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Introduction to Oral Communication

speech writing meaning in oral communication

Learn foundational concepts and best practices for communicating orally.

Communicating orally is a cyclical process that requires you to assess and prepare in order to deliver your message.  

speech writing meaning in oral communication

To learn about different oral presentation formats, visit our page Types of Talks .  

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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
  • Post comments: 0 Comments

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.

What is Oral Communication

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.

Importance of Oral Communication

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.

Advantages and 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.

Advantages of Oral Communication

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.

Disadvantages of Oral Communication

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.

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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.

Anuj Kumar

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Chapter 1: The Speech Communication Process

The Speech Communication Process

  • Listener(s)

Interference

As you might imagine, the speaker is the crucial first element within the speech communication process. Without a speaker, there is no process.  The  speaker  is simply the person who is delivering, or presenting, the speech.  A speaker might be someone who is training employees in your workplace. Your professor is another example of a public speaker as s/he gives a lecture. Even a stand-up comedian can be considered a public speaker. After all, each of these people is presenting an oral message to an audience in a public setting. Most speakers, however, would agree that the listener is one of the primary reasons that they speak.

The listener is just as important as the speaker; neither one is effective without the other.  The  listener  is the person or persons who have assembled to hear the oral message.  Some texts might even call several listeners an “audience. ” The listener generally forms an opinion as to the effectiveness of the speaker and the validity of the speaker’s message based on what they see and hear during the presentation. The listener’s job sometimes includes critiquing, or evaluating, the speaker’s style and message. You might be asked to critique your classmates as they speak or to complete an evaluation of a public speaker in another setting. That makes the job of the listener extremely important. Providing constructive feedback to speakers often helps the speaker improve her/his speech tremendously.

Another crucial element in the speech process is the message.  The  message  is what the speaker is discussing or the ideas that s/he is presenting to you as s/he covers a particular topic.  The important chapter concepts presented by your professor become the message during a lecture. The commands and steps you need to use, the new software at work, are the message of the trainer as s/he presents the information to your department. The message might be lengthy, such as the President’s State of the Union address, or fairly brief, as in a five-minute presentation given in class.

The  channel  is the means by which the message is sent or transmitted.  Different channels are used to deliver the message, depending on the communication type or context. For instance, in mass communication, the channel utilized might be a television or radio broadcast. The use of a cell phone is an example of a channel that you might use to send a friend a message in interpersonal communication. However, the channel typically used within public speaking is the speaker’s voice, or more specifically, the sound waves used to carry the voice to those listening. You could watch a prerecorded speech or one accessible on YouTube, and you might now say the channel is the television or your computer. This is partially true. However, the speech would still have no value if the speaker’s voice was not present, so in reality, the channel is now a combination of the two -the speaker’s voice broadcast through an electronic source.

The context is a bit more complicated than the other elements we have discussed so far. The context is more than one specific component. For example, when you give a speech in your classroom, the classroom, or  the physical location of your speech, is part of the context  . That’s probably the easiest part of context to grasp.

But you should also consider that the  people in your audience expect you to behave in a certain manner, depending on the physical location or the occasion of the presentation  . If you gave a toast at a wedding, the audience wouldn’t be surprised if you told a funny story about the couple or used informal gestures such as a high-five or a slap on the groom’s back. That would be acceptable within the expectations of your audience, given the occasion. However, what if the reason for your speech was the presentation of a eulogy at a loved one’s funeral? Would the audience still find a high-five or humor as acceptable in that setting? Probably not. So the expectations of your audience must be factored into context as well.

The cultural rules -often unwritten and sometimes never formally communicated to us -are also a part of the context. Depending on your culture, you would probably agree that there are some “rules ” typically adhered to by those attending a funeral. In some cultures, mourners wear dark colors and are somber and quiet. In other cultures, grieving out loud or beating one’s chest to show extreme grief is traditional. Therefore,  the rules from our culture  -no matter what they are -play a part in the context as well.

Every speaker hopes that her/his speech is clearly understood by the audience. However, there are times when some obstacle gets in the way of the message and interferes with the listener’s ability to hear what’s being said.  This is  interference  , or you might have heard it referred to as “noise. ”  Every speaker must prepare and present with the assumption that interference is likely to be present in the speaking environment.

Interference can be mental, physical, or physiological.  Mental interference  occurs when the listener is not fully focused on what s/he is hearing due to her/his own thoughts.  If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming in class during a lecture, you’re experiencing mental interference. Your own thoughts are getting in the way of the message.

A second form of interference is  physical interference  . This is noise in the literal sense -someone coughing behind you during a speech or the sound of a mower outside the classroom window. You may be unable to hear the speaker because of the surrounding environmental noises.

The last form of interference is  physiological  . This type of interference occurs when your body is responsible for the blocked signals. A deaf person, for example, has the truest form of physiological interference; s/he may have varying degrees of difficulty hearing the message. If you’ve ever been in a room that was too cold or too hot and found yourself not paying attention, you’re experiencing physiological interference. Your bodily discomfort distracts from what is happening around you.

The final component within the speech process is feedback. While some might assume that the speaker is the only one who sends a message during a speech, the reality is that the  listeners in the audience are sending a message of their own, called  feedback  .  Often this is how the speaker knows if s/he is sending an effective message. Occasionally the feedback from listeners comes in verbal form – questions from the audience or an angry response from a listener about a key point presented. However, in general, feedback during a presentation is typically non-verbal -a student nodding her/his head in agreement or a confused look from an audience member. An observant speaker will scan the audience for these forms of feedback, but keep in mind that non-verbal feedback is often more difficult to spot and to decipher. For example, is a yawn a sign of boredom, or is it simply a tired audience member?

Generally, all of the above elements are present during a speech. However, you might wonder what the process would look like if we used a diagram to illustrate it. Initially, some students think of public speaking as a linear process -the speaker sending a message to the listener -a simple, straight line. But if you’ll think about the components we’ve just covered, you begin to see that a straight line cannot adequately represent the process, when we add listener feedback into the process. The listener is sending her/his own message back to the speaker, so perhaps the process might better be represented as circular. Add in some interference and place the example in context, and you have a more complete idea of the speech process.

Fundamentals of Public Speaking Copyright © by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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The Importance Of Oral Communication

The South Korean film Parasite made history at the 2020 Oscars when it became the first non-English language film to…

683. 10 Behavioral Interview Questions To Prepare For

The South Korean film Parasite made history at the 2020 Oscars when it became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. For his acceptance speech, director Bong Joon Ho said, “Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.”

Bong was trying to change the way people perceive foreign language films. And he did. His words resonated not just with the South Korean audience, but with moviegoers worldwide.

Not every speaker leaves a lasting impression on their audience. But imagine if you could always speak with impact in your professional setting.

Strong oral communication is one of the best skills you can have in the workplace. Not only can you move, persuade and encourage others to think and act differently, your speaking skills also help you stand out among your co-workers.

Let’s explore the importance of different types of oral communication you need to become a competent professional.

What Is Oral Communication?

Importance of oral communication, types of oral communication.

Oral communication is communicating with spoken words. It’s a verbal form of communication where you communicate your thoughts, present ideas and share information. Examples of oral communication are conversations with friends, family or colleagues, presentations and speeches.

Oral communication helps to build trust and reliability. The process of oral communication is more effective than an email or a text message. For important and sensitive conversations—such as salary negotiations and even conflict resolution, you can rely on oral communication to get your point across, avoid misunderstandings and minimize confusion.

In a professional setting, effective oral communication is important because it is built on transparency, understanding and trust. Your oral communication skills can boost morale, encourage improved performance and promote teamwork .

Here are some benefits of oral communication:

It saves time by letting you convey your message directly to the other person and getting their response immediately.

It’s the most secure form of communication for critical issues and important information

It helps to resolve conflicts with face-to-face communication

It’s a more transparent form of communication as it lets you  gauge how others react to your words

There are different examples of oral communication in a business setting. You need several oral communication skills for career advancement. Let’s look at different types of oral communication:

Elevator Pitch

Imagine you meet the CEO of your organization in the elevator. Now, you have 30 seconds to introduce yourself before they get out on the next floor. This is your elevator pitch. It’s a form of oral communication where you have to succinctly explain who you are and what you want from the other person.

Formal Conversations

These are common at work because you have to constantly interact with your managers, coworkers and stakeholders such as clients and customers. Formal conversations are crisp, direct and condensed. You have to get your point across in a few words because everyone has only limited time to spare.

