One of the advantages of communication orally is that messages can be transmitted immediately, whether it be through face to face communication, or over the telephone. Unlike written communication, oral transmission does not require time to consult, draft, type and post – which makes it the best method to use when immediate action is required.
Another advantage when speaking face to face, the ability is gained to influence the receiver. The speaker can talk in a way to judge the other parties replies and change his argument. Opinions, feelings and attitudes can also be taken into account to influence their decision. (Rodriques, 1992)
Oral communication is important within business as you can receive feedback. Talloo (2007: 406) states that ‘oral communication provides the opportunity for feedback. When people communicate orally, they can ask questions and test their understanding of the message. They can share ideas and work together to solve problems’.
Verbal communication does also have disadvantages. A few of these include; it is not very effective when a target group is spread out; it is constrained by language, accent and vocabulary; it can be constrained by noise and other physical barriers and it is not normally recorded or documented.
All communication methods have their disadvantages. For example a disadvantage of written communication is the fact that it is handicapped by its inability to get quick feedback. A disadvantage of non-verbal communication is that people from different cultural backgrounds may send out different body signals which may be misinterpreted. These disadvantages should not rule out the fact that communication within a business is not important. (Debasish & Das, 2009)
It could be concluded that all types of communication are equally important when put together to run a business successfully. The main aim of communication is to ensure that the receiver has accepted and understood the sender’s message. The strengths and weaknesses will vary for each communication type; depending on what message is trying to be put across relates to what channel of communication should be chosen.
An organisation needs communication to carry out activities and to achieve set goals. (Hanumantharao, 2011).
Bibliography
Brennan, Kevin (2009) A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge. Canada: IIBA
Debasish & Das (2009) Business Communication. New Delhi: PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd.
Hanumantharao, C.R. (2011) ‘Strategies of Empowerment of Effective Oral and Written Communication English for Business Communication’. Indian Streams Research Journal. Volume 1, Issue 1, pp 15-20.
Management Study Guide (2012) ‘Oral Communication – Meaning, Advantages and Limitations’. Available at
Rodriques, M.V. (1992) Effective Business Communication. New Delhi: Concept Publishing Company
Talloo, Thelma J. (2007) Business Organisation and Management. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Education
by
rhiann_77x (student)
