Oral / Verbal Communication: It is a process of communication through words. Verbal communication consists of words arranged in meaningful patterns. Oral communication normally takes place in a face to face situation. It may be formal or informal. Although oral communication suffers from some drawbacks, this method of communication is more effective than written communication in the following situations:

a) Instant Communication: Oral communication is more effective when it is needed to communicate with someone instantly.

b) Detailed Explanation of Policies: If any direction of managers and policy or procedure of the company requires explanation, oral communication is the best way to communicate.

c) Developing Direct Relationship: If it is important to establish a direct relationship between sender and receiver, or between workers and management, they should communicate orally.

d) Maintaining Secrecy: Oral communication is best suited when information is to be kept secret. Written communication leaks secrecy as the message passes from hand to hand.

e) Instant Response: Where instant reply from the receiver is required, oral communication is the best suited there.

Written Communication: When information, ideas, or feelings exchange in written form that is known as written communication. Written communication has its own importance and for some particular purposes it has no other alternatives. Although people spend more time in oral communication, written communication is more effective under the following circumstances:

a) Conveying Complex Information: When the sender wants to convey complex information, written communication serves better than oral communication. Having the written document, the receiver can read it repeatedly until he/she understands the entire message.

b) Need for Permanent Record: Written communication is preferable when a permanent record is needed for future reference.

c) Communicating with Large Audience: When the audiences are large in number and geographically dispersed, written communication is fruitful there. The sender can communicate repeatedly with the same written document or information sheet.

d) Less Need for Interaction with Audience: Written communication is also suitable when immediate interaction with the audience is either unimportant or undesirable.

e) Maintaining Uniformity of Application: When any message is to be applied uniformly at different places, the sender should prefer written communication instead of oral communication.

From the above explanation, it is clear that both medium of communication has its own significance depending on situation.