What is oral communication? State the conditions when oral communication is more effective.

Oral communication is the process of expressing information or ideas by word of mouth. Learn more about the types and benefits of oral communication, and find out how you can improve your own oral communication abilities.

Oral communication is more effective when communication needs a human touch, establishing a direct relationship, maintaining secrets, reaching mutual understanding and avoiding complexities with oral consent.

Managers usually prefer oral communication to written communication.

Although oral communication suffers from some drawbacks, this method of communication is more effective than written communication in the following 8 situations:

(i) Instant Communication: Oral communication is more effective when it is needed to communicate with someone instantly.

(ii) Detailed Explanation of Policies: If any direction of managers and policy or procedure of the company requires explanation, oral communication is the best way to communicate.

(iii) Developing Direct Relationship: If it is important to establish a direct relationship between sender and receiver, or between workers and management, they should communicate orally.

(iv) Maintaining Secrecy: Oral communication is best suited when information is to be kept secret. Written communication leaks secrecy as the message passes from hand to hand.

(iv) Instant Response: Where instant reply from the receiver is required, oral communication is the best suited there.

(vi) Reaching to Mutual Understanding: Sometimes the open discussion is needed for reaching a consensus. Such discussion is possible only through oral communication.

(vii) Illiterate Receivers: When the receivers are illiterate, written communication is meaningless to them. Oral communication is only the way to communicate with them.

(viii) Avoiding Bureaucratic Complexities: Bureaucratic complexity delays the communication. In order to avoid any delay caused by bureaucracy or redtops, oral communication should be used instead of written communication.