Informal Conversations

These are conversations that you have with your team members or friends and family. They are mostly without an agenda. You can talk about your day, what you’re going to eat for lunch or discuss weekend plans. These are friendly conversations peppered with light banter.

Business Presentations

This is where you need to make the best use of your speaking skills. Public speaking is an important skill to develop if you want to command a room full of people. For this, you need to leverage Harappa’s LEP and PAM Frameworks as well as the Four Ps of Pitch, Projection, Pace and Pauses.

Speeches are important in businesses like event management or community outreach. In a corporate setup, speeches are reserved for top management and leaders.

Arming yourself with effective oral communication skills will boost your confidence, prepare you for challenging tasks like meeting and impressing clients.

Harappa Education’s Speaking Effectively course is carefully designed to teach you how to improve your communication skills. You’ll learn about both oral and nonverbal communication with important frameworks like the Rule of Three and Aristotle’s Appeals of logic, credibility and emotion. Persuade your audience, deliver well-crafted ideas and connect with others with advanced speaking skills.

Explore topics & skills such as Public Speaking , Verbal Communication , Speaking Skills & Oratory Skills from Harappa Diaries and learn to express your ideas with confidence.

Reskilling Programs

L&D leaders need to look for reskilling programs that meet organizational goals and employee aspirations. The first step to doing this is to understand the skills gaps and identify what’s necessary. An effective reskilling program will be one that is scalable and measurable. Companies need to understand their immediate goals and prepare for future requirements when considering which employees to reskill.

Are you still uncertain about the kind of reskilling program you should opt for?  Speak to our expert   to understand what will work best for your organization and employees.

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Writing Speeches

Quick links, keeping focus: the central point, main supporting points, introductions, conclusions.

Writing a speech consists of composing the central point or thesis, the main-point sentences, the introduction and conclusion, and planning effective oral style.

Since the organization of a speech is critical to the writing process, consult our organization page.

The central point is the message you attempt to communicate to your audience. Keeping focus on the central point is fundamental to speech writing.

Sometimes the central point is a thesis; sometimes the central point is a hypothesis. Sometimes, there is no stated thesis or hypothesis, but there is always a central idea and purpose that keeps you and your audience focused.

The Student Resources information on purpose is useful if you’re unsure about the central point.

For an additional resource related to writing for speeches, use The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , especially the “What’s your purpose?” section.

A thesis is a concise statement of your central point, normally included in the introduction and conclusion of a speech. However, your speech doesn’t have to be an argumentative to include a thesis statement.

A purpose statement is a clear statement about the objective you hope to accomplish. Whenever you write a speech, you have a purpose statement, although the purpose statement isn’t always explicitly stated—and it can get confused with a thesis statement. For help with the differences between a thesis and a purpose statement, we recommend “Thesis and Purpose Statements” by The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

If a thesis is necessary, the thesis section of the thesis section of the written rhetoric page may help as well.

There is no formula for success, but this video covers the essentials on speech thesis sentences.

The thesis is what you argue, and the main points are how you argue it. Because they’re so intertwined, you should carefully consider the main supporting points as you write your thesis. In other words, figure out what you intend to say before you try to capture it in a thesis.

Below are a few suggestions that experienced speech writers use when writing thesis statements:

  • Use a declarative sentence; not a question.
  • Use a complete sentence.
  • General thesis : “We honor Elie Wiesel for his noble characteristics and his campaign against ethnic oppression.”
  • Specific thesis : “We honor Elie Wiesel for his determination, consistency, and for his faithfulness to Yahweh throughout his life-long campaign against ethnic oppression.”
  • General : Foreign policies in the Middle East.
  • Focused : An analysis of the ways the United States has reacted to economic changes due to the oil industry in the Middle East.
  • Example 1: If you’re speaking to elementary schoolers, it would be inappropriate to use graduate level vocabulary.
  • Example 2: If you’re talking about architecture at an electrical engineering conference, use the thesis to connect the expected topic to the unexpected topic.

Here are a few high quality thesis examples (though possibly obscure topics):

  • “The process the United States would go through to use a nuclear weapon can be broken down into two stages: the command from the president, and the official launch of the nuclear warhead by the crew.”
  • “We honor Elie Wiesel for his determination, consistency, and for his faithfulness to Yahweh throughout his life-long campaign against ethnic oppression.”
  • “Salvador Dali’s surrealist artwork can be identified through its focus on illogical scenes and exploration of the unconscious.”

For further direction, we recommend the Purdue University Online Writing Lab (OWL) as an extra resource.

The main points support your thesis. The thesis is what you argue, the main points are how you argue it. Here are a few suggestions for writing main supporting point sentences:

  • If any of your main points don’t argue in favor of the thesis, either the main point or the thesis needs to be changed.
  • A main point should convey the purpose and focus of its respective section.
  • Use declarative statements and complete sentences to announce main supporting points.
  • Limit the number of main points for the audience’s sake. If you have more than four it will be hard for the audience to remember.

To reiterate, the main points of a speech are crafted as supporting evidence for the thesis .

If your thesis is: Typical characteristics of 1960’s Latin American fiction include non-linear narratives and magical elements.

The following would be satisfactory main point sentences:

  • Magical elements often appear in 1960s Latin American fiction.
  • Non-linear narratives characterize magical realism in 1960s Latin American fiction.

Additional resources related to main supporting points

  • University of Hawai'i Maui Community College Speech Department : general guidelines related to main points and other supporting material.
  • Calvin University—What Not to Do : a document about what not to do with speech main points.
  • Lumen Learning : a variety of topics relating to main points, from how many should you have to how to highlight them as main points. Start about half way down the page at the “How Many Main Points?” section. While Lumen Learning also covers different ways to organize your main points, we recommend using our organization page first.

It will help you to prepare the introduction after preparing the main points. Just consider how challenging it is to introduce a speech if you don’t know what the main ideas of your speech are.

The introduction has two main purposes: to capture the audience’s attention and to state your thesis. Introductions also preview the speech so that the audience knows where it’s headed.

There are many ways to capture the audience’s attention: quotes, statistics, examples, a short story, a fascinating topic, a gracious mention of the event that brings you together, or even a question.

Once you have the audience’s attention, state your thesis. Stating your thesis will inform the audience of the speech’s direction and will focus their attention throughout the speech.

For tips regarding introductions, we recommend the Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College . The tips are short, helpful, and if applied, will improve your introductions.

Finally, it’s also critical throughout the introduction to establish your credibility. For this reason, your introduction should be well practiced and should allow you to communicate confidence. In addition, if you have any expertise on the subject material that you believe your audience needs to know, inform them without being snooty.

Conclusions are the final remarks your audience will hear, so they’re the part that’s most likely to be remembered. So make sure you take the time to craft a clear and memorable conclusion.

In general, a conclusion should restate your central point, though in a new way. This is important because in speeches the audience can’t reread your message; they simply have to rely on memory. Restating your central point—and, depending on what your professor wants, reviewing your main supporting points--will help your message to stick.

Another way to make your speech stick is to use the conclusion to reemphasize your purpose. For example, in a persuasive speech, call people to action. In other words, be blunt about what you want them to do. If you want them to vote, tell them how they can register. If you want them to pick up painting as a hobby, then show them where they can buy painting materials.

Try to make your conclusion memorable.

By this, we mean it’s important to carefully consider your final remark to make sure it concludes on a strong note that fits your purpose. Speakers often trail off in the end, undermining their earlier work.

As a foundational resource, we recommend the Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College .

Style refers to the way words, sentences, and groups of sentences create tone and personality.

How is speech writing different than writing a paper?

Though they share many principles (ex: the preference for active voice verbs), they have different principles of style: people perceive style differently when listening than when reading.

The differences arise because the formats are different: written word and spoken word. For an analysis of the key differences between spoken and written language, we recommend the Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College .

This handout by Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program contains fundamental public speaking tips. Luckily, it also contains an encompassing look at the basics of an eloquent oral style. Read the section titled “Writing for Speaking”; the list will be useful when creating sentences that sound better in oral rhetoric.

