Communication is the process of exchanging ideas and information with others. There are various types of communication, including verbal communication, non-verbal communication, printing, electronic communication, etc. Even though verbal and electronic communication may seem very similar, they are very different from each other, and knowing the difference between these two is very important..
Verbal Communication vs Electronic Communication
The main difference between verbal communication and electronic communication is that while verbal communication refers to ideas being shared by spoken languages, electronic communication, on the other hand, refers to the exchange of ideas, graphs, pictures, signals, etc., through an electronic medium. During verbal communication, a person speaks what he wants to convey to others through giving words to his thoughts.
Verbal communication is mostly face-to-face, but communication through radio, television, etc., is also known as verbal communication. The effectiveness of verbal communication depends on the speaker and how well he can express his ideas with clarity. The speaker needs to keep in mind that his messages are delivered in a very articulate manner for successful verbal communication.
Electronic communication, however, is done through electronics. It can be carried by wires or can be wireless. Nowadays, electronic communication has become the most important means of communication in the business world. It includes e-mails, social media, faxing, etc. Electronic communication has made long-distance communication very convenient and the world a smaller place.
Comparison Table Between Verbal Communication and Electronic Communication
| Parameters of Comparison | Verbal Communication | Electronic Communication |
| Definition | Verbal communication is the type of communication that is done through spoken languages. | Electronic communication is the type of communication that is done through electronic gadgets and technology. |
| Types | There are four types of verbal communication, and they are- Intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, small group conversations, and public communication. | E-mail, faxing, multimedia, social networking, blogging, mapping, etc. |
| Result | At times, ideas conveyed can be confusing or can get delayed. | The response is quick in electronic communication. |
| Medium | Face-to-face talks. | It is done through the medium of the Internet or electronic gadgets. |
| Requirements | A person should be articulate enough to convey his ideas through speaking successfully. | It is easier to communicate through electronic media as they are advanced and easier to use for everyone. |
What is Verbal Communication?
The type of communication where a person conveys his ideas or opinions through words to others is called verbal communication. The efficacy of communication depends on how well a person perceives the views or opinions the speaker wanted to convey. It is measured by the speaker’s ability to give out messages and the listener’s ability to understand the message. Verbal communication could be formal or informal. There are four types of verbal communication- intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, small group communication, and public communication.
The speaker must speak in a high, straightforward tone that is articulate enough to all, and the subject matter should be designed to keep the target audience in mind. The speaker should check with the audience to ensure the message has been well received as intended, as sometimes, there can be errors or confusion. The language is described by a set of words and grammar rules, and if two or more people speak the same language, the communication is simple. Still, it can not be easy to exchange ideas if they do not understand a common language.
So, in verbal communication, a common language that everyone in the group understands is very important. Verbal communication is a necessary skill for professional success. Good communication aids decision-making and strengthens team collaboration.
What is Electronic Communication?
Electronic communication is the type of communication where electronic transmission of writing, signals, data, pictures, etc., is being done. Examples of electronic communication are e-mail, text messages, social media. Technology has advanced so much that electronic communication is the most efficient and common means of communication.
It sends out messages to a broader audience in no time effortlessly. It allows people from different parts of the world to interact and connect. Companies use electronic communication to promote and spread their business. With the help of Electronic Communication, broad topics get awareness.
There are various examples of electronic communication, but the main and most popular one is social media. It is the most preferred method of communication. People express their views and opinions to millions of audiences online. By the feature of sharing, a particular post or idea can go viral across the world in no time.
This is the reason why it is the most popular method of electronic communication. Youngsters worldwide use social media to connect with their friends and talk to them online whenever they want to. From adding a comment on a friend’s post to tagging them in posts, social media has made the world small and relations strong.
Main Differences Between Verbal Communication and Electronic Communication
- Verbal communication is more comfortable when the language is common, whereas there is no language barrier in electronic communication as there are various means to translate over the Internet.
- Verbal communication is mainly done face-to-face, while electronic communication is done through electric means like the Internet or data transmission.
- Verbal communication at times can be challenging, whereas electronic communication is fast and easy.
- Verbal communication needs a set of skills, whereas electronic communication is convenient and can be done by everyone.
- Verbal communication can be done in front of a fixed set of audiences, whereas electronic communication is worldwide and can be spread worldwide.
Conclusion
There are several ways in which one can enhance his verbal communication skills. Having ample knowledge about the topic is not enough for the listener to get a hold of the speaker’s views. The speaker should consider himself as an audience and comprehend what he wants to convey clearly. The information given should be articulate, accurate, and backed up by facts relevant to the subject.
Electronic communication has changed how the world used to look; it has made businesses, language barriers, spreading across awareness, etc., more convenient. It has also made it easier to connect with your distant relatives and stay in touch with them.
Communication is a two-sided contact. It is important also to receive feedback during a conversation. To respond to the speaker, the listener can use non-verbal communication methods such as nodding his head, smiling, etc. It demonstrates the importance of the speaker’s ideas.
References
- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-98279-000
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/24927429?seq=1
- https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/abs/10.1287/orsc.6.4.423
- https://info.sice.indiana.edu/~herring/e-grammar.pdf