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Oral Communication: Definitions, Importance, Methods, Types, Advantages, and Disadvantages

Post author: Anuj Kumar
Post published: 18 October 2021
Post category: Communication / Journalism / Soft Skills
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Table of Contents

1 What is Oral Communication?
2 Definitions of Oral Communication
3.1 Clear Pronunciation
3.2 Brevity
3.3 Precision
3.4 Conviction
3.5 Logical Sequence
3.6 Appropriate Word Choice
3.7 Use natural voice
3.8 Communicate With Right Person
3.9 Do Not Get Guided by Assumptions
3.10 Look for Feedback
3.11 Allow to Ask Questions
4.1 Face-to-Face Conversation
4.2 Telephone
4.3 Presentation
4.4 Public Speech
4.5 Interview
4.6 Meeting
5.1 Speak in a Clear, Confident Strong Voice
5.2 Be Coherent
5.3 Avoid Using Filler Words
5.4 Be an Active Listener
6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Communication
7.1 Quickness in Exchange of Ideas
7.2 Immediate Feedback
7.3 Flexibility
7.4 Economic Sources
7.5 Personal Touch
7.6 Effective Source
7.7 Saves Time and Increases Efficiency
8.1 Unfit for Lengthy Message
8.2 Unfit for Policy Matters
8.3 Lack of Written Proof
8.4 Expensive Method
8.5 Lack of Clarity
8.6 Misuse of Time
8.7 Presence of Both the Parties Necessary
9 Oral Mode is Used Where
10.1 What is oral communication in one word?
10.2 What is oral communication according to different authors?
10.3 What is the importance of an oral communication essay?
10.4 What are the methods of oral communication?
10.5 What is oral communication according to the authors?
10.6 What is the importance of oral communication?
10.7 What are the six types of oral communication?
10.8 What are the advantages of communication?
10.9 What are the disadvantages of communication?
What is Oral Communication?

Oral communication implies communication through the mouth. It includes individuals conversing with each other, be it direct conversation or telephonic conversation. Speeches, presentations, and discussions are all forms of oral communication .

Oral communication is generally recommended when the communication matter is of a temporary kind or where a direct interaction is required. Face-to-face communication (meetings, lectures, conferences, interviews, etc.) is significant so as to build rapport and trust.

In other words, Oral communication is the process of expressing information or ideas by talking. It is predominantly referred to as speech communication.

Definitions of Oral Communication

These are the following definitions of oral communication :

Importance of Oral Communication

The following are the importance of oral communication :

Clear Pronunciation

Logical sequence, appropriate word choice, use natural voice, communicate with right person, do not get guided by assumptions, look for feedback, allow to ask questions.

The message should be pronounced clearly, otherwise, the receiver may not understand the words of the sender.

A brief message is considered the most effective factor since the receiver’s retention capacity is limited in oral communication . The sender should be as brief as possible.

The sender should ensure the exactness of the message. The only relevant issue should be included in the message and that too with accuracy.

The sender should believe in the facts that are being communicated to others. The oral presentation should evince the confidence of the sender.

The sender should present the message logically. The points to be spoken first and what should follow to convey the meaning and motives of the sender effectively to the receiver need to be looked into.

Words are symbols. They have no fixed or universal meanings. The meanings of words at that moment are in the mind of the sender. Therefore, the sender should select the words which are suitable and understandable to the other party and those which convey exactly the same meanings as the sender wanted.

A natural voice conveys integrity and conviction. It is advised to use a natural voice in oral communication .

It is essential to know with whom to communicate. If you communicate the right message to the wrong person, it may lead to a lot of problems. Be sure in recognizing the right person to communicate with.

Never assume that your listener has knowledge already of the subject matter. You may be wrong many times in such assumptions. You can be good only when you are confident in your message without any omission.

When communicating, if you are smart enough in collecting feedback verbally or non-verbally, you can quickly alter the message, if necessary.

It is important to give freedom to the receiver to rise questions whenever he feels ambiguity or confusion. In a way, the communicator should encourage the receiver to ask questions. Such questions are opportunities to clarify doubts.

Types of Oral Communication

These are the types of oral communication discussed below in detail:

Face-to-Face Conversation

Presentation, public speech.

Oral communication is best when it is face-to-face . A face-to-face setting is possible between two individuals or among a small group of people in an interview or in a small meeting; communication can flow both ways in these situations. There is always immediate feedback, which makes clarification possible.

Telephone talk depends entirely on the voice. It does not have the advantage of physical presence. Clarity of speech and skillful use of voice is important. There can be confusion between similar sounding words like pale and bale or between light and like.

Names and addresses communicated on the telephone are sometimes wrongly received. It is therefore customary to clarify spellings by saying C for Cuttack, B for Bal sore, and so on.

A presentation has a face-to-face setting. It is a formal and well-prepared talk on a specific topic, delivered to a knowledgeable and interested audience. Visual aids are used to enhance a presentation. The person who makes the presentation is expected to answer questions at the end.

It is the responsibility of the presenter to ensure that there is a clear understanding of all aspects of the topic among the audience.

A public speech or lecture, with or without microphones, has a face-to-face setting, but the distance between the speaker and audience is great; this distance increases as the audience gets larger, as in an open-air public meeting.

The purpose of a public speech may be to entertain, encourage and inspire. Much depends on the speaker’s skill in using gestures and using the microphone. Feedback is very little as the speaker can hardly see the facial expressions of people in the audience. A public speech is followed by applause rather than by questions from the audience.

An interview is a meeting in which a person or a panel of persons, who are the interviewers, ask questions from the interviewee. The purpose is, usually, to assess and judge whether it would be worthwhile to enter into a business relationship with the other.

Each side makes an assessment of the other. An interview is structured and is characterized by the question and answer type of communication .

Usually, a meeting involves many persons; there is a chairman or a leader who leads and guides the communication and maintains proper order. There is a fixed agenda, i.e., a list of issues to be discussed at the meeting.

Meetings are of many types, from the small committee meeting consisting of three or four persons to the large conference or the shareholders’ meeting. This type of oral communication is backed up by note-taking and writing up minutes.

Methods to Improve Oral Communication Skills

These are some methods to improve oral communication skills :

Speak in a Clear, Confident Strong Voice

Be coherent, avoid using filler words, be an active listener.

Methods to Improve Oral Communication Skills

one should speak in a confident, clear, and strong voice so that it is audible to everyone in the audience. Keep the pace of your speaking average, not very slow not very fast. While speaking, face the audience.

One should speak coherently with a concentration on your subject only. Try not to be distracted from your subject, try to prevent other thoughts at that time.

It is better to pause for a second rather than using filler words, such as “Yeah”, “So”, “Um”, and “Like” frequent use of filler words disturbs coherence and distracts the audience.

Verbal communication is a two-way process; you should, therefore, be an active listener too. Try to understand a question/query quickly, because it looks odd to ask to repeat the question.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral Communication

These are the following advantages and disadvantages of oral communication :

Advantages of Oral Communication

Disadvantages of oral communication.

Following are the advantages of oral communication :

Quickness in Exchange of Ideas

Immediate feedback, flexibility, economic sources, personal touch, effective source, saves time and increases efficiency.

Quickness in Exchange of Ideas : The ideas can be conveyed to distant places quickly because this medium does not require the message to be written.

Immediate Feedback : Oral communication helps in understanding the extent to which the receiver has understood the message through his feelings during the course of the conversation.

Flexibility : Oral communication has an element of flexibility inherent in it. Flexibility means changing ideas according to the situation or changing ideas according to the interest of the receiver.

Economic Sources : It is an economic source of communication because the message is communicated only orally.

Personal Touch : Oral communication has a personal touch. Both sides can understand each other’s feelings, being face to face. The conversation takes place in a clean environment, which increases mutual confidence..

Effective Source : Oral Communication leaves much impression on the receiver. It is said that sometimes a thing can be communicated more effectively with the help of some sign. The use of signs or gesticulation can only be made in oral communication.

Saves Time and Increases Efficiency : This communication consumes less time and the superiors can utilize the time saved for some other more important work. As a result of this the efficiency of the sender increases.

Let’s discuss some disadvantages of oral communication :

Unfit for Lengthy Message

Unfit for policy matters, lack of written proof, expensive method, lack of clarity, misuse of time, presence of both the parties necessary.