The following stylistic choices are particularly helpful with the spoken word :

  • Brevity. Be as brief as possible. This article by Judith Kilborn (The Write Place, St. Cloud State University) provides a few ways to reduce wordiness.
  • Prefer shorter sentences to longer ones. Long sentences are harder to follow.
  • First person pronouns are widely accepted in speeches.
  • Repetition helps the audience remember (ex: think of the repetition in King’s “I Have a Dream.” In a paper the audience can go back and reread; they can’t do that when listening to a speech, so repetition helps the audience connect ideas and follow the argument.
  • The audience doesn’t have a dictionary with them; use words that are more tuned for the vernacular ear.
  • Make sure you can pronounce every word you plan on using.
  • Use transitions or “ signposts ” to announce, signal, and recap. This allows the audience to know where you’re and what to expect.
  • Abstract : There are several possible outcomes that this decision can lead to.
  • Concrete : Our choice to intervene in the Middle East can lead to destabilized elections, political turmoil, and religious conflict.
  • Dry sentence : A family member was hit by an animal.
  • Descriptive sentence : Grandma got run over by a reindeer.
  • The use of contractions is generally preferred in public speaking; contractions are more conversational, which tends to be preferred in public speaking. Say these two sentences aloud and you’ll agree: “I do not think that is a good idea” or “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
  • Parallelism and alliteration create rhythm in a speech; use them wisely.
  • Use inclusive language .

For further style advice, though not specifically for the spoken word, use our written style resource.

For further direction, please stop in the Rhetoric Center.

Additional resources and tips related to oral style

  • Stand up, Speak out (University of Michigan Libraries) : An extensive and comprehensive resource on effective oral communication. Pay particular attention to the following sections: “Imagery,” “Rhythm,” “Parallelism,” “Alliteration,” and “Assonance.”
  • Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College : A list of phrases to avoid for various reasons in oral rhetoric.
  • Oral Communication Center, Hamilton College : A list of characteristics that help make every speech successful. Warning: the article uses language to make it sound like a checklist for an A on every speech; this is not the case. However, the list is helpful nonetheless.
  • Oxford Dictionaries Blog, Avoid cliches : Evoking images for an audience helps them to understand and remember your speech, but using a cliché allows the audience to listen without visualizing. A creative example of effective imagery was when on the campaign trail Bill Clinton said “I will be with you until the last dog dies.”
  • Contrast, figures of speech, examples, and triads : How Winston Churchill spoke.

In the speech “Bridges should be beautiful,” Ian Firth demonstrates an awareness of oral style. For starters, his sentences are short and easy to follow. His opening is the perfect example, “The world needs bridges.”

Look at the following excerpt from Firth’s speech:

“In this case, this is in Peru. This is using grass which grows locally and is woven into ropes to build these bridges. And do you know they rebuild this every year? Because of course grass is not a durable material. So this bridge is unchanged since Inca times.”

This could’ve very well been two or three sentences in a written text, but Firth uses five short sentences. This makes him easy to follow. However, it’s not perfect. The phrase “In this case, this is in Peru,” could be shortened to simply “This is in Peru.”

At the same time, he limits the speech to three main points: bridges should be functional, safe, and beautiful. This ensures the audience won’t get lost.

Firth carefully chooses his words. He uses descriptive language to paint pictures for the audience: “Or sometimes up in the mountains, people would build these suspension bridges, often across some dizzy canyon, using a vine .” He also uses alliteration in an effective manner: “Or Robert Maillart's Salginatobel Bridge in the mountains in Switzerland —absolutely sublime .”

And he is able to easily pronounce the words he uses, even foreign phrases like “Pont Du Gard.”

Since Firth is an engineer who has designed bridges for years, this speech could’ve used highly technical language, but Firth used the vernacular to adapt to his more general audience. On occasion, when technical language was inevitable, Firth swiftly defined the technical terms.

In addition, Firth uses first person pronouns (“I firmly believe”). This makes him more conversational and personable.

This next example, a Boise State University commencement address, is more of a mixed result than Firth’s speech: it embodies both good and bad oral style.

Let’s start with what Tiara Thompson does well. In the beginning, she uses descriptive language that invokes images. The following are examples: “As my fingers fly over the keys,” and “spacebar still blinking.” She also uses parallelism, as you can clearly hear around 3:25.

However, the style can be improved (amongst other aspects of speech writing).

Towards the end of the speech, she uses more abstract language and seldomly gives examples. The speech would’ve been more effective if she kept using descriptive language and if more examples were used towards the end. Her language becomes vague and abstract when she thanks the teachers for their hard work, not recognizing any one of them individually. As an alternative, consider: how much more effective would it have been if she gave an example of a teacher working hard and afterhours to help her succeed on an assignment ? After that example, she could’ve generalized it to include all the teachers at her college.

In addition, the language she uses at the end of the speech gradually becomes more and more clichéd. For example, at 5:08, she says, “make this moment last” and “we are so fortunate to be where we are.” Clichés make imagery harder, as we mentioned in the oral style section.

Though not necessarily related to oral style, this speech focuses on the speaker more than the average commencement. If she focused on something else, her audience would’ve been able to connect with her more. (What works better: a political speech with a politician rambling on about themself or one where the politician identifies with problems larger than themselves, such as a Detroit congressperson sympathizing with the victims of the Flint water crisis?)

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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:

List-of-Six-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: 

Methods-of-oral-communication-devided-into-mechanical-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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The Power of Strong Oral and Written Communication Skills

Learn how to improve your oral and written communication skills by expressing ideas clearly, fostering understanding, and connecting with others.

Oral and written communication skills are essential components of effective interaction, involving both verbal and written forms of conveying information and ideas. 

Oral communication skills encompass the ability to express thoughts, opinions, and information through spoken words, while written communication skills involve conveying messages, instructions, or thoughts using written language. 

Both oral and written communication skills play a pivotal role in expressing ideas clearly, fostering understanding, and connecting with others across different contexts.

Importance of Effective Communication in Various Aspects of Life

Effective communication skills are paramount in personal, professional, and academic spheres. In the workplace, clear oral and written communication enables employees to articulate ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and present their thoughts convincingly to employers or clients. 

Written communication skills are crucial for crafting professional documents such as emails, reports, and cover letters. In academic settings, effective communication aids students in presenting research, participating in discussions, and writing papers. 

Moreover, in everyday life, strong communication skills foster better relationships, facilitate successful interactions, and contribute to overall clarity and understanding in various interactions.

speech writing meaning in oral communication

The Importance of Oral Communication Skills

Effective verbal communication in personal relationships.

Building Strong Connections with Others: Oral communication skills are instrumental in establishing meaningful relationships. Through effective verbal communication, individuals can share thoughts, emotions, and experiences, fostering deeper connections and understanding with family, friends, and acquaintances. 

Open and honest conversations enable individuals to connect on a personal level and build trust, enhancing the quality of relationships.

Resolving Conflicts and Misunderstandings: Strong verbal communication skills are essential for addressing conflicts and resolving misunderstandings. 

The ability to express oneself clearly, actively listen, and provide constructive feedback aids in navigating difficult conversations. Individuals with strong oral communication skills can discuss concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and find mutually agreeable solutions, contributing to healthier and more harmonious relationships.

Professional Benefits of Strong Oral Communication

Effective Teamwork and Collaboration: In the professional realm, effective verbal communication skills are crucial for successful teamwork and collaboration. 

The ability to communicate ideas, provide feedback, and actively participate in discussions contributes to a productive work environment. Teams that communicate well can exchange insights, pool talents, and achieve common goals efficiently.

Improved Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Strong oral communication skills enhance public speaking and presentation abilities. Professionals who can convey information persuasively and engage their audience effectively make impactful presentations. 

Whether delivering a pitch, leading a meeting, or presenting to a large audience, strong verbal communication skills instill confidence and captivate listeners, leaving a lasting impression.

Developing Verbal Communication Skills

Active listening techniques: .

Active listening is a foundational skill for improving oral communication. This technique involves fully engaging with the speaker, giving them your undivided attention, and understanding their message beyond just words. 

By maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking clarifying questions, you demonstrate your genuine interest and comprehension. Active listening helps foster better connections, minimizes misunderstandings, and allows you to respond thoughtfully.

Enhancing Non-Verbal Communication:

Non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language, play a significant role in conveying messages during oral communication. Developing awareness of your non-verbal cues and aligning them with your spoken words enhances your overall communication effectiveness. Positive non-verbal communication signals attentiveness, openness, and confidence, helping you build rapport and establish credibility.

Practicing Effective Speaking and Clarity of Expression:

Practicing effective speaking involves expressing ideas clearly, concisely, and confidently. Focus on articulation, pronunciation, and tone to ensure your words are understood. Using appropriate vocabulary and structuring your sentences coherently adds to your communication clarity. 

Regular practice through discussions, presentations, and even role-playing scenarios can help you refine your speaking skills and overcome any hesitations or stumbling blocks in verbal communication.

