Define Oral Communication, Nature and Importance

Meaning, Definition of Oral Communication

Oral communication is the form of verbal communication, which conveys the message from the sender to the receiver through the stated word. In other words, communication with the help of spoken words is called oral communication. It is essential at every stage of our social and business dealings.

Oral communication is a two-way process, as it provides a clear insight about the meaning to the message, and the message transmitted and the feedback is immediate. We communicate orally with our family, friends, in meetings, committees, conferences, over the telephone, radio, public, etc.

Nature, Characteristics, Importance of Oral Communication

Importance of oral communication skills are given in the diagram below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

The importance of oral communication in business are discussed below.

Oral communication does not require much planning. It requires appropriate para-linguistic features like tone, pitch, register, facial expressions, gestures and body language. Effective oral communication depends on purpose of the message.

Oral communication should be used because it is simple, faster, informal, more direct and more personal. It saves more time and creates efficiency.

In oral communication, there are no formalities of using pen, paper, stamps, etc. and waiting endlessly for the response. Thus, even most personal and confidential matters can be placed before the receiver in a simple and direct way.