Unfit for Lengthy Message : Oral communication is profitable in having a brief exchange of ideas only. It is not possible for the receiver to remember a long message.

Unfit for Policy Matters : Where policies, rules, or other important messages are to be communicated, oral communication has no importance.

Lack of Written Proof : In the case of oral communication no written proof is left for future reference. Therefore, sometimes difficulty has to be faced.

Expensive Method : When less important information is sent to distant places through telephone, etc. oral communication proves costly.

Lack of Clarity : This is possible when there is little time for conversation. Sometimes wrong can be uttered in a hurry, which can lead to adverse results.

Misuse of Time : Oral communication is considered a misuse of time when during meetings the conversation is lengthened unnecessarily. Parties involved in the communication waste their time in useless talks.

Presence of Both the Parties Necessary : In oral communication, it is essential for the sender and the receiver to be present face to face, it does not mean in the physical sense. But in written communication , one party is required.

Oral Mode is Used Where

These are the following points where we used oral mode :

Personal authentication is needed. e.g., between an officer and her personal secretary; a journalist and her source (“I heard it from a reliable source”)
Social or gregarious needs must be met. e.g.,’ speaking with a visiting delegation
Warmth and personal qualities are called for. e.g., group or team interaction
Exactitude and precision are not vitally important. e.g., brainstorming for ideas I
Situations demand maximum understanding. e.g., sorting out problems or differences between individuals, or between two groups such as administration and students.
An atmosphere of openness is desired. e.g., talks between management and. workers
Added impact is needed to get the receiver’s focus. e.g., a chairperson of an organization addressing the staff; a presidential or royal address to a nation
Decisions or information have to be communicated quickly. e.g., officers issuing officers during natural disasters such as floods or an earthquake
Confidential matters are to be discussed. e.g., exchange of positive or negative information about an organization or an individual. In the process of appointments or promotion or selection of individuals, a period of open discussion may precede the final decision that is recorded in writing.

FAQ Related to Oral Communication

What is oral communication in one word.

Oral communication expresses ideas through the spoken word.

What is oral communication according to different authors?

Oral communication takes place when spoken words are used to transfer information and understanding from one person to another. BY S. K. Kapur

What is the importance of an oral communication essay?

The following are the importance of oral communication: Clear Pronunciation, Brevity, Precision, Conviction, Logical Sequence, Appropriate Word Choice, Use of natural voice, etc.

What are the methods of oral communication?

Following are some methods to improve oral communication skills: Speak in a Clear, Confident Strong Voice, Be Coherent, Avoid Using Filler Words, Be an Active Listener, etc.

What is oral communication according to the authors?

Oral communication expresses ideas through the spoken word. By Bovee

What is the importance of oral communication?

Following are the importance of oral communication: 1. Clear Pronunciation 2. Brevity 3. Precision 4. Conviction 5. Logical Sequence 6. Appropriate Word Choice 7. Use a natural voice 8. Communicate With Right Person 9. Do Not Get Guided by Assumptions 10. Look for Feedback 11. Allow to Ask Questions.

What are the six types of oral communication?

These are the six types of oral communication: 1. Face-to-Face Conversation 2. Telephone 3. Presentation 4. Public Speech 5. Interview 6. Meeting.

What are the advantages of communication?

Advantages of Communication given below: 1. Quickness in Exchange of Ideas 2. Immediate Feedback 3. Flexibility 4. Economic Sources 5. Personal Touch 6. Effective Source 7. Saves Time and Increases Efficiency.

What are the disadvantages of communication?

Disadvantages of Communication: 1. Unfit for Lengthy Message 2. Unfit for Policy Matters 3. Lack of Written Proof 4. Expensive Method 5. Lack of Clarity 6. Misuse of Time 7. Presence of Both the Parties Necessary.

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Applying Oral Communication Skills in Your Career and Everyday Life

Deanna Dannels, associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and a professor in the Department of Communications, discusses the importance of oral communication skills for NC State students and graduates.

Deanna Dannels, associate dean of academic affairs for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and a professor in the Department of Communication

By Samantha Rich, director of DASA Assessment

This article is part of a series on NC State’s Pack Proficiencies : the five competency areas in which all NC State undergraduates should develop before they graduate: written communication, oral communication, quantitative literacy, critical thinking, and creative thinking.

Oral communication is ubiquitous in our everyday lives: we communicate with classmates and colleagues on Zoom calls, we demonstrate our content knowledge and expertise in oral presentations, and we communicate our career goals to potential employers in job interviews. Outside of the classroom and workplace, we’re chatting with our Lyft driver, calling in our take-out orders, and enjoying casual conversations with friends and family. NC State recognizes that oral communication is a skill that should be practiced and developed throughout your undergraduate career, and that’s why oral communication is one of our Pack Proficiencies .

NC State faculty and staff provide students opportunities to develop oral communication skills in courses, within student organizations, through undergraduate research, and through myriad events and activities across campus. In the interview below, Deanna Dannels, associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor in the Department of Communication, describes how students engage with oral communication in their everyday lives and why it is important that students develop proficiency in this area. Interview excerpts are edited for brevity and clarity.

Question: What does it mean to be proficient in oral communication?

Deanna Dannels: Oral communication really involves a number of things: it involves clearly expressing your ideas, building and evidencing a sound argument using the evidence necessary to justify a position, and adapting your argument to a variety of different audiences.

Question: Why is it important for students to develop their oral communication skills?

Deanna Dannels: Students communicate every day — from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep. Students communicate with their roommates; they communicate with their faculty; they communicate with their friends. But just because you do it every day doesn’t mean that you do it well. One of the benefits of developing oral communication skills is that students can develop competency in something that is very pervasive in their lives — to reflect on it, to practice it, to get feedback on it so that they can become better at accomplishing their goals.

You need to know how to communicate to be a person who can engage in multiple contexts. Our world is rapidly becoming more interdisciplinary, more multi-modal and more multi-contextual. In order to navigate those contexts, students need to be able to show a proficiency in oral communication. Very few of our students will graduate and sit in an office on their own without interacting with other people; it’s just not the way the workplace is and it’s not the way our community is. A well-rounded person really needs to be able to have those communication competencies in order to be a good citizen, be a good professional, and be a good person in general.

Question: How can students develop their oral communication skills at NC State?

Deanna Dannels: The obvious answer is to take a communication class. Avail yourself of your opportunity to use your fee electives to take a communication class. That said, within your discipline there is an opportunity to either formally or informally practice oral communication skills. You may have a presentation assignment or group work – these are opportunities to hone and refine your skills to not only learn the content but to practice oral communication.

Even if you’re not in courses that provide formal oral presentation assignments, go participate in a rally, go participate in a community event, go watch speakers we bring to campus, and start thinking about what makes them effective as a communicator. What do you like? What could you see yourself doing? Engage in that critical analysis of oral communication skills

Question: How will students engage in oral communication after graduation?

Deanna Dannels: After graduation, in whatever pathway a student chooses, they’re going to have to put a resume out, they’re going to have to inquire about opportunities, and all of those things require oral communication. It may not be face-to-face, it may be technologically mediated or driven, but still you’re using oral communication competencies to find your pathway. Then being successful depends on your ability to communicate well. It also depends on your ability to determine where things need to change and how you can use your voice to make those changes.

I think not only is communication after graduation part of the recipe for success; it’s part of the recipe for innovation, for change and for action in organizations and in our communities. Students with oral communication competencies can be activists in this way and can create workplaces that are more ethical and communities that are more inclusive. Oral communication provides you opportunity and the skills necessary to do that.

To learn more about the Pack Proficiencies and how they are assessed, visit go.ncsu.edu/PackProficiencies .

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Oral Communication: Examples, Importance, Types & Features

Table of Contents

Among the various forms of communication, oral communication stands out as a fundamental and powerful tool. In this guide, we will explore its definition, importance, and various forms, while providing practical tips, examples, and strategies to enhance your oral communication skills.

Definition of oral communication

“Oral communication is the process of sharing information and creating meaning through the use of spoken language, including both formal and informal interactions.” Author: Julia T. Wood Reference: Wood, J. T. (2012). Interpersonal communication: Everyday encounters. Cengage Learning.

What is oral communication?

The process of exchanging information, thoughts, and ideas through spoken words is commonly referred to as oral communication. It is a fundamental form of human communication that allows individuals to interact, express themselves, and convey messages directly to others using speech.

