Verbal communication and written communication are each in their own class. Each of these classes can be equally effective or equally ineffective. The impression you wish to make is largely dependant on your audience size and particular role (That is, are they opposition, neutral parties, or in agreement already?).
Also to be considered is the interest of the audience. If your audience is disinterested then communication is at a disadvantage to begin with and you might enterprise on delivering your communication orally so you can add emphasis and intonation to spice it up. If the audience is already interested and the communication is informative, written words can be used effectively.
Even with this in mind you must consider the ‘type’ of information your communicating. What is the gravity of the situation?
Which method of communication a person opts to use is largely dependant on these factors and then some. There may not be universal answer to the question regarding the efficacy of the methods in terms of which is ‘better’ than the other.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Speak, write, communicate!
There is a variety of ways to effectively communicate a message. There is written, oral, performed, artistic, and even body language. More often than not, the size of the impact a message will have depend on the audience the message is for. Both oral communication and text can be extremely successful, but in different ways.
Written text is accessible to anyone. It can be translated and mass produced to reach masses and it can be preserved for generations. Religious references are a perfect example of this. The Bible is one of the most widely dispersed books to this day and the Qur’an has been preserved in its original form for thousands of years.
On the other hand, there are downsides to written communication as well. For example, text is often written with a bias that may get lost when read. There are also tones that may be missed, such as sarcasm. Many times the reader may interpret someone’s writing from their own perspective based on their mood.
Oral presentation has been practiced for as far back as communication forms can be traced. From folklore to politics, public speaking has been an art form. The right tone of voice and word choice can be the difference of complete persuasion or retaliation. Seeing someone speak can also be effective because body language can have an immense influence. Another advantage of oral communication is that it can be delivered immediately. With today’s technology, verbal communication is just a click away.
Unfortunately oral presentation can be misconstrued. If a speech is not recorded, the reliability is jeopardized. It is up to the audience to communicate with accuracy which is rarely consistent.
Overall the efficiency of both oral and written communication depends upon the communicator, their desired message, and how they need the message conveyed.
Appeal of Spoken Language
The appeal of the spoken word is much greater than that of the written word. The spoken word allows for a connection to a variety of audiences, lessens confusion of sentence meaning, and therefore allows complete understanding. The use of spoken language is also easier to learn and one must be knowledgeable in the spoken language before the written is acquired. Thus communication using the spoken word is the basis for written language. One does not need to have reading or writing skills in order to communicate with speech.
In written word there can be some confusion as to who is “speaking” as well as to how something is meant. With any written sentence, one can convey different meanings by use of voice. Wikipedia says that “written English has no standard method for directly emulating the effects of tone of voice, volume, and other such subtleties,” in turn a piece of expression is lost in written word (2007). In The Difference Between the Spoken Vs The Written Word, writing is downgraded below verbal speech by stating “Verbatim transcripts of ordinary conversation reveals ... The stops, starts, ellipses, bizarre syntax, vague references, unmotivated digressions, and sudden changes of direction are nothing like the sanitized ‘linear’ version which usually emerges in print”(1994). The atmosphere of a speech is lost when it is converted to written form.
Spoken words can also allow the speaker to improve public speaking and memory skills, In the book Life of Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India, the authors quote the spoken word of Thamus, the god king of Egypt, “the invention will produce forgetfulness in the minds of those who forget to use it, because they will not practice their memory. Their trust in writing produced by external characters which are no part of themselves, will discourage use of their own memory within them"(2003). One must conquer the spoken language first, then use written in order to preserve the spoken.
References
De Fouw, H., & Svoboda, R., (2003) Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India. Retrieved November 19, 2007 from http://books.google.com/books?id=jBzSLNNbTWwC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=spoken+word+vs+written&source=web&ots=zjiWAjgQsp&sig=q9WR5mjboAFUPK0OJN0eXVpTQ0w#PPA1,M1
Standard Written English. (2007, September 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 19, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Standard_Written_English&oldid=160148343
The Difference Between The Spoken Vs The Written Word. (1994, February) PEDIATRICS. 93 (2) pp. 204. Retrieved November 19, 2007, from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/93/2/204
In written word there can be some confusion as to who is “speaking” as well as to how something is meant. With any written sentence, one can convey different meanings by use of voice. Wikipedia says that “written English has no standard method for directly emulating the effects of tone of voice, volume, and other such subtleties,” in turn a piece of expression is lost in written word (2007). In The Difference Between the Spoken Vs The Written Word, writing is downgraded below verbal speech by stating “Verbatim transcripts of ordinary conversation reveals ... The stops, starts, ellipses, bizarre syntax, vague references, unmotivated digressions, and sudden changes of direction are nothing like the sanitized ‘linear’ version which usually emerges in print”(1994). The atmosphere of a speech is lost when it is converted to written form.
