Verbal vs Electronic Communication: Difference and Comparison

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, and knowing the difference between them is very important.

Key Takeaways

1. Verbal communication refers to transmitting messages through spoken words, while electronic communication involves using digital devices to exchange information.
2. Verbal communication relies on tone, body language, and context to convey meaning and establish relationships, while electronic communication can be more impersonal and transactional.
3. While both forms of communication have advantages and limitations, they serve different purposes and can complement each other in different contexts, such as business, education, or social interactions.

Verbal Communication vs Electronic Communication

Electronic communication is through electronic devices. It combines text, audio, and visual communication. It is more transactional and impersonal. While verbal communication is the exchange of information through spoken words. It uses tone and body language to express the message.

Verbal communication is primarily 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 clearly express his ideas. The speaker needs to keep in mind that his messages are delivered very articulately for successful verbal communication.

Electronic communication, however, is done through electronics. Wires can carry it 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 smaller.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Verbal Communication	Electronic Communication
Definition	Verbal communication is a 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: 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 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 wants 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, interpersonal, small group, and public.

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, exchanging ideas can not be accessible 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 done.

Examples of electronic communication are e-mail, text messages, and 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 social media is the main and most popular one. 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 why it is the most popular electronic communication method. 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

1. Verbal communication is more comfortable when the language is common, whereas electronic communication has no language barrier as there are various means to translate over the Internet.
2. Verbal communication is mainly done face-to-face, while electronic communication is done through electric means like the Internet or data transmission.
3. Verbal communication can sometimes be challenging, whereas electronic communication is fast and easy.
4. Verbal communication needs skills, whereas electronic communication is convenient and can be done by everyone.
5. Verbal communication can be done in front of a fixed set of audiences, whereas electronic communication can be spread worldwide.

References

1. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1993-98279-000
2. https://www.jstor.org/stable/24927429?seq=1
3. https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/abs/10.1287/orsc.6.4.423
4. https://info.sice.indiana.edu/~herring/e-grammar.pdf