Oral communication covers various aspects, including speaking, listening, and understanding. It is a dynamic process involving both verbal and nonverbal cues such as tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body language.

Nature of oral communication

The nature of oral communication is essentially dynamic and interactive. Unlike written communication, which relies on written words, oral communication involves direct interaction between individuals through spoken words. It allows for real-time exchanges, immediate feedback, and the ability to respond to the needs of the situation and audience.

Alongside spoken words, oral communication incorporates nonverbal cues, including facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. These cues can greatly enhance the message being conveyed.

Purpose of oral communication

Oral communication aims to effectively convey information through clear and concise vocal words. It fosters interaction, and relationship building, and facilitates collaboration among individuals.

Effective oral communication skills are vital in personal, and professional settings as they enable individuals to express themselves, listen actively, and respond appropriately to the needs of others.

Characteristics of oral communication

There are several key characteristics of oral communication that shape how it is used and understood. Understanding these characteristics is essential for developing effective oral communication skills and successfully navigating interpersonal interactions in various settings. These characteristics include:

1/ Dynamic and interactive: Oral communication involves a two-way exchange of information between a speaker and a listener. It is an interactive process that allows instant feedback and clarification.

2/ Verbal and nonverbal cues: Oral communication includes the use of spoken words as well as nonverbal cues like facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language.

3/ Less formal: Oral communication is often less formal than written communication and may involve informal language. However, the level of formality can vary depending on the context of the communication.

4/ Spoken Words: Oral communication relies on spoken words as the primary medium of conveying messages. It involves the use of language, including vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, to express thoughts and ideas.

5/ Contextual and Situational: Oral communication is highly dependent on the context and situation in which it takes place. Factors such as the audience, purpose, and cultural background influence the language, tone, and style used by the speaker.

Further Reading: What are the characteristics of oral communication

Types of oral communication

Oral communication can be categorized into several types based on different contexts and purposes. Each type has its own specific characteristics and purposes, and being proficient in each type of oral communication is crucial for effective interpersonal interactions. Here are some common types of oral communication:

1/ Group Discussions: Group discussions involve multiple participants engaging in an exchange of ideas, opinions, and perspectives on a specific topic. This type of oral communication enhances collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making within a team.

2/ Public Speaking: This type of communication involves one individual speaking to a large group of people. Public speaking is often used for informative or persuasive purposes, such as delivering a keynote speech or presenting a proposal.

3/ Interviewing: This type of communication involves one individual asking questions of another individual. Interviews are often used in job interviews, media interviews, and research interviews.

4/ Video Conferencing: This form of communication is similar to face-to-face communication but takes place over video conferencing software. Video conferencing proves beneficial for remote teams and individuals unable to meet in private.

5/ Telephonic Communication: This type of communication involves two or more individuals communicating over the phone. Telephonic communication is useful for situations where face-to-face communication is not possible or practical, such as in long-distance relationships or business negotiations.

6/ Informal Conversations: Informal conversations occur when individuals engage in casual and Unplanned discussions with each other. Informal conversations occur in everyday settings such as social gatherings, family interactions, and friendly conversations.

Examples of oral communication

Examples of oral communication channels

Oral Reports
Interpersonal Conversations
Speeches and Lectures
Customer Service Calls
Team Huddles
Radio Broadcasting

Oral communication tools examples

Voice Assistants: Virtual assistants activated by voice commands, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, offer convenient and hands-free interaction.
Voice Recorders: Portable voice recorders or smartphone voice recording apps.
Video Conferencing Tools: Video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.

A demonstration of how we use Google Meet for day-to-day oral communication for remote working.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): VoIP services, such as Skype, or Nextiva.
Telephones: Traditional landline phones and mobile phones.

Elements of oral communication

1/ Speaker: The speaker is the individual or source who initiates and delivers the oral message. They are responsible for formulating their thoughts, organizing the message, and selecting appropriate language and delivery style to effectively communicate their ideas to the listener(s).

2/ Message: The message refers to the content and information intended by the speaker for communication. It combines both verbal and nonverbal components, such as words, tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body language.

3/ Listener: The listener is the recipient of the oral communication. They receive process, and interpret the speaker’s message.

4/ Feedback: Feedback is the response given by the listener(s) to the message conveyed by the speaker. It can be verbal or nonverbal and helps the speaker understand the effectiveness of their communication.

5/ Channel: The channel refers to the medium or mode of communication used to transmit the oral message. It can include face-to-face conversations, telephone calls, video conferences, presentations, and more.

6/ Context: The context includes the environment in which oral communication occurs. It includes factors like physical location, cultural norms, social dynamics, and the topic of communication.

7/ Noise: Noise encompasses any form of interference or barriers that affects the smooth flow of effective communication . It can be external noise like distractions or internal noise like language barriers .

8/ Purpose: The purpose of oral communication is the objective or intention behind the communication.

What are oral communication skills?

Oral communication skills refer to the abilities and competencies that enable individuals to effectively convey their ideas, thoughts, and messages through spoken words.

These skills involve using language, tone of voice, body language, and other forms of nonverbal communication to engage listeners and convey messages clearly and persuasively.

1/ Active Listening skills: Active listening is a crucial skill in oral communication. It involves fully focusing on and understanding the speaker’s message, responding appropriately, and providing feedback or clarification when necessary.

2/ Presentation Skills: Presentation skills involve effectively delivering information to an audience in a well-organized manner. These skills encompass organizing content, using visual aids effectively, maintaining audience engagement, and delivering a confident and impactful presentation.

3/ Flexibility and Adaptability skills: Being flexible and adaptable in oral communication allows individuals to adjust their message, language, and approach based on the needs and preferences of the audience. It involves being open to different communication styles, cultural differences, and unexpected changes in the communication context.

4/ Conversation Skills: Conversation skills refer to the ability to engage in meaningful and productive conversations with others. This involves initiating and maintaining conversations and showing interest in others’ contributions.

5/ Discussion Skills : It involves participating in structured group discussions. It involves contributing ideas, listening to others, and providing feedback or responses. Effective discussion skills can help facilitate group decision-making, resolve conflicts, and promote collaboration and teamwork.

6/ Telephonic Communication Skills : Telephonic skills involve the ability to communicate effectively over the telephone. It includes speaking clearly and audibly, using appropriate language and tone, and being attentive to the listener’s needs and concerns.

Techniques for improving oral communication skills

Practice Active Listening: Actively listening to others is a fundamental aspect of effective oral communication. Practice focusing your attention on the speaker, avoiding distractions can help you improve your oral communication skills. Active listening encompasses three key aspects :
Cognitive: This involves actively paying attention to all information being communicated.
Emotional: This aspect involves remaining calm and compassionate during the conversation.
Behavioral: The final aspect of active listening involves conveying interest and comprehension both verbally and nonverbally.
Expand Vocabulary: Enhancing your vocabulary can improve your ability to express ideas accurately and precisely.
Use appropriate tone and pitch: Adapt your tone and pitch to match the context and audience.
Seek Opportunities for Conversations and Discussions: Engage in conversations and discussions with others as much as possible.
Use Visualization Techniques: Before important presentations or conversations, visualize yourself speaking confidently and effectively.
Seek feedback and practice: Actively seek feedback from trusted individuals, such as mentors or colleagues, and work on areas that need improvement.

Benefits of improving oral communication skills

Improving oral communication skills can bring a range of benefits to both personal and professional environments. For instance, it can enhance one’s ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, which can help in building strong relationships, both at work and in personal space.

Moreover, clear communication can also help in avoiding misunderstandings, reduce conflicts, and promote collaboration and teamwork. Additionally, it can improve one’s public speaking abilities, which can help in presentations and speaking engagements.

Importance of oral communication

Effective interpersonal interactions rely heavily on oral communication. It allows us to express our thoughts, emotions, and ideas and enables us to understand others more deeply. Strong oral communication also fosters positive relationships, builds trust, and facilitates collaboration.

