This document discusses different types and methods of business communication. It covers written communication such as letters, reports and manuals. It notes the merits of written communication including accuracy, ability to refer back to, and creating a permanent record. Oral communication is also discussed and includes conversations, meetings and speeches. Merits include saving time and allowing for persuasion. Face-to-face communication allows for reading facial expressions and gestures but has limitations with large groups or organizations. The document provides an overview of various forms of business communication.

1. BUSINESS
COMMUNICATION
Ms Foram Patel
Online Lecture Series-1

3. TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
- L I S T E N I N G
- S P E A K I N G
- R E A D I N G
- W R I T I N G

5. METHODS OF
COMMUNICATION
- Written Communication
- Oral Communication
- Verbal Communication
- Non-verbal Communication
- Visual Communication
- Audio-visual Communication
- Computer-based Communication

6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Written
communication
includes
• letters
• circulars
• memos
• telegrams
• reports
• minutes
• forms and
• questionnaires
• manuals etc.

7. MERITS:
1. It is accurate and precise:
Since written communication is open to
verification, and its authenticity can easily be
challenged the communicator has to be
accurate and factual. It also demands
precision.
2. It can be repeatedly referred to:
The receiver of the written communication can
go over the message again and again. He can
read and re read till ho understands the
message. Besides, there is less danger of
losing message from it.

8. MERITS:
3. It is a permanent record:
It becomes a permanent record of an
organization and can prove very useful for the
suture use.
4. It is a legal document:
written communication is acceptable as a
legal document. That’s why some executives
insist that even some message is transmitted
orally; it has to be confirmed later in writing.

9. MERITS:
5. it facilitates the assignation of
responsibility:
if communications are preserved in writing, it
is easier to assign responsibilities. In case a
mistake is committed in result, it becomes
difficult to ascertain whether the mistake was
of communicator or receiver.
6. It has a wide access:
communication media having becomes very
fast, written communication enjoys wide

10. LIMITATIONS
1. It is time-consuming:
a letter may take several days to reach to
its destination. However with increasing
electronic media, it has become possible
now to reach early. E. g. Fax etc.

11. LIMITATIONS
2. It is costly:
writing letters is a costly process not in the
terms of money but it consumes time of people
involved in.

12. LIMITATIONS
3. Quick clarification is not possible:
In case of receiver having certain doubts, or
questions about the message, he can not seek
immediate clarification. He has to write back
and wait for a reply.

14. ORAL COMMUNICATION:
Oral communication includes
- Face to face Communication
- Conversation over telephone
- Radio broadcast
- Interviews
- Group discussion
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Announcements over the public address system
- Speeches
- Meetings

16. MERITS:
1. Oral communication saves time: in a number of
cases where action is required to be taken
immediately, it is best to transmit a message orally.
2. Speech is more powerful means of persuasion and
control: Therefore executives often prefer to
transmit messages orally.
3. With the help of variations in the tone, pitch and
intensity of voice, the speaker can convey shades of
meaning which he would not be able to do through
written communication.
4. The speaker can get immediate feedback: on
whether it is creating a favorable impression on the
receiver, has clearly understood the meaning, or not.

17. MERITS:
5. Although the employees feel more secure
when in possession of writing messages, they
find the oral messages more reliable, for they
get an opportunity for feedback and clarification.
6. The informal channel, through which oral
communication is carried out, helps to promote
friendly relations between the parties
communicating with each other.
7. Oral communication is extremely useful while
communicating with groups at assemblies,
meetings etc.

19. LIMITATIONS
1. Oral communication is not possible if the
communicator and the receiver are far removed
from each other.
2. Lengthy messages are not suitable for oral
transmission for there are chances of something
important being missed.
3. Oral messages can not be retained for a longer
time.
4. Oral messages do not have any legal validity
unless they are recorded and a part of permanent
record.

20. FACE TO FACE
COMMUNICATION
Face to face communication may
sound similar to oral
communication, but in certain
situations it may differ.
E. g. telephonic conversation is an
oral communication but not face-
to-face.

21. MERITS
1. Facial expressions and gestures help to
communicate better
As already mentioned, oral communication is
better than written communication, the message
is reinforced with the help of tone, pitch and
intensity of the speaker’s voice. The message
being communicated also gets the assistance
of facial expressions and gestures.
2. Particularly suitable for discussion
Face-to-face communication is particularly
suitable for discussion, for there is immediate
feedback from the total personality of the

22. LIMITATIONS
1.Difficult to practice in large size
organizations. Particularly modern
organizations where various units are
situated at different places.
2.Not effective in large gathering. It is very
difficult to get message across to large
gatherings, even though the speaker is
addressing them face-to-face.
3.Ineffective if the listener is not attentive. A
limitation which the face-to-face
communication shares with oral

23. Thank you…!