| Basis of comparison | Written Communication | Oral Communication |
| Meaning | Communication done in written form is called written communication | Communication done orally is called oral communication |
| Ways of communication | Letters, circulars, notices, e-mails, bulletins, etc. | Meetings, telephone, conference, Audio-Video conference, etc. |
| Record | It always has permanent record | It does not have any permanent record |
| Time taken | It takes more time to draft written communication | It takes less time to transmit oral communication |
| Reliability | It is fully reliable | It is not reliable |
| Legal status | It is a legal evidence | It is not a legal evidence |
| Effectiveness | Written communication may or may not be very effective | Communication done orally is more effective |
| Formality | It maintains a formal format | It may or may not maintain a formal format |