The Importance of Written Communication Skills

Written communication in the workplace:.

Effective written communication is essential in professional settings for several reasons. Clear and concise emails and memos ensure that information is conveyed accurately without confusion. 

Professional written reports and documentation contribute to organized and well-documented project management, decision-making, and compliance with industry standards. Strong written communication skills not only reflect your competence but also facilitate seamless communication within the team and with stakeholders.

Personal Benefits of Strong Written Communication:

Developing strong written communication skills has personal benefits beyond the workplace. It enhances your organization and critical thinking abilities as you structure your thoughts logically and coherently. 

Expressing thoughts and ideas effectively in writing allows you to communicate with clarity and precision. This skill is valuable for both formal and informal contexts, from crafting persuasive essays to sharing ideas on social media. Strengthening your written communication skills empowers you to convey your messages with impact and engage with a broader audience.

Developing Written Communication Skills

Understanding the Purpose and Audience: Developing strong written communication skills involves considering the purpose and audience of your writing. Identifying why you are writing and who your target audience is helps tailor your message appropriately. 

Whether it's a formal report, an email to colleagues, or a social media post, knowing your purpose guides your content and tone. For example, writing an informative report for a professional audience requires a different approach than composing a casual email to friends. Understanding your purpose and audience ensures that your written communication is relevant, engaging, and effective.

Organization and Structure in Writing: Effective writing requires proper organization and structure to present ideas coherently. Start with an introduction that captures the reader's attention and outlines the main points. 

Organize the body of your writing logically, presenting ideas in a sequence that flows smoothly. Each paragraph should focus on a single idea, and transitions should link your points seamlessly. 

Conclude with a summary that reinforces your main message or provides a call to action. Well-organized writing guides readers through your content and makes it easier to comprehend and remember.

Effective Use of Grammar, Punctuation, and Vocabulary: Grammatical accuracy, proper punctuation, and varied vocabulary are crucial for clear and effective written communication. 

Grammatical errors and awkward phrasing can detract from your message, leading to confusion or misinterpretation. Correct punctuation enhances the clarity and readability of your writing. 

Additionally, using a diverse range of vocabulary improves the richness and precision of your content. Regularly reviewing grammar rules, practicing proofreading, and expanding your vocabulary are essential steps in enhancing your written communication skills.

Integrating Oral and Written Communication Skills

Bridging the gap between oral and written communication:.

Integrating both oral and written communication skills is essential for effective communication in various contexts. While oral communication allows for immediate interaction and engagement, written communication provides a lasting record and reference. 

Bridging the gap between these skills involves recognizing their complementary nature. For instance, articulating ideas clearly in writing helps structure your thoughts and can serve as a foundation for confident verbal communication. 

Similarly, the ability to express yourself eloquently in speech can translate to persuasive writing. By honing both oral and written communication skills, individuals can convey their ideas comprehensively and adapt to diverse communication scenarios.

The Impact of Effective Communication Skills on Overall Success:

Proficiency in both oral and written communication is a cornerstone of overall success. In professional settings, strong communication skills enhance collaboration, leadership, and the ability to influence others positively. 

Employers often seek candidates with excellent communication skills, as these skills contribute to effective teamwork, client relationships, and project management. Moreover, these skills extend to personal life, fostering better relationships and facilitating efficient interactions in everyday situations.

Mastering effective communication, whether oral or written, empowers individuals to navigate challenges, convey their ideas persuasively, and achieve their goals with confidence.

In today's interconnected world, oral and written communication skills hold immense value. The ability to convey ideas effectively through spoken and written words is pivotal in personal, academic, and professional spheres. 

Strong oral communication skills enable meaningful interactions, resolving conflicts, and fostering connections. Meanwhile, proficient written communication skills allow for clear documentation, organized thought expression, and impactful written reports.

The journey towards mastering oral and written communication skills is ongoing. Continuously refining these skills offers numerous benefits, enhancing career prospects, building strong relationships, and contributing to personal growth. 

Embrace opportunities to enhance your communication abilities, whether by practicing active listening, refining your writing style, or engaging in public speaking. 

By prioritizing the development of these skills, you empower yourself to effectively navigate various communication scenarios, enrich your interactions, and contribute positively to your personal and professional life.

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Orality: Definition and Examples

  Saint Louis University

  • An Introduction to Punctuation
  • Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
  • M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
  • B.A., English, State University of New York

Orality is the use of speech  rather than writing  as a means of communication , especially in communities where the tools of literacy are unfamiliar to the majority of the population.

Modern interdisciplinary studies in the history and nature of orality were initiated by theorists in the "Toronto school," among them Harold Innis, Marshall McLuhan, Eric Havelock, and Walter J. Ong.  

In Orality and Literacy (Methuen, 1982), Walter J. Ong identified some of the distinctive ways in which people in a "primary oral culture" [see the definition below] think and express themselves through narrative discourse:

  • Expression is coordinate and polysyndetic (" . . . and . . . and . . . and . . .") rather than subordinate and hypotactic.
  • Expression is aggregative (that is, speakers rely on epithets and on parallel and antithetical phrases) rather than analytic .
  • Expression tends to be redundant and copious.
  • Out of necessity, thought is conceptualized and then expressed with relatively close reference to the human world; that is, with a preference for the concrete rather than the abstract.
  • Expression is agonistically toned (that is, competitive rather than cooperative).
  • Finally, in predominantly oral cultures, proverbs (also known as maxims ) are convenient vehicles for conveying simple beliefs and cultural attitudes.

From the Latin oralis , "mouth"

Examples and Observations

  • James A. Maxey What is the relationship of orality to literacy? Though disputed, all sides agree that orality is the predominant mode of communication in the world and that literacy is a relatively recent technological development in human history.
  • Pieter J.J. Botha Orality as a condition exists by virtue of communication that is not dependent on modern media processes and techniques. It is negatively formed by the lack of technology and positively created by specific forms of education and cultural activities. . . . Orality refers to the experience of words (and speech) in the habitat of sound.

Ong on Primary Orality and Secondary Orality

  • Walter J. Ong I style the orality of a culture totally untouched by any knowledge or writing or print, ' primary orality .' It is 'primary' by contrast with the 'secondary orality' of present-day high-technology culture, in which a new orality is sustained by telephone, radio, television, and other electronic devices that depend for their existence and functioning on writing and print. Today primary oral culture in the strict sense hardly exists, since every culture knows of writing and has some experience of its effects. Still, to varying degrees many cultures and subcultures, even in a high-technology ambiance, preserve much of the mind-set of primary orality.

Ong on Oral Cultures

  • Walter J. Ong Oral cultures indeed produce powerful and beautiful verbal performances of high artistic and human worth, which are no longer even possible once writing has taken possession of the psyche. Nevertheless, without writing, human consciousness cannot achieve its fuller potentials, cannot produce other beautiful and powerful creations. In this sense, orality needs to produce and is destined to produce writing. Literacy . . . is absolutely necessary for the development not only of science but also of history, philosophy, explicative understanding of literature and of any art, and indeed for the explanation of language (including oral speech) itself. There is hardly an oral culture or a predominantly oral culture left in the world today that is not somehow aware of the vast complex of powers forever inaccessible without literacy. This awareness is agony for persons rooted in primary orality, who want literacy passionately but who also know very well that moving into the exciting world of literacy means leaving behind much that is exciting and deeply loved in the earlier oral world. We have to die to continue living.

Orality and Writing

  • Rosalind Thomas Writing is not necessarily the mirror-image and destroyer of orality , but reacts or interacts with oral communication in a variety of ways. Sometimes the line between written and oral even in a single activity cannot actually be drawn very clearly, as in the characteristic Athenian contract which involved witnesses and an often rather slight written document, or the relation between the performance of a play and the written and published text.

Clarifications

  • Joyce Irene Middleton Many misreadings, misinterpretations, and misconceptions about orality theory are due, in part, to [Walter J.] Ong's rather slippery use of seemingly interchangeable terms that very diverse audiences of readers interpret in various ways. For example, orality is not the opposite of literacy , and yet many debates about orality are rooted in oppositional values . . .. In addition, orality was not 'replaced' by literacy: Orality is permanent--we have always and will continue to always use human speech arts in our various forms of communication, even as we now witness changes in our personal and professional uses of alphabetic forms of literacy in a number of ways.