Clarity and understanding: Through oral communication, individuals can effectively express complex ideas and information with clarity. It promotes better understanding and minimizes confusion or misinterpretation.
Collaboration and teamwork: Effective oral communication is crucial for successful collaboration and teamwork. It enables individuals to exchange ideas, provide feedback, and work together towards common goals.
Enhance Customer Service: In customer-facing roles, oral communication is essential for providing exceptional service. Clear communication helps understand customer needs, address concerns, and provide solutions.
Persuasion and influence: Oral communication is a key tool for persuasion and influence. Through effective speaking skills, individuals can convince others to adopt their viewpoints, take action, or change their behavior.
Problem-Solving: Effective oral communication is crucial for problem-solving and decision-making processes. It allows for effective sharing of information, active listening, and collaborative discussions.

Significance of oral communication at the organization level

Oral communication holds immense significance at the organizational level as it impacts various aspects of operations, leadership, decision-making, and external interactions. Effective oral communication ensures smooth information flow and coordination, improving productivity and collaboration within the organization.

It plays a critical role in leadership, allowing leaders to articulate their vision and inspire teams. Decision-making processes benefit from clear communication, facilitating informed discussions and consensus. Externally, effective oral communication builds relationships and satisfaction with stakeholders.

Role of oral communication in a professional context

In a professional context, oral communication plays a pivotal role in several aspects. It is essential for effective presentations and public speaking, allowing professionals to convey their ideas, and influence decision-making.

In fact, the Corporate Recruiters Survey indicates that oral communication skills are at the top of the list of abilities and skills that employers seek in their candidates.

Furthermore, oral communication is crucial in meetings and discussions, enabling effective collaboration, brainstorming, and problem-solving. It facilitates clear and concise instructions, and delegation, enhancing management abilities.

Overall, oral communication in a professional context is the cornerstone of effective teamwork, leadership, client interactions, and career advancement.

Methods of oral communication

The methods of oral communication can be divided into two categories, mechanical channels, and non-mechanical channels:

The mechanical channels include:

Telephone conversations: Communication using telephones, where spoken messages are transmitted electronically.
Voicemail: Leaving voice messages on an answering machine or voicemail system for others to listen to later.
Conference calls: Communication between multiple parties in different locations through a telephonic connection, allowing for group discussions.
Television broadcasting: Transmitting spoken messages along with visual content to a wide audience through television channels.
Automated phone systems: Interactive voice response (IVR) systems that use pre-recorded prompts and voice recognition to provide information to appropriate destinations.

Non-Mechanical Channels

Debates: Structured discussions involve participants presenting arguments and counterarguments on a specific topic in an organized manner
Interviews: Verbal exchanges between an interviewer and interviewee(s), often used for research or employment purposes.
Speeches: Prepared and structured presentations that convey a message or express thoughts and opinions, often delivered at public events.
Conferences: Organized events that bring together experts, and professionals in a specific field to share information, discuss ideas, and network.

Modes of oral communication

Understanding the various modes of oral communication can help individuals effectively adapt their communication strategies based on the context, purpose, and audience involved in a given interaction.

There are two broad modes of oral communication:

1/ Intrapersonal communication: Intrapersonal communication refers to the mode of communication that occurs within an individual’s own mind. It involves the internal exchange and processing of thoughts and ideas. While it may not involve direct interaction with others, intrapersonal communication is essential for self-reflection, self-analysis, and decision-making.

2/ Interpersonal communication: This mode involves communication between two or more people in a face-to-face interaction, with each person taking turns to speak and listen. Interpersonal communication can be either formal or informal, and it is used in a variety of contexts, including personal relationships, business transactions, and social interactions.

Different styles of oral communication

There are several styles that individuals can employ when communicating orally, depending on the context, purpose, and audience. Here are a few common styles:

1/ Formal style: This style of oral communication is characterized by a structured and professional approach. It is commonly utilized in formal scenarios such as business meetings, presentations, or public speaking engagements.

2/ Persuasive style: This style of oral communication aims to influence or persuade the audience. It is often used in sales presentations, debates, or negotiations.

3/ Interactive style: Interactive style of oral communication involves active participation and engagement between the speaker and the audience.

4/ Storytelling style: This style involves the art of storytelling to captivate and engage the audience. It is often used in presentations, speeches, or public performances.

5/ Assertive style: Assertive style focuses on expressing thoughts, opinions, and needs confidently.

These are just a few examples of different styles of oral communication. It’s important to note that individuals may employ a combination of styles depending on the specific communication context.

Media of oral communication

In oral communication, the term “media” denotes the various means or channels through which information is transmitted. Vocal communication can be conveyed through various media, which can impact the message’s effectiveness and reach. Here are a few common media of oral communication:

Broadcasting: Broadcasting involves transmitting oral communication through mass media channels such as television or radio. It allows for the spread of information to a large audience, but it is typically a one-way communication channel.
Video conferencing: Video conferencing combines audio and video to enable communication between individuals or groups in different locations. It allows for visual and verbal communication, which can enhance the effectiveness of communication in remote settings.
Press Conference: A press conference is a media event where a spokesperson or organization addresses the press and journalists to make announcements, provide information, or respond to questions. It allows for oral communication between the spokesperson and the media.
Teleconferences : Teleconferences involve audio communication between multiple participants who are located in different places. It allows individuals or groups to hold meetings or discussions remotely, using telephonic connections or audio conferencing tools.
Grapevine: Grapevine refers to the informal and unofficial communication network within an organization or community. It involves the transmission of information, rumors, or gossip through oral channels among individuals.

Principles of effective oral communication

The following principles serve as guidelines for enhancing the effectiveness of oral communication, allowing speakers to deliver their messages clearly and achieve the desired communication outcomes.

1/ Preparation: Effective oral communication requires proper planning and preparation, including understanding the audience, and determining the topic, timing, and other relevant factors.

2/ Clarity of Pronunciation: Clear and correct pronunciation is crucial for ensuring that the oral message is understood by the receivers. As communication can become confusing when there is a lack of clarity in the message being conveyed.

3/ Natural Voice: Using a natural voice helps maintain the authenticity and effectiveness of oral communication. Avoiding artificial or unnatural tones enhances the overall impact.

4/ Logical Sequence: Organizing ideas in a logical and sequential manner enhances the communicative and appealing nature of the message.

5/ Use of Suitable Words: Choosing appropriate and familiar words is crucial in oral communication. A simple and common language helps ensure that the receiver can easily understand and respond to the message.

6/ Courtesy: Demonstrating courtesy while addressing listeners creates a positive impression and fosters effective communication.

7/ Emotional Control: Effective oral communication requires the speaker to maintain emotional control.

8/ Control of Gesticulation: Conscious control of gestures is important in oral communication. Avoiding excessive or distracting gesticulation ensures that the focus remains on the message.

Further Reading: Guidelines for effective oral communication

Similarities between principles of oral communication and written communication

Both oral and written communication share fundamental principles that contribute to effective communication. Starting with clarity which is essential in both forms, emphasizing the need for clear and concise messages.

Understanding the audience which ensures that the message is tailored to the needs and interests of the receiver. Effective communication in both forms requires careful planning and preparation. Additionally, the use of appropriate tone and style enhances communication in both oral presentations and written documents.

Related Reading: Similarities of Oral and written communication

Barries of oral communication

Technical barriers: Problems with equipment, technology, or software can interfere with good oral communication, especially in remote or virtual settings.
Semantic barriers: Misinterpretation of words, phrases, or symbols due to ambiguity, double meanings, or lack of context can hinder the clarity and effectiveness of oral communication.

Related Reading: What are Semantic barriers of communication

Language barriers: When the speaker and the listener don’t share a common language or when the speaker uses jargon, technical language, or unfamiliar words, it can create communication barriers.
Physical barriers: Factors in the environment, such as noise, distance, and unfavorable conditions, can pose challenges to mutual understanding between the speaker and listener.

Related Reading : What are physical barriers in communication

Lack of attention and active listening: When listeners are distracted, disengaged, or not actively paying attention to the speaker, it can hinder effective communication.
Lack of feedback: Feedback plays a crucial role in oral communication as it allows the speaker to gauge the listener’s understanding and adjust their message accordingly. When there is a lack of feedback it can hamper effective communication.

Difference between communication and oral communication

Oral communication vs aural communication, oral vs purposive communication, oral communication vs public speaking, advantages and disadvantages of oral communication.

Further Reading: Strength and Weakness of oral communication

Advantages of written communication over oral communication

Written communication has several advantages over oral communication. Firstly, written communication is permanent, which means that the message can be revisited, reviewed, and referred back to if needed. Secondly, written communication is more precise and accurate, as it allows the writer to carefully choose the words and phrasing they use to convey their message.