Spoken words can also allow the speaker to improve public speaking and memory skills, In the book Life of Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India, the authors quote the spoken word of Thamus, the god king of Egypt, “the invention will produce forgetfulness in the minds of those who forget to use it, because they will not practice their memory. Their trust in writing produced by external characters which are no part of themselves, will discourage use of their own memory within them"(2003). One must conquer the spoken language first, then use written in order to preserve the spoken.
References
De Fouw, H., & Svoboda, R., (2003) Light on Life: An Introduction to the Astrology of India. Retrieved November 19, 2007 from http://books.google.com/books?id=jBzSLNNbTWwC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=spoken+word+vs+written&source=web&ots=zjiWAjgQsp&sig=q9WR5mjboAFUPK0OJN0eXVpTQ0w#PPA1,M1
Standard Written English. (2007, September 25). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 19, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Standard_Written_English&oldid=160148343
The Difference Between The Spoken Vs The Written Word. (1994, February) PEDIATRICS. 93 (2) pp. 204. Retrieved November 19, 2007, from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/93/2/204
Interdependence
The ability of the spoken word to communicate better or worse than the spoken word depends upon the talents of both the speaker and the writer. Speeches are little more than the verbal manifestation of the written word and the power of each is effectiveness of one is dependent upon the other. Speeches when given with the appropriate rhythm, intensity, and tone are capable of eliciting a greater emotional response than prose. A speech written by a powerful and talented writer in the hands of a speaker who does not adhere properly to the writer’s voice or punctuation becomes little more than an announcement.
Kennedy may well have been a great President, and might have given more impassioned speeches than the one in which he announced the Cuban Missile Crisis but in this case his delivery did not do this text justice. It may be an effect of his charming back east accent, but often throughout this speech he does not adhere to the punctuation ascribed rhythm. The transcript which he likely had before him read this way, “But this secret, swift, and extraordinary buildup” a reader might well have assumed his copy looked like this, “But this secret swift and extraordinary buildup.” Such a rhythmic device when used correctly gives the words a greater degree of emotional strength.
When Kennedy announced the Cuban Missile Crisis he was given a text which in its written form was likely to elicit a great degree of emotion, specifically fear. Perhaps when he practiced this speech his listener felt too a great a degree emotion. In this case the written version of this speech held a greater degree of power than its verbal companion.
Kennedy may well have been a great President, and might have given more impassioned speeches than the one in which he announced the Cuban Missile Crisis but in this case his delivery did not do this text justice. It may be an effect of his charming back east accent, but often throughout this speech he does not adhere to the punctuation ascribed rhythm. The transcript which he likely had before him read this way, “But this secret, swift, and extraordinary buildup” a reader might well have assumed his copy looked like this, “But this secret swift and extraordinary buildup.” Such a rhythmic device when used correctly gives the words a greater degree of emotional strength.
When Kennedy announced the Cuban Missile Crisis he was given a text which in its written form was likely to elicit a great degree of emotion, specifically fear. Perhaps when he practiced this speech his listener felt too a great a degree emotion. In this case the written version of this speech held a greater degree of power than its verbal companion.
Written vs Oral
I do believe that written text can communicate just as well as an oral presentation. There are some definite benefits to an oral presentation that do not come with the written word, such as emotion and persuasion. But there are also benefits of the written word that are not found in oral presentations. Therefore, I believe that they can both communicate effectively.
With an oral presentation the speakers tone can portray great emotion behind the words to give a better context to what the writer is trying to communicate. Even with proper punctuation the written word can be misinterpreted in tone and emotion. Just look at how confused people become with email language and emotional tone. That’s why emotocons were invented.
On the other hand, the written word can be more thought out and detailed as you have all the time in the world to complete it. With an oral presentation, the speaker can forget or skip parts that may have added to the content, or in listening, the audience could miss a part. With the written word, it is simple to go back over and reread parts that you misunderstood, unlike an oral presentation. (Unless you record it or videotape it)
I am still a firm believer in the ideal that "the pen is mightier than the sword," but I also think that a good speech can rally people together and form change just as well as the written word. The written word and spoken word can both communicate effectively in different ways. Overall, I just think it depends on the author/speaker as to which they prefer and what form of communication works best for each person.
With an oral presentation the speakers tone can portray great emotion behind the words to give a better context to what the writer is trying to communicate. Even with proper punctuation the written word can be misinterpreted in tone and emotion. Just look at how confused people become with email language and emotional tone. That’s why emotocons were invented.