Pronunciation: o-RAH-li-tee

  • Defining and Understanding Literacy
  • What Is a Maxim?
  • What is the Difference Between 'Aural' and 'Oral'?
  • Oration (Classical Rhetoric)
  • classical rhetoric
  • What Is a Primary Source?
  • The Difference Between a Speech and Discourse Community
  • The Power of Literacy Narratives
  • The Power of Indirectness in Speaking and Writing
  • Definition and Examples of Interjections in English
  • Context in Language
  • Professional Communication Definition and Issues
  • What Is Written English?
  • An Introduction to Translation and Interpretation
  • What Is Language Standardization?
  • What Is Communication?

Teaching Oral Communication Online

Main navigation.

When teaching oral communication online, it's important to think carefully through the affordances and challenges of mediated presentations -- and adjust your pedagogy importantly.

For a fully online writing & speaking class, our expectations about what a presentation look like need to shift.  Instead of requiring students to perform (and possibly record) a TED-talk style conversation, where we see their full body, large presentation screen behind them, we need to adjust to the parameters of mediated presentations through live Zoom or pre-recording:

  • Narrated PowerPoint/Keynote with no speaker visually present (i.e. zoom or google slides pre-recorded)
  • PowerPoint with speaker window/webinar (i.e. zoom pre-recorded)
  • Multimedia with visuals of speaker interspersed (i.e. video edited footage of speaker with animations, audio, slides, images, photo stills, zoom background visuals or video cut into the presentation)

This type of presentation is one they might already be familiar with from YouTube bloggers, webinars, or other online presentation moments, so in that sense, we're helping them develop a particular type of delivery strategies that they might draw on in many academic and non-academic contexts.

Some Beat Practices

Oral Communication lecturer Helen Lie has offered some of the following suggestions for teaching oral communication online (courtesy of Helen Lie):

Remember that students presenting online still experience speech anxiety, so scaffold the major presentation assignments by offering many low stakes opportunities for students to practice their presentation skills  

Students may also suffer from tech anxiety in preparing or delivering their presentations. 

  • Be sure to integrate technological skills incrementally into your scaffolding assignments (i.e., for one assignment, have them practice sharing a screen in Zoom; for another assignment, layer in recording a short speech, etc.)
  • Don't grade low-stakes assignments, and make sure students are aware that they won't be graded down on major assignments for unavoidable technological issues

Help students also understand their responsibilities as an audience

  • Consider having all student audience members activate their video, if they have access to video, for the presentations and speaking activities so that presenters get the benefit of seeing their live audience
  • Talk to students about ways to think about nonverbal feedback that they can give as audience members (such as nodding, making eye contact, giving complete attention), which might be particularly vital in online spaces
  • If your students are pre-recording major presentations, give them the benefit of a live audience in small group dress rehearsals or through a live Zoom Q&A after everyone has watched the presentations on their own
  • Balance synchronous and asynchronous feedback; create a space on a Canvas discussion forum for students to comment on each other's presentations, whether they have watched them live or recorded; offer a live Q&A or feedback opportunity on Zoom

Help students think about the specific dynamics of digital presentations

  • Encourage them to think about their "presentation stage" when delivering remotely -- Where will they sit? What will they wear?  What sort of lighting is available.  Suggest that they try to find a place with good lighting (i.e. a light behind you casts a shadow on your face), free of clutter, connecting with a stable connection if possible (sitting close to a router or connected to the router with an ethernt cable), away from distractions (i.e., people who might walk behind the presenter or otherwise interrupt)
  • However given that students sometimes do not have much control over their environments in online learning contexts, make sure they also understand that they are not graded on their ability to have a polished "presentation stage" and that everyone in the class will be understanding if their "stage" is less than ideal.
  • Think about whether you want students to read off a script or not, which might be their inclination even more than in in-person presentations.  If you don't want them script-bound, consider implementing short scaffolding assignments that require them to speak rather than just read.
  • Engage them in vocal delivery activities designed to help them understand the importance of voice in digital presentation contexts

Activity idea  - watch a TED talk - transcribe it, mark it for pauses, and then practice in the same way ias the speaker and present (imitatio)

See Helen's Full Slidedeck from her March 14 Presentation on Teaching Digital Presentations.

Technological Recommendations

If students are sharing their presentations asynchronously: 

  • Ask students to record themselves at their screen, using a web camera, the built-in microphone on their computer, and screen sharing software combined to capture both their faces/persons as well as the slides on the screen. 
  • If students want to use presenter notes while recording in Zoom in particular, they can follow the instructions  to use two monitors with screen sharing . If students do not have access to two monitors, they can also use the screen sharing function in Google Slides  by selecting to share only the window with the final slidedeck and NOT to share the window that pops up with the presenter notes. (i.e. "squish" both windows so they could appear side-by-side).
  • Voiceover narration in slidedeck creation software can also be used via  Keynote  (Mac),  PowerPoint  (Mac or PC), or  Quicktime  (Mac).
  • If students submit the recording via Canvas Assignments, the file will only be visible to the instructor. If students submit the recording via Canvas Discussions, the file will be visible to the full class community. 
  • If using Discussions, students can use  an audio-video recording tool built directly into Canvas  to record audio-video content. Note that with this tool, only the students’ web camera content will be recorded and saved, not the students’ screen (or their slidedeck). Given this constraint, a short reflection or oral presentation without slides or visuals would be most appropriate for recording with Canvas’ recording tool.
  • If students submit the recording via Stanford Box, make sure the appropriate share settings have been enabled for students to upload their own files to a Box folder that you have created. See  Folder and Account Sharing Settings in Box  for more details.
  • If students do not have access to a laptop computer or webcam, they can also use the voice memo feature on a phone to record audio, save audio files, and upload the audio files to either Canvas or Stanford Box. Invite students to share their slidedecks and audio/video files separately if necessary.
  • Ask students to use Zoom to give a live presentation for their peers. See  Advice for Using Zoom For Synchronous Class Sessions  for suggestions and technical tips for using Zoom to this end.

Student-Facing Handouts About Presenting Online 

See these tech-oriented handouts developed by Jenae Cohn, Sarah Pittock, and Jennifer Johnson, ready for distribution to your students or adaptation to suit your own specific class needs:

  • Handout: Delivering Your Presentation Live on Zoom
  • Handout: Pre-Recording Your Presentation
  • Handout: Instructions for Sharing Streaming Video Content Over Zoom

Oral Communication Program Video Workshops

The Oral Communication Program created several student-facing video workshops that instructors can incorporate into their classes. 

Check out the list of available video workshops

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Oral Communication

What is oral communication.

Oral communication is the exchange of information and ideas through spoken word. It can be directly in person in a face-to-face interaction or through an electronic device such as a phone, video platform or radio. The most effective way for businesses to transmit information verbally is through oral communication, such as a staff meeting, webinar and workshop.

The importance of oral communication

When starting a business and creating a website , it’s important to have strong written copy, text and images that “speak” for one’s brand. Anything beyond the written or visual format falls under oral communication. Entrepreneurs, individuals and business owners must have sharp, concise and clear verbal communication skills to best connect with stakeholders and build lasting relationships.

Furthermore, oral communication is vital for learning and understanding those in your environment on a daily basis, both personally and professionally . It is a fundamental aspect of learning a language and helps solve problems. It also allows people to quickly exchange information and it conveys emotion in conversations.

The 5 elements of oral communication

Sender: The sender is the person who initiates communication to the receiver.

Medium: The medium is the format in which the message is being sent. For example, a voicemail, a face-to-face conversation or a PowerPoint presentation .

Channel: The channel is the platform on which the message is delivered. For example, a podcast, a telephone or a meeting.

Receiver: The receiver listens and decodes the message sent by the sender. The receiver then generates feedback for the sender in response to the message.

Feedback: This final stage is the reaction of the receiver, such as oral or written communication. No response from the receiver is also a type of feedback. This completes the entire oral communication cycle.

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Types of oral communication

One-on-one conversations: Conversation between two friends, employees or with one’s manager. This could be personal, professional or just sharing motivational quotes between each other.

Meetings: Decision-making meetings and information-sharing meetings, often applicable to business meetings .

Group discussions: Book club gathering, small group project.

Speeches: Political debate, motivational speech.

Presentations: Teaching students in a classroom, instructional presentation or elevator pitch .

Electronic: Talking over the phone, listening to a show on the radio.

Advantages of oral communication

Less chance of any misunderstanding

Allows for easy, clear vernacular

Face to face communications promotes better understanding, patience and productivity.

Promotes discussion and encourages streamlined banter

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Speech about Oral Communication [1,2,3,5 Minutes]

Short 1 minute speech about oral communication.