Further Reading: Advantages of written communication over oral communication

Advantages of oral presentation

The oral presentation has several advantages that make it a powerful communication tool. One significant advantage is the ability to provide the opportunity for speakers to use body language, and tone to engage with the audience and create a strong emotional connection. Additionally, oral presentations allow for immediate feedback from the audience, which can help speakers to adjust their message in real-time.

Importance of audio visual aid on oral communication

Audiovisual aids are essential in oral communication as they enhance the effectiveness of the message by making it more engaging and memorable for the audience. It plays a crucial role in illustrating complex ideas and reinforcing key points, enhancing the overall verbal message. By using visual aids, the speaker can also maintain the audience’s attention, reducing the likelihood of distraction and increasing their engagement with the message.

Related Reading: Audio-visual communication advantages and Disadvantages

What factors to consider while choosing oral communication

When choosing oral communication as a means of conveying your message, there are several important factors to consider:

Purpose and Audience: Clearly define the purpose of the communication and identify the target audience.
Clarity: Focus on clarity and simplicity in your message.
Content and Structure: Determine the key points and information to be delivered.
Delivery Style: Consider the appropriate delivery style based on the nature of the message, audience, and context.
Timing: Consider the appropriate timing for your communication.
Technology and Visual Aids: Assess the need for technology or visual aids to enhance your oral communication.

Frequently Asked Question

Q1) what is oral communication and examples.

Ans: Oral communication involves communicating thoughts or concepts using spoken language. Examples include face-to-face conversations, phone calls, presentations, and group discussions.

Q2) Why is oral communication important?

Ans: Oral communication is important as it allows for immediate feedback, clarification, and personal connection, facilitating effective understanding and collaboration among individuals or within a group.

Q3) What is oral information?

Ans: Oral information refers to the transmission of knowledge or data through spoken words or verbal communication rather than in written or visual form.

Q4) What is oral communication in business communication?

Ans: Oral communication in business communication involves the verbal exchange of information, ideas, and instructions within an organizational context, such as meetings, negotiations, presentations, and interpersonal interactions.

Q5) What is another name for oral communication?

Ans: Another name for oral communication is spoken communication.

Q6) What is oral language?

Ans: Oral language refers to the ability to communicate effectively using spoken words. It encompasses vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and fluency in a particular language.

Q7) What is an oral presentation?

Ans: An oral presentation involves verbally conveying findings to an audience through spoken delivery. It often involves the use of visual aids and aims to inform, persuade, or entertain listeners.

Q8) Short note on oral communication?

Ans: Oral communication encompasses the interactive sharing of information. It allows for immediate interaction, feedback, and emotional connection, enhancing understanding and collaboration.

Q9) What is visual communication?

Ans: Visual communication refers to the conveyance of information or ideas through visual elements, such as graphs, charts, images, and videos, to effectively communicate and engage with an audience.

Q10) What is written communication?

Ans: Written communication utilizes written words as a means to effectively convey messages. It includes emails, reports, memos, letters, and other written forms of expression.

Q11) What is verbal communication?

Ans: Verbal communication is the use of spoken words to convey messages, ideas, or information between individuals or within a group. It includes face-to-face conversations, phone calls, and oral presentations.

Q12) What is non-verbal communication?

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Aditya Soni

Advantages And Disadvantages of Formal Communication With Examples

12 Key Principles of Effective Oral Communication for Success

Top 10 Difference Between Formal And Informal Communication

Why Communication Matters

We communicate to create, maintain, and change relationships and selves..

Posted July 15, 2021 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster

Why Relationships Matter
Find a therapist to strengthen relationships
How we communicate helps relationships get off on the right foot, navigate problems, and change over time.
In communication, we develop, create, maintain, and alter our relationships.
We communicate to work our way through family changes and challenges in verbal and non-verbal ways.

I remember seeing a poster on my junior high classroom wall: “Communication is the Beginning of Understanding.” This spoke to me at the time. Yet, like so many people, I had never really thought much about communication. I would have described communication as sending and receiving messages.

Communication Is More Than Sending and Receiving Messages

In reality, communication is often about transmitting information. We send and receive messages with people in our lives. Daily, much of our communication consists of coordinating schedules, “What time are you getting home for dinner?” and negotiating whose turn it is to do the dishes, pay the bills, or take dinner to a friend who is ill. We send messages like, “It is your turn to let the dog out” and receive messages like, “Don’t forget to get dog food at the store” (if you have not guessed, a lot of the messages in my house are about the dog).

We might also blame problems on communication, talking about “communication breakdowns” or on a “lack of communication.” If we think about communication in these ways, we have missed so much that is important about communication. We have neglected how and why communication matters.

Communication Matters to Creating and Changing Relationships

We become aware of how Communication Matters when

We confront issues with work-life balance.
We experience positive events like the birth of a baby or winning an award.
We have a friend does who does not do or say what we expect.
We have disagreements over religious beliefs or political values.

Both positive and challenging events affect, reflect, and change our identity and the identity of our personal and family relationships. What do I mean by this? How did these relationships come into being? Well, think about the last time you started a new friendship or had a new member join your family. Through what you and the other person said and did, what we’d call verbal and nonverbal communication , these relationships took shape.

Sometimes relationships develop easily and clearly. They are healthy and pleasant. Other times, relationships develop in stress and storm and may be healthy or not. How we communicate helps relationships get off on the right foot, navigate problems, and change over time.

What is important to understand is that relationships are talked into (and out of) being. In communication, we develop, create, maintain, and alter our relationships. As we communicate, we become and change who we are. Think about how you have grown and changed as you communicate at home, at work, with friends, and in your community.

Communication Matters to Relationship and Family Identity

As we communicate, we co-create relationships and our own identity. As you think about your close relationships and your family, you can likely recall important events, both positive and negative, that impacted how you understand your relationship and yourself as a person.

Consider this example: one of my college students described a childhood family ritual of going out on the front lawn on Christmas Eve. The family sang Christmas carols and threw carrots on the roof for Santa’s reindeers. The family still does this annual carrot-throwing ritual in adulthood. You can picture them bringing their sometimes confused new partners and spouses out in the snow to throw carrots onto the roof and sing.

Why does this family still throw carrots and sing? Through this seemingly silly ritual, the family celebrates who they are as a family and the togetherness that is important to them. The family creates space for new people to join the family. Through their words and actions, members of the family teach their new partners how to be family members through carrot throwing and other vital experiences.

I am sure you can point to experiences that have been central to creating your relationships and your identity.

Communication Matters as We Face Change and Challenges

We also communicate to work our way through family changes and challenges. Family members or others may have different expectations of what our family and personal identity or should be. This is especially true when a family does not fit dominant cultural models, such as single-parent families, multi-ethnic families, stepfamilies, LGBTQ families, or adoptive families.

For me, becoming a stepfamily was highly challenging. We became a stepfamily when I was 12 years old. My mother had recently died, and my Dad surprised us, kids, introducing us to the woman he wanted to marry. We no longer matched the other families in the neighborhood where we’d lived most of our lives. We certainly did not feel like a family overnight.

It took my stepfamily several years to create an understanding of what it meant to be a family. As we interacted, and with many mistakes and some successes, we slowly came to understand what we needed and expected from each other to be a family.

For all of us, relationship and family identity is constantly developing and changing. In my case, I remember my stepmom reminding me to wear a jacket when going out in the evening, even into my 40s, and giving me advice about my health. At some point, our roles changed, and now, as she moves toward her 80s, more often than not, I am in the role of asking about her health and helping her with significant decisions. What it means to be a mother or daughter and what we expect of each other and ourselves change as we interact.

Communication Matters . Whether we are negotiating whose turn it is to feed the dog, how to become a parent, how to interact with a difficult co-worker, or how to celebrate with a friend who won a major award, it is in communication that we learn what to do and say. This is what I will write about in this blog as I reflect on what I have learned as a professor and researcher of interpersonal and family communication. I invite you to go on this journey with me. I hope to give you insights into your communication.

Communication Matters. Communication is the Beginning of Understanding . It is an exciting and ever-changing journey.

