It occurs through the spoken word. In oral communication, the two parties to communication, the sender and the receiver, exchange their views through speech, either in face to face communication between individual and individual, or between an individual and the group, or any mechanical or electrical device, such as a telephone, public address systems, etc.
Advantages of oral communication
a) Oral communication saves time.
b) Oral communication saves money also.
c) Speech is a more powerful means of persuasion and control.
d) With the help of variations in the tone, pitch and intensity of voice, the speaker can convey shades of meaning.
e) The speaker can get immediate feedback.
f) Employees get an opportunity for feedback and immediate clarification.
g) The informal plane of oral communication helps to promote friendly relations.
Limitation of oral communication
a) Not possible for distant people in the absence of mechanical devices.
b) Lengthy message are not suitable for oral transmission.
c) Oral message cannot be retained for a long time.
d) Oral message do not have any legal validity unless they are taped and made a part of permanent record.
e) Although oral message offer a greater opportunity for clarification, there are also inherent in them greater chances of misunderstanding.
f) In oral messages, responsibilities for mistakes, if any, cannot be specifically assigned.