

Written Communication, on the other hand, is a formal means of communication, wherein

message is carefully drafted and formulated in written form. It is kept as a source of reference
or legal record. In this article, we’ve presented all the important differences between oral and
written communication in tabular form.

Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR ORAL WRITTEN
COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION COMMUNICATION

Meaning Exchange of ideas, Interchange of message,

information and message opinions and information in
through spoken words is written or printed form is
Oral Communication. Written Communication.

What is it? Communication with the Communication with the

help of words of mouth. help of text.

Transmission of Speedy Slow

message

Feedback Immediate feedback can be Feedback takes time.

given

Revision before Not possible Possible

delivering the message?

Receipt of nonverbal Yes No

cues

Probability of Very high Quite less

misunderstanding
Definition of Oral Communication

Oral Communication is the process of conveying or receiving messages with the use of
spoken words. This mode of communication is highly used across the world because of rapid
transmission of information and prompt reply.

Oral communication can either be in the form of direct conversation between two or more
persons like face to face communication, lectures, meetings, seminars, group discussion,
conferences, etc. or indirect conversation, i.e. the form of communication in which a medium
is used for interchange of information like telephonic conversation, video call, voice call, etc.

The best thing about this mode of communication is that the parties to communication, i.e.
sender or receiver, can notice nonverbal cues like the body language, facial expression, tone
of voice and pitch, etc. This makes the communication between the parties more effective.
However, this mode is backed with some limitation like the words once spoken can never be
taken back.

Definition of Written Communication

The communication in which the message is transmitted in written or printed form is known
as Written Communication. It is the most reliable mode of communication, and it is highly
preferred in the business world because of its formal and sophisticated nature. The various
channels of written communication are letters, e-mails, journals, magazines, newspapers, text
messages, reports, etc. There are a number of advantages of written communication which are
as under:

 Referring the message in the future will be easy.

 Before transmitting the message, one can revise or rewrite it in an organised way.
 The chances of misinterpretation of message are very less because the words are
carefully chosen.
 The communication is planned.
 Legal evidence is available due to the safekeeping of records.

But as we all know that everything has two aspects, same is the case with written
communication as the communication is a time consuming one. Moreover, the sender will
never know that the receiver has read the message or not. The sender has to wait for the
responses of the receiver. A lot of paperwork is there, in this mode of communication.

2. Verbal/non-verbal Communication

Non-Verbal Communication

 Behavior and elements of speech aside from the words themselves that transmit
meaning. Non-verbal communication includes pitch, speed, tone and volume of voice,
gestures and facial expressions, body posture, stance, and proximity to the listener,
eye movements and contact, and dress and appearance.
 Transmission of messages by a medium other than speech or writing.
Verbal communication is the use of sounds and words to express yourself, especially in
contrast to using gestures or mannerisms (non-verbal communication). An example of
verbal communication is saying “No” when someone asks you to do something you don't
want to do.

3. Formal/Informal Communicatio
Formal communication is communication through pre-defined channels set by
organizations. They are typically conveyed from top leadership to various departments
that funnels down to lower level employees. It is backed by organizational procedure, and
it is necessary to fulfil the goals of the organization.

Informal communication is more relational than formal. It is not backed by any pre-
determined channels and can happen anywhere within the organization. The primary goal
of this messaging is to preserve and establish relationships with colleagues and superiors
and subordinates. Since it is not defined by any channels, messaging moves a lot faster,
but it is without any paper trail or official documentation.

4. Intentional/Unintentional Communication

Intentional communication means that one person is sending a message to another person in
a purposeful way. Lots of communication happens this way; intentional communication can
be either language based or non-verbal (e.g., gestures, body language, facial expression, tone
of voice, et cetera).

Unintentional communication refers to situations when one person does something that is
interpreted by another person as a message, even if the first person didn’t knowingly mean
for it to be. Unintentional communication is always non-verbal; it often comes in forms that
are demonstrated unconsciously (e.g., physical posture, tone of voice, behaviour, et cetera).
When looking at an individual’s forms of communication, it is always important to evaluate
what type of message is being sent. Is the message sent with purpose or rather, a by-product
of how someone is feeling and/or what he/she is experiencing personally at that moment?
When the latter form of communication occurs, the responsibility for interpreting the
message falls to the receiver.