Baxter, L. A. (2004). Relationships as dialogues. Personal Relationships, 11 , 1-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-6811.2004.00068.x

Braithwaite, D. O., Foster, E. A., & Bergen, K. M. (2018). Social construction theory: Communication co-creating families. In D. O. Braithwaite, E. A. Suter, & K. Floyd. (Eds.). Engaging theories in family communication: Multiple perspectives (2nd ed., pp. 267-278). Routledge.

Braithwaite, D. O., Waldron, V. R., Allen, J., Bergquist, G., Marsh, J., Oliver, B., Storck, K., Swords, N., & Tschampl-Diesing, C. (2018). “Feeling warmth and close to her”: Communication and resilience reflected in turning points in positive adult stepchild-stepparent relationships. Journal of Family Communication, 18 , 92-109. doi: 10.1080/15267431.2017.1415902

Dawn O. Braithwaite, Ph.D., a professor of communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, studies families and close relationships, especially step- and chosen families.

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Oral Communication

What is oral communication.

Oral communication refers to the process of exchanging information, thoughts, and ideas through spoken words. It is a soft skill that allows individuals to express themselves effectively and convey messages to others in a clear and concise manner.

Importance of Oral Communication

Oral communication plays a crucial role in both personal and professional settings. It facilitates effective interactions, enhances relationships, and promotes understanding among individuals. Proficient oral communication skills are highly valued by employers, as they contribute to teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Key Elements of Oral Communication

Effective oral communication involves various key elements, including clarity, coherence, conciseness, and relevance. Clarity ensures that the message is easily understood by the recipient, while coherence ensures a logical flow of ideas. Conciseness helps convey the message efficiently, avoiding unnecessary and redundant information. Relevance ensures that the information shared is meaningful and applicable to the context.

Verbal and Nonverbal Aspects

Oral communication encompasses both verbal and nonverbal aspects. Verbal communication refers to the use of words, grammar, and language structure to express ideas, while nonverbal communication involves facial expressions, gestures, body language, and tone of voice. Both aspects are important to effectively convey messages, as they provide additional cues and emphasize certain points.

Enhancing Oral Communication Skills

Improving oral communication skills can be achieved through practice and development of specific techniques. Active listening, clarity in speech, organizing thoughts, adapting communication style to the audience, and using appropriate nonverbal cues are some strategies to enhance oral communication.

Applications of Oral Communication

Oral communication is utilized in various settings, such as meetings, presentations, interviews, negotiations, and interpersonal interactions. It is essential for building relationships, resolving conflicts, delivering persuasive speeches, imparting knowledge, and fostering collaboration within teams.

The Importance of Assessing a Candidate's Oral Communication Skills

Assessing a candidate's oral communication skills is crucial for ensuring effective and efficient communication within an organization. By evaluating how well a candidate can express ideas, convey messages, and engage in meaningful conversations, businesses can make informed hiring decisions.

Clear and Effective Communication: Oral communication skills are essential for employees to clearly articulate their thoughts, ideas, and instructions to colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. Assessing a candidate's ability to convey information in a coherent and concise manner is essential for fostering effective collaboration and avoiding misunderstandings.

Professional Presentations and Meetings: Strong oral communication skills are particularly important for individuals who need to conduct presentations, participate in meetings, and engage in discussions. Assessing a candidate's oral communication skills helps ensure they can confidently deliver presentations, actively contribute in meetings, and effectively collaborate with team members.

Customer Interactions and Client Relationships: For roles that involve interacting with customers or building client relationships, assessing a candidate's oral communication skills is vital. The ability to listen actively, understand customer needs, and communicate clearly can greatly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Problem-solving and Conflict Resolution: Effective oral communication is essential for problem-solving and conflict resolution within a team or across departments. By evaluating a candidate's ability to communicate ideas, actively listen to others, and effectively negotiate, businesses can identify individuals who can contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

Assessing Candidates on Oral Communication Skills

Alooba offers a range of tests designed to assess a candidate's oral communication skills effectively. By utilizing these tests, organizations can evaluate the candidate's ability to communicate clearly and effectively in various scenarios. Here are some test types available on Alooba that are relevant to assessing oral communication skills:

Written Response Test : This test allows candidates to provide a written response or essay on a given topic. It assesses the candidate's ability to organize thoughts, convey ideas coherently, and effectively communicate through writing.

Asynchronous Interview : With the Asynchronous Interview test, candidates answer questions by submitting a video response of themselves. This test evaluates not only the candidate's verbal communication skills but also their nonverbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice.

By incorporating these assessment methods into the hiring process, organizations can gain valuable insights into a candidate's oral communication abilities, ensuring they select individuals who can effectively express themselves and engage in meaningful conversations within the workplace.

Subtopics within Oral Communication

Oral communication encompasses various subtopics, each playing a crucial role in effective interpersonal and professional interactions. Here are some key areas covered under oral communication:

Verbal Clarity : Verbal clarity focuses on the candidate's ability to express ideas, thoughts, and information clearly and concisely. It assesses their proficiency in using appropriate language, grammar, and vocabulary to ensure their message is easily understood by others.

Listening Skills : Active listening is an integral part of oral communication. Assessing a candidate's listening skills involves evaluating their ability to pay attention, comprehend information, and respond appropriately. Strong listening skills enable effective understanding and facilitate meaningful conversations.

Public Speaking : Public speaking evaluates a candidate's ability to effectively present information and ideas before an audience. This subtopic assesses their confidence, articulation, use of body language, and overall ability to engage and captivate listeners.

Interpersonal Communication : Interpersonal communication focuses on how well a candidate can interact and communicate with others on a personal level. It assesses their ability to build rapport, establish trust, and effectively convey thoughts and ideas in one-on-one or small group settings.

Nonverbal Communication : Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, gestures, body language, and tone of voice. Evaluating a candidate's nonverbal communication skills helps understand their ability to convey emotions, maintain engagement, and make a positive impact during conversations.

By assessing these subtopics within oral communication, organizations can identify candidates who possess strong communication skills and can effectively contribute to the success of the team and the organization as a whole.

Oral communication is utilized in various contexts, both in personal and professional settings. Understanding how oral communication is applied can help individuals and organizations recognize its significance. Here are some common applications of oral communication:

Meetings and Presentations : Oral communication is crucial during meetings, where individuals discuss ideas, provide updates, and make decisions. It also plays a vital role in presentations, enabling speakers to share information, persuade audiences, and engage with listeners effectively.

Negotiations and Conflict Resolution : Effective oral communication is essential during negotiations, allowing parties to express their perspectives, collaborate, and reach agreements. It is also valuable in conflict resolution, helping individuals address conflicts, find common ground, and work towards resolutions.

Customer Service and Sales : Oral communication plays a vital role in customer service, where representatives need to understand customer needs, address inquiries, and provide solutions effectively. In sales, oral communication helps build relationships, highlight product benefits, and close deals through persuasive conversations.

Interviews and Interpersonal Interactions : Oral communication is critical during interviews where candidates communicate their qualifications, skills, and experiences to potential employers. It is also utilized in daily interpersonal interactions, facilitating effective communication with colleagues, supervisors, and clients.

Training and Team Collaboration : Oral communication is employed in training sessions, workshops, and seminars to impart knowledge, share insights, and promote collaborative learning. It is also essential for team collaboration, enabling members to exchange ideas, coordinate tasks, and foster a cohesive working environment.

Understanding the applications of oral communication highlights its significance in various aspects of life. Proficient oral communication skills contribute to successful interactions, effective teamwork, and positive relationships both inside and outside the workplace.

Roles Requiring Good Oral Communication Skills

Certain roles heavily rely on individuals having strong oral communication skills to excel in their responsibilities. These positions involve frequent interactions with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, making effective communication pivotal. Here are some types of roles that require candidates with excellent oral communication skills:

Insights Analyst : Insights analysts need to effectively communicate their findings and analysis to various stakeholders, including management teams and clients. They must deliver clear and concise insights through reports and presentations, ensuring the information is easily understood.

Marketing Analyst : Marketing analysts collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate data-driven marketing strategies. They need strong oral communication skills to present campaign performance, share insights, and discuss target audience behaviors effectively.

Product Analyst : Product analysts play a vital role in communicating product ideas, requirements, and user feedback to development teams. They collaborate with stakeholders, providing comprehensive insights to enhance products and drive innovation.

Customer Service Representative : Customer service representatives consistently interact with customers, providing support and addressing inquiries. Effective oral communication skills are crucial in delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring clear understanding and resolution of customer concerns.