On the other hand, the written word can be more thought out and detailed as you have all the time in the world to complete it. With an oral presentation, the speaker can forget or skip parts that may have added to the content, or in listening, the audience could miss a part. With the written word, it is simple to go back over and reread parts that you misunderstood, unlike an oral presentation. (Unless you record it or videotape it)
I am still a firm believer in the ideal that "the pen is mightier than the sword," but I also think that a good speech can rally people together and form change just as well as the written word. The written word and spoken word can both communicate effectively in different ways. Overall, I just think it depends on the author/speaker as to which they prefer and what form of communication works best for each person.
Written or Spoken Communication?
Perhaps some would say that the spoken word is the most effective form of communication. For the purpose of general information exchange and everyday communication, I would agree. However, when dealing with the transfer of knowledge, learning, and the preservation of information written text is more effective.
Mass amounts of knowledge can be transferred through the spoken word. Take a traditional college classroom as an example. But accompanying in-class oral lectures and discussions are text books and notes. Without these written forms of knowledge, the learning and retention of the material would be much more difficult.
The vast majority of public speakers write out their speeches before hand. Occasionally notes are referred to during oral presentations. For example, there is an entire team of people who write speeches for the president. Actors and actresses also must learn their lines by first reading screen plays. Plays and movies begin as written words before they are transformed into a visual and oral medium.
After the inception of writing, important information has been (and continues to be) recorded in written form. Text allows for information and knowledge to be accurately preserved and transmitted through the years. Prior to written language the accurate recordation of events, rules, and other knowledge was all but impossible. Writing also allows for communications to be preserved. Email, letters, and legal documents are preserved forms of written communication.
In addition to afore mentioned reasons, the spoken word is based upon the construct of the written word. The rules followed for writing are applied to speech and provide uniformity between the two mediums.
Mass amounts of knowledge can be transferred through the spoken word. Take a traditional college classroom as an example. But accompanying in-class oral lectures and discussions are text books and notes. Without these written forms of knowledge, the learning and retention of the material would be much more difficult.
The vast majority of public speakers write out their speeches before hand. Occasionally notes are referred to during oral presentations. For example, there is an entire team of people who write speeches for the president. Actors and actresses also must learn their lines by first reading screen plays. Plays and movies begin as written words before they are transformed into a visual and oral medium.
After the inception of writing, important information has been (and continues to be) recorded in written form. Text allows for information and knowledge to be accurately preserved and transmitted through the years. Prior to written language the accurate recordation of events, rules, and other knowledge was all but impossible. Writing also allows for communications to be preserved. Email, letters, and legal documents are preserved forms of written communication.
In addition to afore mentioned reasons, the spoken word is based upon the construct of the written word. The rules followed for writing are applied to speech and provide uniformity between the two mediums.
To Speak or to Write?
The spoken word is much more effective than the written word when the speaker’s intention is to arouse emotion in his or her audience. While the written word is certainly capable of sparking an emotional response, hearing the author say the words adds the extra boost needed to more effectively reinforce the intended message. There is less room for misinterpretation in a spoken speech, particularly if the listener is present with the speaker and sees as well as hears the emotions of the speaker. A speaker can present emotions such as pride, sadness, or happiness. Written words do not contain any tears, laughter, anger or disappointment in their delivery. These emotions are only added if the reader incites them. One disadvantage that literature has compared to oral presentation is that words can mean different things to different people. For example, when the goal of a speech is to persuade the audience to agree with the speaker’s opinion on a topic that is controversial in nature, the speaker might obtain a more successful outcome if they understand the emotional attachment that he or she feels.
Additionally, the spoken word has the opportunity to impact a larger audience. An illiterate person is able to receive a spoken message but not a written one. If an illiterate person has someone read to them, the message is subject to the reader’s interpretation and not the interpretation of the writer. A speech that was meant to be read in a certain way can have its meaning twisted according to the feelings and intentions of the person who is reading it. Something delivered with a tone of sympathy and understanding can lose its effect if it is delivered with sarcasm and bitterness. Although both forms of communication can be very useful when trying to get a message to the masses, the spoken word is more useful when trying to elicit an emotional response.
Additionally, the spoken word has the opportunity to impact a larger audience. An illiterate person is able to receive a spoken message but not a written one. If an illiterate person has someone read to them, the message is subject to the reader’s interpretation and not the interpretation of the writer. A speech that was meant to be read in a certain way can have its meaning twisted according to the feelings and intentions of the person who is reading it. Something delivered with a tone of sympathy and understanding can lose its effect if it is delivered with sarcasm and bitterness. Although both forms of communication can be very useful when trying to get a message to the masses, the spoken word is more useful when trying to elicit an emotional response.
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