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Oral Communication vs. Verbal Communication: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 2, 2024
Oral communication is spoken language in person or through technology, while verbal communication includes all forms of spoken or written words. Both involve the use of language to convey messages.
Oral Communication vs. Verbal Communication

Key Differences

Oral communication strictly refers to the use of spoken words for conveying messages. It involves direct, face-to-face interaction or the use of technology like telephones. Verbal communication, on the other hand, includes all forms of communication using words, both spoken and written, like emails, letters, or face-to-face conversations.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024
Oral communication is characterized by the immediate feedback loop present in conversations. It relies heavily on the tone of voice, pitch, and speed of speaking. Verbal communication, in its written form, lacks this immediate feedback but allows for careful choice of words and structuring of messages.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024
Non-verbal elements like gestures, facial expressions, and body language play a significant role in oral communication, enhancing or altering the spoken message. In verbal communication, especially in writing, these non-verbal cues are absent, and emphasis relies on word choice and punctuation.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024
Oral communication can be more prone to misunderstandings due to the lack of written evidence and the possibility of mishearing. Verbal communication in writing provides a record of the exchange and can be more precise and well-thought-out.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024
Oral communication is typically informal and used in day-to-day conversations, while verbal communication, especially in its written form, is often more formal and structured, used in professional and academic settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024
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Comparison Chart

Medium

Spoken words only
Spoken and written words
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Feedback

Immediate, direct
Immediate in speech, delayed in writing
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Non-Verbal Elements

Includes gestures, tone, body language
Lacks in written form
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Record of Communication

Typically no written record
Written form provides a record
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Formality and Structure

Often informal and spontaneous
Can be formal and structured, especially in writing
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Oral Communication and Verbal Communication Definitions

Oral Communication

Exchanging information through spoken words.
He excelled in oral communication during the debate.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Verbal Communication

Involves conveying messages through words, spoken or written.
Verbal communication skills are essential in customer service.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Oral Communication

Relies on tone of voice and speaking style.
Her enthusiasm in oral communication is infectious.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Verbal Communication

Lacks non-verbal cues in written form.
Effective verbal communication in writing often needs careful word choice.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Oral Communication

Involves direct, face-to-face interaction.
Our team's oral communication improved with regular meetings.
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Verbal Communication

Written form can be structured and formal.
Official reports require formal verbal communication.
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Jan 18, 2024

Oral Communication

Enhanced by non-verbal cues like gestures.
His gestures added impact to his oral communication.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Verbal Communication

Spoken form allows immediate feedback.
In our meetings, verbal communication helps in quick decision-making.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Oral Communication

Can include phone or video conversations.
We resolved the issue through oral communication over a call.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Verbal Communication

Includes written forms like emails or letters.
Her verbal communication in emails is always clear and concise.
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Shumaila Saeed
Jan 18, 2024

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Is oral communication informal?

It often is, especially in day-to-day conversations.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

What does verbal communication include?

Both spoken and written forms of communication.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

Are non-verbal cues part of oral communication?

Yes, like gestures and facial expressions.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

Can verbal communication be formal?

Yes, especially in its written form.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

Is there a record of oral communication?

Usually not, unless recorded.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

Is feedback immediate in oral communication?

Yes, it typically involves direct feedback.
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What is oral communication?

Exchanging information through spoken words.
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Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

How is misunderstanding addressed in oral communication?

Through clarification and immediate feedback.
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Shumaila Saeed
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How do you ensure clarity in verbal communication?

Through clear word choice and structure.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Is body language part of oral communication?

Yes, it complements the spoken words.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Can verbal communication be written?

Yes, it includes written forms like emails.
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Shumaila Saeed
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How does context affect oral communication?

It influences tone and formality.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Can verbal communication be non-verbal?

No, verbal communication is always with words.
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Shumaila Saeed
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What role does tone play in oral communication?

It significantly impacts the message's delivery.
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Shumaila Saeed
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Can verbal communication be structured?

Yes, particularly in written forms.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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Does verbal communication include phone calls?

Yes, as it involves spoken words.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

Can oral communication be improved?

Yes, through practice and feedback.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
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Is oral communication always face-to-face?

No, it can include phone and video calls.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

How important is punctuation in verbal communication?

Very, especially in written forms.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

Is email a form of verbal communication?

Yes, as it involves writing.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 02, 2024

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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