Written Text Vs. Oral Presentation

Written text and oral presentation are both important. It is hard to differentiate which is most effective; each can each be equally effective in different circumstances.

Differences between the processes of speaking and writing are apparent. Writing is not simply speech written down on paper. Learning to write is not a natural extension of learning to speak. (http://www2.wmin.ac.uk/eic/learning-skills/literacy/sp_vs_writ_dif.shtml). Likewise, speaking, or giving oral presentations, is not simply the art of reading what has been written down.

Much work goes into oral presentations and writings. However, I would argue that the written word is longer lasting because it is referenced more frequently. For example, we are still studying and reading the historic writing The Epic of Gilgamesh.

Up until the invention of audio recording we were not able to reference speeches. The only way to reference them was to research their written format. When speeches are written down they lose effectiveness. Inflection and emotion are often lost. Speakers have audiences that give them feedback; writers have to consider their audience is not currently present.
Before listening to the speech John F. Kennedy gave regarding the Cuban Missile Crisis, I read the written text. While reading the text I found the information informative. However, when I listened to the former President speak, I was moved by the urgency, care, and concern in his voice. When he said, The path we have chosen for the present is full of hazards, as all paths are--but it is the one most consistent with our character and courage as a nation and our commitments around the world” I could feel his American pride.
Written text and oral presentation are both equally effective, but have different uses.

Sources:

SPEAKING VERSUS WRITING
http://www2.wmin.ac.uk/eic/learning-skills/literacy/sp_vs_writ_dif.shtml

Kennedy, John F. (1962, October 22) On the Cuban Missile Crisis
http://ecampus.uwyo.edu/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=2609764&47=1126592&dt=11%2F12%2F2006+7%3A31%3A51+PM&UnitNumber=12&COID=64&UDPK=24111336&UPK=4490961&bhcp=1