Trainer : Trainers rely heavily on oral communication to deliver training sessions, workshops, and presentations to diverse audiences. They must communicate concepts and instructions clearly, ensuring trainees understand and retain the information being shared.

Team Leader : Team leaders need strong oral communication skills to effectively communicate goals, expectations, and feedback to their team members. They facilitate open communication, foster collaboration, and motivate their teams towards success.

Public Speaker : Public speakers rely on their oral communication skills to engage, inform, and inspire audiences during presentations, conferences, and events. They need to deliver memorable speeches with clarity, confidence, and effective storytelling.

Negotiator : Negotiators use their oral communication skills to engage in effective discussions, reach agreements, and resolve conflicts. Strong communication enables them to articulate their position, actively listen, and negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes.

Interviewer : Interviewers rely on their oral communication skills to ask relevant questions, assess candidates' qualifications, and effectively evaluate their fit for a position. They need to conduct interviews that encourage open dialogue and elicit detailed responses.

These roles exemplify the importance of oral communication skills in various professional settings. Organizations seeking individuals for these positions prioritize candidates who can effectively express themselves, engage with others, and contribute to the success of their teams.

Associated Roles

Etl developer.

ETL Developers specialize in the process of extracting data from various sources, transforming it to fit operational needs, and loading it into the end target databases or data warehouses. They play a crucial role in data integration and warehousing, ensuring that data is accurate, consistent, and accessible for analysis and decision-making. Their expertise spans across various ETL tools and databases, and they work closely with data analysts, engineers, and business stakeholders to support data-driven initiatives.

Growth Analyst

The Growth Analyst role involves critical analysis of market trends, consumer behavior, and business data to inform strategic growth and marketing efforts. This position plays a key role in guiding data-driven decisions, optimizing marketing strategies, and contributing to business expansion objectives.

Insights Analyst

Insights Analysts play a pivotal role in transforming complex data sets into actionable insights, driving business growth and efficiency. They specialize in analyzing customer behavior, market trends, and operational data, utilizing advanced tools such as SQL, Python, and BI platforms like Tableau and Power BI. Their expertise aids in decision-making across multiple channels, ensuring data-driven strategies align with business objectives.

Marketing Analyst

Marketing Analysts specialize in interpreting data to enhance marketing efforts. They analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and campaign performance to inform marketing strategies. Proficient in data analysis tools and techniques, they bridge the gap between data and marketing decision-making. Their role is crucial in tailoring marketing efforts to target audiences effectively and efficiently.

Product Analyst

Product Analysts utilize data to optimize product strategies and enhance user experiences. They work closely with product teams, leveraging skills in SQL, data visualization (e.g., Tableau), and data analysis to drive product development. Their role includes translating business requirements into technical specifications, conducting A/B testing, and presenting data-driven insights to inform product decisions. Product Analysts are key in understanding customer needs and driving product innovation.

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition of a product or product line. They work at the intersection of business, technology, and user experience, focusing on delivering solutions that meet market needs. Product Managers often have a background in business, engineering, or design, and are skilled in areas such as market research, user experience design, and agile methodologies.

Related Skills

Other names for Oral Communication include Verbal Communication , and Speaking .

Ready to Assess Oral Communication Skills?

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I was at WooliesX (Woolworths) and we used Alooba and it was a highly positive experience. We had a large number of candidates. At WooliesX, previously we were quite dependent on the designed test from the team leads. That was quite a manual process. We realised it would take too much time from us. The time saving is great. Even spending 15 minutes per candidate with a manual test would be huge - hours per week, but with Alooba we just see the numbers immediately.

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We get a high flow of applicants, which leads to potentially longer lead times, causing delays in the pipelines which can lead to missing out on good candidates. Alooba supports both speed and quality. The speed to return to candidates gives us a competitive advantage. Alooba provides a higher level of confidence in the people coming through the pipeline with less time spent interviewing unqualified candidates.

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How can you accurately assess somebody's technical skills, like the same way across the board, right? We had devised a Tableau-based assessment. So it wasn't like a past/fail. It was kind of like, hey, what do they send us? Did they understand the data or the values that they're showing accurate? Where we'd say, hey, here's the credentials to access the data set. And it just wasn't really a scalable way to assess technical - just administering it, all of it was manual, but the whole process sucked!

Cole Brickley , Avicado ( Director Data Science & Business Intelligence )

The diversity of our pool has definitely improved so we just have many more candidates from just different backgrounds which I am a huge believer in. It makes the team much better, it makes our output much better and gives us more voices in terms of building the best product and service that we can.

Piers Stobbs , Cazoo ( Chief Data Officer )

I wouldn't dream of hiring somebody in a technical role without doing that technical assessment because the number of times where I've had candidates either on paper on the CV, say, I'm a SQL expert or in an interview, saying, I'm brilliant at Excel, I'm brilliant at this. And you actually put them in front of a computer, say, do this task. And some people really struggle. So you have to have that technical assessment.

Mike Yates , The British Psychological Society ( Head of Data & Analytics )

We were very quickly quite surprised with the quality of candidates we would get from Alooba. We ended up hiring eight different analysts via Alooba in about a year's time, which is quite extraordinary for us because we actually have almost never used a recruitment agency for any role. It has been our best outsourcing solution by far.

Oz Har Adir , Vio.com ( Founder & CEO )

For data engineering & analytics these take-home assignments we were doing ourselves are a bit time consuming so we wanted to automate that and also reduce the time candidates were spending on the assessment.

Sharin Fritz , Personio ( Tech Talent Acquisition )

Importance of Oral Communication

Embark on a journey to understand the crucial role of oral communication in shaping our interactions and relationships. This guide provides an in-depth look at effective communication strategies, enriched with practical oral communication examples . From professional discussions to personal dialogues, learn how to harness the power of spoken words for impactful and meaningful connections. Our guide is tailored to equip you with the skills necessary for mastering the art of oral communication in various life scenarios.

What is the Importance of Oral Communication?

Oral communication is the process of exchanging information and ideas through speaking. It is a key aspect of human interaction, essential for understanding and being understood in both personal and professional contexts. This form of communication is valued for its immediacy and effectiveness. What is Oral Communication involves not just speaking, but also active listening and interpreting nonverbal cues. It’s a dynamic skill that encompasses various elements such as tone, clarity, and confidence. Understanding the importance of oral communication helps in various scenarios, from delivering a presentation ( oral communication examples ) to engaging in a casual conversation. Mastering this skill leads to better relationships, clearer information dissemination, and more effective leadership in the workplace.

Importance of Oral Communication in Business

In the business world, the importance of oral communication cannot be overstated. Effective oral communication skills are critical for successful business operations. They facilitate clear and efficient exchange of ideas, making it easier for teams to collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. In business, oral communication is often the cornerstone of client relations, negotiations, and team building. Good communicators can articulate their ideas clearly, persuade others, and understand verbal feedback, which is essential in a dynamic business environment.

Effective oral communication in business also enhances leadership. Leaders who communicate well can inspire and motivate their teams, creating a productive and positive workplace. In sales and customer service, oral communication skills are vital for explaining products, addressing customer concerns, and building lasting relationships. Furthermore, oral communication is crucial in crisis management, where timely and clear communication can mitigate issues more effectively.

Business meetings, presentations, and negotiations all rely heavily on oral communication. Oral communication examples in business include pitching a new idea to investors, discussing strategies in meetings, and providing feedback during performance reviews. These scenarios underscore the significance of being articulate, concise, and clear in conveying messages.

In summary, the importance of oral communication in business lies in its ability to streamline processes, foster strong relationships, and drive business growth. It is a skill that, when mastered, can significantly impact a company’s success.

Importance of Oral Communication Essay

An essay on the importance of oral communication delves into the various facets of this essential skill. Such essays typically explore how oral communication impacts individual success and relationships. They examine the role of effective communication in personal growth, professional development, and the maintenance of social bonds. An essay on this topic might include oral communication examples such as a successful public speech, an effective classroom discussion, or a productive business meeting.

The essay can discuss the advantages of oral communication, such as immediate feedback, the ability to adjust the message in real-time, and the conveyance of emotion and tone. It might also explore challenges, such as overcoming barriers in cross-cultural communication or dealing with speech anxiety.