Oral communication is a skill that people need to learn in order to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively. It is a way of conveying information through speech, either verbally or in writing.

Oral communication can be seen as the most important skill for any professional. It is necessary for every person who works with people as they need to understand what they are saying and how they are feeling.

Oral communication is one of the most important skills that we have. It is not just about speaking, but also about listening and understanding.

A study by the University of California found that people who are good listeners are much more likely to be successful in their career. They tend to make more money and have more positive relationships with their colleagues.

Oral communication skills can be used in a variety of professional settings, including sales, customer service, management and teaching.

has been proven that the human brain processes information in a much faster way than it does with written communication.

The thing about oral communication is that it is not limited to a specific type of language or dialect, but rather, oral speech can be delivered in different languages and dialects.

2 Minutes speech about Oral Communication

Oral communication is the process of conveying information from one person to another through speech. It is a type of interpersonal communication and it’s the most common way to communicate.

Oral communication can be used for many purposes, such as delivering a presentation or teaching a subject. It’s also used in many different settings, including business meetings and social interactions.

Oral Communication is an important aspect of human interaction, but it has been overlooked by technology in recent years. There are some tools that can help improve oral communication skills and make it easier for people to learn how to use them properly.

Oral communication is a vital skill that every person in the workforce should have. It is also considered as a key factor for success in professional careers.

Oral communication skills can be learned and improved with practice. By practicing your oral communication skills, you will be able to improve your presentation, listening comprehension, and speaking ability.

Oral communication is better than other forms of communication because it has the ability to convey emotions and resonate with people.

In the digital age, written communication is becoming more and more prevalent. This has led to a lot of people forgetting how to communicate through speech. Oral communication is important because it can convey emotions and resonate with people.

3 Minutes speech about Oral Communication

Oral communication is a skill that is essential to all people in the modern world. It is a skill that is used in every imaginable setting and it has become much more important than ever before.

Oral communication has been around for thousands of years and it has evolved over time. In today’s society, oral communication skills are essential for success in many different areas of life, including work, education, relationships, and social interactions.

The most commonly used form of oral communication is speech. Speech can be divided into three different types: public speaking, speech-to-speech communications (such as phone conversations), and face-to-face conversation (also known as conversational speech).

Communication is a key skill in any work environment. It is one of the most important skills that an individual can have, and it is also an essential part of being a good leader.

Oral communication means speaking or listening to someone face-to-face, rather than through a phone or computer. It includes both spoken and written language and can be done in person, over the phone, or online.

Oral Communication is the most effective type of communication. It is how humans were able to survive for so long and it is how we are able to connect with each other.

Oral Communication is easy and natural for humans, but it can be difficult and time-consuming for people who have trouble speaking in public or in front of large groups. This article explains why oral communication is better than other types of communications, such as writing or texting.

Oral Communication IS BETTER THAN OTHER COMMUNICATIONS because it is more personal and human-to-human contact makes a connection. In 2018, we are using technology more often than ever before and this has created an increase in digital communication like texting and emailing vs oral communication which has been around since the beginning of time.

5 Minutes speech about Oral Communication

Oral communication is one of the most important skills in a person’s life. It is a skill that can be used in many different contexts and is also a skill that can allow people to communicate effectively with other people.

Oral communication has been studied, researched, and practiced for centuries. There are many different theories and models that have been created to help understand how oral communication works. For example, there are three types of oral communication: interpersonal, intercultural and intrapersonal.

Intrapersonal refers to the process of communicating with oneself such as thinking or planning. Interpersonal refers to communicating with other people such as talking or listening while intercultural refers to communicating with people from different cultures.

Oral communication is the most important form of communication. It encompasses the spoken and written word. In a study conducted by Pew Research, it was found that over 80% of adults in America prefer to communicate through oral means.

Oral communication is crucial for effective collaboration and understanding between people in different departments or locations. It also helps in building rapport with customers and stakeholders as well as maintaining relationships with other employees.

It is important for an employee to be able to speak confidently and effectively when communicating orally to their team members or customers.

The idea of oral communication is still a relatively new concept. It is not until recently that we have been taught to use our voice to communicate thoughts, ideas and opinions.

Oral communication is more effective than other forms of communications because it can be customized to the person who is speaking and the person who is listening. It also allows for a more natural conversation where both people are able to better connect with each other and establish trust.

There are many ways that oral communication can be used in the workplace. For example, one company uses it as a way to help their employees develop interpersonal skills by having them speak about their personal experiences in front of others. Another company uses it as a tool for engaging employees during meetings and presentations where they want people talking about what they want instead of just sitting there passively listening

Examples of sentences that can be used in starting of this speech

Examples of sentences that can be used in closing of this speech, speeches in english.

  • Speech on women’s empowerment
  • Speech on social media
  • Speech on environment
  • Speech on gender equality
  • Speech on poverty
  • Speech on Global Warming
  • Speech on Environmental Pollution
  • Speech on Earth Day
  • Speech on Discipline
  • Speech on Human Rights
  • Speech on Education
  • Motivational speech for students
  • 2-minute Self-introduction speech examples
  • Speech on Mahatma Gandhi
  • Speech on freedom fighters
  • Speech on APJ Abdul Kalam
  • Speech about friendship
  • Speech about Technology
  • Speech on Parents
  • Speech on Health
  • Speech on Health and Fitness
  • Speech on Health and Hygiene
  • Speech on Mental health
  • Speech on Yoga
  • Speech on Doctor
  • Speech about Life
  • Speech on sports
  • Speech on Racism
  • Speech on Population or overpopulation
  • Speech on Overcoming Fear
  • Speech about Family
  • Speech on Mobile Phones
  • Speech on water conservation
  • Speech on Honesty
  • Speech on Culture
  • Speech on Unity in diversity
  • Speech on Peace
  • Speech on Time
  • Speech on Success
  • Speech on Leadership
  • Speech on Nature
  • Speech on Career
  • Speech about Music
  • Speech on Democracy
  • Speech on Noise Pollution
  • Speech on Air Pollution
  • Speech on Gratitude
  • Speech on Time management
  • Speech on Dance
  • Speech on Climate Change
  • Speech on Artificial Intelligence
  • Speech on Cyber security
  • Speech on Teamwork
  • Speech on Goal Setting
  • Speech on Plastic Waste Management
  • Speech on Feminism
  • Speech on Bhagat Singh
  • Speech on Books
  • Speech on Laughter is the Best Medicine
  • Speech on Swami Vivekananda
  • Speech on Road Safety
  • Speech on Cyber Crime
  • Speech on Energy Conservation
  • Speech on Online Education
  • Speech on Quaid-e-Azam
  • Speech on Allama Iqbal
  • Speech about Rainy Day
  • Speech about Teachers’ day
  • Speech about Graduation
  • Speech about Love
  • Speech about Football
  • Speech about Money
  • Speech about Anxiety
  • Speech about Politics
  • Speech about Nelson Mandela
  • Speech about Kindness
  • Speech about Cleanliness
  • Speech about Deforestation
  • Speech about Agriculture
  • speech about Cricket
  • Speech about Unemployment
  • Speech about Birthday
  • Speech about Patience
  • Speech about the Value of Time
  • Speech about Positive Thinking
  • Speech about Knowledge is Power
  • Speech about Games
  • Speech about Indian Culture
  • Speech about Appreciation
  • Speech about Farming
  • Speech about Debut
  • Speech about Purpose
  • Speech about Hardwork
  • Speech about Thank you / Thankfulness / being thankful
  • Speeches about Communication
  • Speech about Dreams and ambitions 
  • Speech about Confidence
  • Speech about traveling and Tourism
  • Speech about Corruption
  • Speech about the millennial generation
  • Speech about Success and Failure
  • Speech about Environmental Awareness
  • Speech about Life Goals
  • Speech about Stress
  • Speech about the Life of a Student
  • Speech about Social Issues
  • Speech about Mom
  • Speech about God
  • Speech about Plants
  • Speech about Fashion
  • Speech about Basketball
  • Speech about Business
  • Speech about Smile
  • Speech about Animals
  • Speech about Passion
  • Speech about Youth Empowerment
  • Speech about Youth Leadership
  • Speech about Responsibility
  • Speech about Plastic Pollution
  • Speech about Courage
  • Speech about Homework
  • Short Speech about Engineering
  • Speech about Positive Attitude
  • Speech about Dad
  • Speech about my Favourite Teacher
  • Speech about Electricity
  • Speech about pen
  • Speech about Family Problems
  • Speech about Compassion
  • Speech about Achievement
  • Speech about Challenges
  • Speech about Modern Technology
  • Speech about Opportunity
  • Speech about Anti Corruption
  • Speech about Nursing Profession
  • Speech about Innovation
  • Speech about Wisdom
  • Speech about Air
  • Speech about Change in the World
  • Speech about Quality Education
  • Speech about Dedication
  • Speech about Motherhood
  • Speech about Clean Environment
  • Speech about National Integration
  • Speech about Body Language
  • Speech about an Event
  • Speech about Healthy Habits
  • Speech about Listening
  • Speech about Humour
  • Speech about Memory
  • Speech about the Importance of Sports and Games
  • Speech about Happy Life
  • Speech about Growing up
  • Speech about Soldiers
  • Speech about Television
  • Speech about my Favourite Book
  • Speech about Mother Nature
  • Speech about Moral Education
  • Speech about Mathematics
  • Speech about Perseverance
  • Speech about Oral Communication
  • Speech about My Pet
  • Speech about Determination
  • Speech about Studies

