Merits and Demerits of oral Communication

 Imagine a situation in which a manager gives only verbal instructions. What will be the advantages and disadvantages situation?

Enlist the advantages and disadvantages of verbal communication

Or

Discuss the merits and demerits of oral communication                                                                                                                                                         (R.G.P.V., June 2008)                                                                                                       (R.G.P.V., Dec. 2008, June 2009)

Answer:              

Oral communication has the following merits -

1. Oral words and speech have greater power than the written word. A powerful speaker can convince and sway people's opinions and arguments especially in an oral dialogue or group discussion. For a professional person adeptness at oral communication enables him to give convincing presentations, which goes a long way towards furthering his career.
2. It saves time. Oral communication is a face-to-face dialogue that can be conducted anytime and anywhere. Large groups of people can be called together and addressed orally which saves a lot of time. It is especially useful when immediate action is required.
3.  It saves money. Written communication is costlier than oral communication especially when large groups within an organization are involved.
4. It is easier to communicate orally especially, amongst large groups of people. Conferences, committees, and meetings can be called and oral communication with a large group can be easily carried on.
5.  Oral communication enables one to get immediate feedback and also respond accordingly. The speaker receives an immediate response to one's communication and can thus answer the receiver's queries and clarify his doubts. This enables matters to proceed further faster.
6.  Oral communication by virtue of being a dialogue is less formal than written communication. There is personal interaction, which can help in building personal relations and bringing about openness between the Speaker and the receiver. The listener can give valuable inputs which can be beneficial.

Oral communication has certain demerits too. They are-

1. Oral communication does not constitute a written record and as such, has no legal validity They cannot be referred to in cases of dispute.
2.  Oral communication is highly unsuitable for lengthy and detailed messages.
3.  There is greater chance of distortion and misunderstanding with communication. One may have difficulty recalling the exact message and may also misinterpret the message. This can lead to confusion and laxity in carrying out instructions.
4. In oral communication tone and modulation of one's voice is as important as the actual words. Thus, any feeling of ill will or sarcasm or resentment the part of either the speaker or the listener becomes immediately apparent in oral communication. This can make the situation awkward and difficult unlike,  written communication where personal interaction is less important.
5. Oral Communication can make it difficult to fix responsibility for mistakes and wrongdoing.

Posted in: Communication