Furthermore, an importance of oral communication essay can compare oral communication with written communication, highlighting how each has its unique strengths and contexts where one might be more appropriate than the other. Essays may also delve into the components that make up effective oral communication, such as clarity, conciseness, empathy, active listening, and the use of nonverbal cues.

Lastly, such essays often emphasize the development of oral communication skills, outlining ways individuals can improve their speaking and listening abilities. This aspect is particularly relevant in an educational setting, where developing strong oral communication skills can significantly impact students’ academic and future career success.

Overall, an essay on the importance of oral communication provides comprehensive insights into how this skill affects various areas of life, emphasizing its significance in personal and professional contexts.

Importance of Oral Communication & Written Communication

The importance of oral communication and written communication lies in their complementary roles in conveying information and ideas effectively. Oral communication, involving speaking and listening, offers immediacy and personal interaction. It allows for immediate feedback and adjustment of the message based on the listener’s responses. In contexts like meetings, negotiations, or casual conversations, the ability to communicate orally is invaluable. Oral communication examples include delivering a speech, participating in a debate, or engaging in dialogue.

Written communication, on the other hand, provides a permanent record and is essential for documenting and sharing complex information. It allows for careful structuring and revision of content, making it ideal for detailed explanations or legal documentation. Written communication is crucial in business for contracts, emails, reports, and more.

Both forms have their unique strengths and are important in different situations. Oral communication is key for interpersonal interactions and immediate problem-solving, while written communication is essential for maintaining records and conveying detailed information. Understanding when and how to use each form effectively is a critical communication skill.

Why are Oral Communication Skills Important?

Oral communication skills are important for several reasons. They are fundamental to forming and maintaining personal and professional relationships. Effective oral communication enables individuals to express their thoughts and emotions clearly and persuasively. It is crucial in settings like education, where teachers must communicate information to students, and in business, where clarity in communication can define the success of negotiations and collaborations.

Good oral communication skills also enhance an individual’s ability to listen, interpret, and respond appropriately to others, fostering mutual understanding and respect. This is vital in multicultural environments, where clear communication can bridge cultural differences.

Additionally, strong oral communication skills are often associated with leadership and influence. Leaders who communicate effectively can inspire and motivate their teams, articulate their vision, and manage conflicts and crises efficiently.

In summary, oral communication skills are essential for effective interpersonal interactions, successful professional relationships, and personal growth. They empower individuals to convey their messages confidently and clearly, making them indispensable in virtually every aspect of life.

Moreover, the significance of oral communication extends beyond personal and professional realms, contributing to societal advancement. Effective communication is the cornerstone of leadership and governance, influencing decision-making processes and public opinion. Leaders and public figures must master this art to inspire and lead effectively. Educational platforms such as Harvard University’s Program on Negotiation provide insightful resources on negotiation and communication, crucial for leaders and professionals in all fields.

In conclusion, the importance of oral communication cannot be overstated. It is essential for effective interpersonal relationships, professional success, and personal growth. This guide has provided insights, examples, and practical tips to enhance your oral communication skills. Remember, mastering these skills is a continuous journey, but with practice and awareness, anyone can become an effective communicator.

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Oral communication skills are important for students.

BY ANTON LUCANUS

Communication skills are vital for a student’s academic success and future career prospects. In today’s challenging environment, students must not only possess academic expertise, but also the requisite skills to enhance their learning and employability prospects in the future.

Communication is a dynamic process as it involves an interaction between two or more people i.e. the sender and the receiver. The main purpose of communication is to transmit thoughts and beliefs to another person. The major components of communication are verbal communication or oral communication and non-verbal communication. Oral communication is the process of expressing ideas through the medium of speech and this plays a crucial role in the life of students.

Importance of Oral Communication for Students

An individual learns the basics of oral communication right at home. The school environment takes this learning a notch higher by teaching the student how to interact with peers and teachers alike. The quality of communication in student life will define professional communication later in life.

Good communication enables students to assimilate more from the learning process by empowering them to ask relevant questions and discuss doubts.

Effective verbal communication nurtures the process of socialization by facilitating new friendships and these in turn aid the learning process.

Productive communication is a boost to career development. An ability to convey thoughts in a clear and precise manner would help a student to make a favorable impression at an interview and get the job that he deserves.

Communication skills inculcate professionalism in speaking styles, ways of self-expression and attitudes towards others, and these traits would hold students in good stead in their professional lives.

Dynamics of Oral Communication

The hallmark of a good student communicator is that he has mastered the art of preparing, organizing and delivering successful oral presentations. Oral communication includes real-time presentations, video presentations and interviews, with accompanying visual aids such as handouts and power-points.

Message is the key to a good oral communication. The substance of the presentation should be relevant to the audience and goals of the presentation.

Self-awareness is the starting point of good oral communication. A person who is aware of his strengths and weaknesses can put in the required efforts to improve communication skills.

Confidence is another vital aspect of good communication. A person may know the subject and yet not communicate adequately if he lacks confidence.

Simplicity in messaging is indispensable for good communication as assimilation of the message is directly proportional to clarity of its presentation.

Awareness of the audience is an important tool in the hands of an effective oral communicator. A good communicator can guage the impact of the by observing the body language and feedback of the audience and adjust his approach accordingly.

Interaction is the path to effectiveness. A student oral communicator can keep the audience engaged by asking questions and soliciting opinions on the subject matter at hand. This would also help in fine tuning the message and style of presentation, based on the feedback received from the audience.

The tone of voice of the presenter carries a lot of weight in delivery of the message. A confident tone keeps the audience engaged, whereas a low and monotonous tone can be off-putting. Voice modulation can also be employed to highlight the key points in the presentation and retain the attention of the audience.

Body language is an important component of effective oral communication. The student should adopt a stable and confident posture, make appropriate gestures, avoid being fidgety and establish eye contact during the presentation.

Oral communication is not merely the ability to speak, but also the capacity to listen. A good communicator is one who is attuned to the audience and is able to calibrate his message accordingly. An aspiring oral communicator should be willing to acquire and hone his listening skills over a period of time.

The Path to Effective Oral Communication

Oral communication is an art that can be learnt and polished through reading, presentation skills and practice.

An oral communicator should have intellectual curiosity. Reading is a means to the development of good communication skills. A well-educated mind would be able to communicate better as content is the soul of the communication process. He should also possess an attitude of discussion and deliberation as this would improve intellectual capabilities and thereby contribute to effective communication.

Effective writing skills and good verbal communication skills go hand-in-hand although they may appear antithetical to a newbie. A student with good writing skills would alone be in a position to organize and present his thoughts in a structured manner; an exposure to the nitty-gritty of essay writing would be immensely beneficial in that regard.

The age-old dictum ‘Practice makes a person perfect’ makes perfect sense in the world of oral communication. The first impression is the best impression and many students fail this test due to a various impediments such as stage fright, lack of self-confidence and performance anxiety. A student can conquer his fears and master the art of oral communication by participating in many real and mock presentations, and speech-based activities.

Active participation in the community would transform a student into a good communicator by honing his linguistic abilities. Moreover, a leadership position in an academic setting would be an important asset on the CV of a student.

To conclude, a student willing to put his nose to the grindstone can indeed make a smooth transition from a tentative speaker to an effective and seasoned oral communicator.

Byline – Anton Lucanus is the Director of Neliti. During his college years, he maintained a perfect GPA, was published in a top cancer journal, and received many of his country’s most prestigious undergraduate scholarships. Anton writes for The College Puzzle as a means to share the lessons learnt throughout his degree and to guide current students to achieve personal and educational fulfilment during college life.

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Importance of Strong Oral & Written Communication in the workplace

Training & Skills Development
Importance of Strong Oral &…

Good verbal and written communication are an essential parameter to deliver and understand information quickly and accurately. Clear and precise communication helps in building trust and credibility.

Oral communication is not just about speaking, it’s also about listening and communicating. Improving verbal communication helps in fostering relations and can help make a large network of contacts. On the flip side, written communication is critical for communicating complex information. For example, sharing statistics and writing a piece of information that needs to be used repeatedly, accuracy is required to ensure the message is clear and concise. A well-written report must covey the information using precise, grammatically correct language and without using more words than are needed.

In conclusion, communication is the key to maintaining successful relations. By improving oral and written communication skills, one can perform better in their career.

What are you waiting for? Sharpen your communication skills. Explore our upcoming courses here .

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