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  • Speech about pen [1,2,3 Minutes short Speech]
  • List of Top famous books on Computer Networks and data communication
  • List of Top Famous books on Computer Communication and Networking
  • Verbal, Non-verbal Communication MCQs

Informative Speaking

Types of informative speeches.

In the last section we examined how informative speakers need to be objective, credible, knowledgeable, and how they need to make the topic relevant to their audience. This section discusses the four primary types of informative speeches. These include definitional speeches, descriptive speeches, explanatory speeches, and demonstration speeches.

Definitional Speeches

In definitional speeches the speaker attempts to set forth the meaning of concepts, theories, philosophies, or issues that may be unfamiliar to the audience. In these types of speeches, speakers may begin by giving the historical derivation, classification, or synonyms of terms or the background of the subject. In a speech on “How to identify a sociopath,” the speaker may answer these questions: Where did the word ‘sociopath’ come from? What is a sociopath? How many sociopaths are there in the population? What are the symptoms? Carefully define your terminology to give shape to things the audience cannot directly sense. Describing the essential attributes of one concept compared to another (as through use of analogies) can increase understanding as well. For a speech on “Elderly Abuse,” the speaker may compare this type of abuse to child or spousal abuse for contrast.

Regardless of the listeners’ level of knowledge about the subject, it is very important in these types of speeches to show the relevance of the topic to their lives. Often the topics discussed in definitional speeches are abstract—distanced from reality. So provide explicit, real-life examples and applications of the subject matter. If you were going to give a speech about civil rights, you would need to go beyond commonly held meanings and show the topic in a new light. In this type of speech, the speaker points out the unique and distinguishing properties or boundaries of a concept in a particular context (Rinehart, 2002). The meaning of “civil rights” has changed significantly over time. What does it mean today compared to the 1960s? How will knowing this distinction help audience members? What are some specific incidents involving civil rights issues in current news? What changes in civil rights legislation might listeners see in their lifetimes?

Sample Definitional Speech Outline

Title: “Life is suffering,” and Other Buddhist Teachings (Thompson, 1999)

Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, my audience will understand the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path in Buddhism

Central Idea: Regardless of your religious beliefs, Buddhist philosophy teaches a number of useful lessons you can apply to your own life.

  • All life involves dukkha (suffering)
  • Suffering is caused by tanha (longing for things to be other than they are)
  • If this longing stops ( nirodha ), suffering will cease
  • The way to eliminate longing is to follow the Eightfold Path
  • Right intention
  • Right speech
  • Right action
  • Right livelihood
  • Right effort
  • Right mindfulness
  • Right contemplation

Descriptive Speeches

White domed structure with four surrounding pillars against a blue sky

To gaze in wonder at that magnificent dome and elegant gardens will be a moment that you remember for the rest of your life. The Taj Mahal just takes your breath away. What is immediately striking is its graceful symmetry—geometric lines run through formal gardens ending in a white marble platform. Atop this platform is great white bulbous dome complemented by four towering minarets in each corner. The whole image shimmers in a reflecting pool flanked by beautiful gardens—the effect is magical. The first stretch by the reflecting pool is where most people pose for their photos. But we were impressed by the fresh, green gardens. As you approach through the gardens two mosques come into view flanking the Taj—both exquisitely carved and built of red sandstone.

In the descriptive speech, determine the characteristics, features, functions, or fine points of the topic. What makes the person unique? How did the person make you feel? What adjectives apply to the subject? What kind of material is the object made from? What shape is it? What color is it? What does it smell like? Is it part of a larger system? Can it be seen by the naked eye? What is its geography or location in space? How has it changed or evolved over time? How does it compare to a similar object? When preparing for the speech, try to think of ways to appeal to as many of the senses as possible. As an example, in a speech about different types of curried dishes, you could probably verbally describe the difference between yellow, red, and green curry, but the speech will have more impact if the audience can see, smell, and taste samples.

Sample Descriptive Speech Outline

An enormous stone carved into a human head

Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, my audience will be able to visualize some of the main attractions on Easter Island.

Central Idea: Easter Island hosts a number of ancient, mysterious, and beautiful attractions that make it an ideal vacation destination.

  • Average 13 feet high; 14 tons
  • Play sacred role for Rapa Nui (native inhabitants)
  • Central Ahu ceremonial sites
  • Snorkeling & Scuba
  • Giant crater
  • Sheer cliffs to ocean
Be able to describe anything visual, such as a street scene, in words that convey your meaning. ~ Marilyn vos Savant

Explanatory Speeches

An explanatory speech (also known as a briefing) is similar to the descriptive speech in that they both share the function of clarifying the topic. But explanatory speeches focus on reports of current and historical events, customs, transformations, inventions, policies, outcomes, and options. Whereas descriptive speeches attempt to paint a picture with words so that audiences can vicariously experience it, explanatory speeches focus on the how or why of a subject and its consequences. Thus, a speaker might give a descriptive speech on the daily life of Marie Antoinette, or an explanatory speech on how she came to her death. Recall that definitional speeches focus on delineating concepts or issues. In this case, a speaker might give a definitional speech about the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, or an explanatory speech on why the financial bailout was necessary for U.S. financial stability.

If a manager wanted to inform employees about a new workplace internet use policy, s/he might cover questions like: Why was a policy implemented? How will it help? What happens if people do not follow established policies? Explanatory speeches are less concerned with appealing to the senses than connecting the topic to a series of related other subjects to enhance a deep understanding (McKerrow, Gronbeck, Ehninger, & Monroe, 2000). For example, to explain the custom of the Thai wai greeting (hands pressed together as in prayer), you also need to explain how it originated to show one had no weapons, and the ways it is tied to religion, gender, age, and status.

Sample Explanatory Speech Outline

Title: Giant Waves, Death, and Devastation: The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami (National Geographic, 2006)

Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech, my audience will be aware of the nature of the 2004 Tsunami and the destruction it caused.

Central Idea: The 2004 Asian Tsunami was one of the worst natural disasters in human history in terms of magnitude, loss of human life, and enduring impact.

  • Earthquake epicenter and magnitude
  • Tsunami forms (waves reach up to 100 feet)
  • Tsunami strikes land of various countries with no warning
  • The countries and people involved
  • Loss of food, water, hospitals, housing, electricity, and plumbing
  • Threat of disease
  • Environmental destruction
  • Economic devastation
  • Psychological trauma
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. – Confucious

Demonstration Speeches

The most practical of all informative speeches, a demonstration speech shows listeners how some process is accomplished or how to perform it themselves. The focus is on a chronological explanation of some process (how potato chips are made), procedure (how to fight fires on a submarine), application (how to use the calendar function in Outlook), or course of action (how court cases proceed to Supreme Court status). Speakers might focus on processes that have a series of steps with a specific beginning and end (how to sell a home by yourself) or the process may be continuous (how to maintain the hard drive on your computer to prevent crashes). Demonstration speeches can be challenging to write due to the fact that the process may involve several objects, a set of tools, materials, or a number of related relationships or events (Rinehart, 2002). Nevertheless, these types of speeches provide the greatest opportunity for audience members to get involved or apply the information later.

When preparing this speech, remember first to keep the safety of the audience in mind. One speaker severely burned his professor when he accidently spilled hot oil from a wok on her. Another student nearly took the heads off listeners when he was demonstrating how to swing a baseball bat. Keep in mind also that you may need to bring in examples or pictures of completed steps in order to make efficient use of your time. Just think of the way that cooking demonstrations are done on TV—the ingredients are premeasured, the food is premixed, and the mixture magically goes from uncooked to cooked in a matter of seconds. Finally, if you are having your audience participate during your presentation (making an origami sculpture), know what their knowledge level is so that you don’t make them feel unintelligent if they are not successful. Practice your speech with friends who know nothing about the topic to gauge if listeners can do what you are asking them to do in the time allotted.

Sample Demonstration Speech Outline

Title: How to Survive if You Get Stranded in the Wilderness (U.S. Department of Defense, 2006).

Specific Purpose: At the end of my speech my audience will understand what to do if they unexpectedly become stranded in the wilderness.

Central Idea: You can greatly improve your ability to stay alive and safe in the wilderness by learning a few simple survival techniques.

  • Size up the surroundings
  • Size up your physical and mental states
  • Size up your equipment (handout “What to Include in a Survival Kit”)
  • Obtaining water
  • Acquiring food
  • Building a fire
  • Locating shelter
  • Call or signal rescue personnel
  • Wilderness navigation
  • Leaving “bread crumb” trail
  • Chapter 15 Types of Informative Speeches. Authored by : Lisa Schreiber, Ph.D.. Provided by : Millersville University, Millersville, PA. Located at : http://publicspeakingproject.org/psvirtualtext.html . Project : Public Speaking Project. License : CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
  • Taj Mahal, Agra, India. Authored by : Yann. Located at : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taj_Mahal,_Agra,_India.jpg . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike
  • Maoi at Rano Raraku. Authored by : Aurbina. Located at : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Moai_Rano_raraku.jpg . License : Public Domain: No Known Copyright

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  1. Principles of effective speech writing| Oral communication in Context

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  2. Lesson 10: Principles of Speech Writing

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  3. What Is Oral Communication? Definitions, Importance, Methods, Types

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  4. Types of speeches according to delivery| Manuscript reading & Memorized Speeches| Oral Communication

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  5. 15 Examples Of Oral Communication Skills

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  6. Types of Speech Context

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VIDEO

  1. Writing an Effective Speech: Oral Communication (Quarter 2)

  2. Four Skills of Communication| Listening, Speaking, Reading & Writing| Process and Barrier to Avoid

  3. G11 ENGLISH ORAL COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT (Q2W3)

  4. Principle of Effective Speech Writing: Grammatical Correctness || SHS Oral Com || Quarter 2/4 Week 5

  5. Oral Communication Informative Speech

  6. Oral communication speech 2

COMMENTS

  1. Introduction to Oral Communication

    Communicating orally is a cyclical process that requires you to assess and prepare in order to deliver your message. Assess: Assessment is determining the 'who' (understand your positionality and biases, know your role; consider the audience), the 'what' (refine your topic), 'when,' 'where', 'how' (virtual/ in person?), and ...

  2. Oral Communication Definition, Skills & Examples

    Oral communication is the verbal transmission of information and ideas used regularly in many different fields. For example, a student may deliver an oral presentation to their peers, while making ...

  3. What is Oral Communication? Definitions, Importance, Methods, Types

    Public Speech. 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 ...

  4. The Speech Communication Process

    Speaker. As you might imagine, the speaker is the crucial first element within the speech communication process. Without a speaker, there is no process. The speaker is simply the person who is delivering, or presenting, the speech. A speaker might be someone who is training employees in your workplace. Your professor is another example of a ...

  5. Chapter 2: Introduction to Oral Communication

    complex. The turn to writing didn't threaten the influential place of oral communication, however. During the near 5,000-year period of the "Manuscript Era," literacy, or the ability to read and write, didn't spread far beyond the most privileged in society. In fact, it wasn't until the 1800s that widespread literacy existed in the world.

  6. Types & Examples of Oral Communication

    Examples of oral communication are conversations with friends, family or colleagues, presentations and speeches. Oral communication helps to build trust and reliability. The process of oral communication is more effective than an email or a text message. For important and sensitive conversations—such as salary negotiations and even conflict ...

  7. Outlining Your Speech

    There are three types of outlines. The first outline you will write is called the preparation outline. Also called a working, practice, or rough outline, the preparation outline is used to work through the various components of your speech in an inventive format. Stephen E. Lucas [1] put it simply: "The preparation outline is just what its ...

  8. Spoken Versus Written Communication

    While both spoken and written communication function as agreed-upon rule-governed systems of symbols used to convey meaning, there are enough differences in pragmatic rules between writing and speaking to justify discussing some of their differences. Imagine for a moment that you're a college student who desperately needs money.

  9. How to Write a Structured Speech in 5 Steps

    4 Tips for Writing a Crowd-Pleasing Speech. The best speeches are thorough, clever, and perfectly suited to their time and place. 1. Do your research. Make sure you understand the issues driving the context of your speech. This could mean statistics and facts you use to support your argument.

  10. Developing Informative Speeches

    This final section of the chapter discusses three goals in developing informative speeches and advice for increasing the effectiveness of your speech. These three goals include 1) arousing the interest of your audience, 2) presenting information in a way that can be understood, and 3) helping the audience remember what you have said (Fujishin ...

  11. Writing Speeches

    Style. Writing a speech consists of composing the central point or thesis, the main-point sentences, the introduction and conclusion, and planning effective oral style. Since the organization of a speech is critical to the writing process, consult our organization page.

  12. Oral Communication: Examples, Importance, Types & Features

    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 ...

  13. What Is Communication and How to Use It Effectively

    Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal means, including speech, or oral communication; writing and graphical representations (such as infographics, maps, and charts); and signs , signals, and behavior. More simply, communication is said to be "the creation and exchange of meaning ."

  14. The Power of Strong Oral and Written Communication Skills

    In today's interconnected world, oral and written communication skills hold immense value. The ability to convey ideas effectively through spoken and written words is pivotal in personal, academic, and professional spheres. Strong oral communication skills enable meaningful interactions, resolving conflicts, and fostering connections.

  15. Orality (Communication)

    Orality is the use of speech rather than writing as a means of communication, especially in communities where the tools of literacy are unfamiliar to the majority of the population. Modern interdisciplinary studies in the history and nature of orality were initiated by theorists in the "Toronto school," among them Harold Innis, Marshall McLuhan ...

  16. Teaching Oral Communication Online

    When teaching oral communication online, it's important to think carefully through the affordances and challenges of mediated presentations -- and adjust your pedagogy importantly. For a fully online writing & speaking class, our expectations about what a presentation look like need to shift. Instead of requiring students to perform (and ...

  17. What Is Communication?

    The root of the word "communication" in Latin is communicare, which means to share, or to make common ( Weekley, 1967). Communication is defined as the process of understanding and sharing meaning ( Pearson & Nelson, 2000, p. 6). At the center of our study of communication is the relationship that involves interaction between participants.

  18. (PDF) SPEECH WRITING AND ORAL PRESENTATION SKILLS

    formal setting and occasion. Gerson and Gerson (2000) discuss oral presentation under the following headings: The impromptu speech. The memorised speech. The manuscript speech. The extemporaneous ...

  19. What is Oral Communication? Oral Communication Definition

    Oral communication is the exchange of information and ideas through spoken word. It can be directly in person in a face-to-face interaction or through an electronic device such as a phone, video platform or radio. The most effective way for businesses to transmit information verbally is through oral communication, such as a staff meeting ...

  20. Speech about Oral Communication [1,2,3,5 Minutes]

    Oral communication is a skill that people need to learn in order to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively. It is a way of conveying information through speech, either verbally or in writing. Oral communication can be seen as the most important skill for any professional. It is necessary for every person who works with people as they ...

  21. Oral Communication

    Declarative languages are mostly used. Speech Style Formal. Declarative Speech Act Locutionary. Declarative Communicative Strategy. It is a mixed form of declarative and interrogative. Duration of Time. It is short, up to 1 to 10 minutes because it does not require a lengthy speech. Relationship of the

  22. Types of Informative Speeches

    If you were going to give a speech about civil rights, you would need to go beyond commonly held meanings and show the topic in a new light. In this type of speech, the speaker points out the unique and distinguishing properties or boundaries of a concept in a particular context (Rinehart, 2002). The meaning of "civil rights" has changed ...

  23. Q2 SHS Oral Comm Module 3

    The following statements are true about speech writing, except one: a. Choose the subject and topic as the first step in speech writing. b. Differentiate subject and topic. c. Sourcing the information is not anymore needed in speech writing. d. After knowing the types of speech according to purpose and delivery, you are now ready to write a speech.