The importance of oral communication within companies today is such that they can’t do without it.
Indeed, much more than just a means of transmitting information, oral communication is an essential means of creating interpersonal links, building a strong corporate culture, and mobilizing employees around a common vision.
In this article, it is presented the importance of oral communication through its contributions to the functioning and development of companies.
The importance of oral communication in business processes
Oral communication occupies a central place in the functioning of organizations. It intervenes at different levels, significantly influencing internal processes and team dynamics.
Here are two processes in which the importance of oral communication can be seen.
Decision-making
Decision-making is one of the most crucial aspects of business management, and oral communication plays a vital role in this process.
Whatever form it takes, oral communication allows discussing opportunities and choices to be made, which greatly influences the decisions made within the organization.
During meetings, for example, team members share ideas, analyses, and recommendations. In short, oral communication facilitates discussion and confrontation of diverse opinions.
Problem-solving
The importance of oral communication in business is also reflected in the way problems and crises are managed in business.
This form of communication allows team members to collaborate effectively to identify, analyze, and resolve challenges as they arise.
Indeed, when a problem arises, communication through oral language allows stakeholders to express themselves freely and voice their concerns, ideas, and perspectives.
In problem-solving meetings, face-to-face or telephone discussions provide a space where employees can share their views without the limitations of written communication.
This fosters a deeper understanding of the different facets of the problem. In addition, oral communication facilitates collaboration. Real-time exchanges allow team members to work together to develop creative and elaborate solutions.
In addition, oral exchanges provide an opportunity to ask questions to clarify information, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches, and reach a consensus.
Transmission of key information
The importance of oral communication is not limited to decision-making and problem-solving contexts. Indeed, oral communication is a key vector for the transmission of crucial information within a company.
It encompasses all kinds of verbal communication, including:
- Face-to-face meetings;
- Telephone discussions;
- Presentations;
- Briefings or even simple casual conversations.
This form of communication plays a central role in the rapid and effective dissemination of vital information within the organization.
At corporate meetings, executives can share updates on company strategy, financial goals, key performance indicators, and much more.
The importance of oral communication is also proven by the fact that employees can, in turn, provide reports on project progress, challenges encountered, and emerging opportunities.
In addition, communication through verbal language allows for real-time interaction, which promotes deeper mutual understanding. Participants can ask questions, ask for clarification, and exchange ideas interactively.
Some tips to improve professional communication can even allow an employer to improve the image of their company in the eyes of their employees.
Strengthening interpersonal relationships
In a professional context, the importance of oral communication is indisputable to strengthen interpersonal relationships.
Indeed, strengthening the interpersonal relationship between a company’s employees is essential to creating a harmonious, collaborative, and productive work environment.
Communication through oral language plays a central role in this dynamic, as it promotes the creation and development of strong bonds between team members.
Verbal interactions allow colleagues to better know each other on a personal level. Informal conversations during coffee breaks or company lunches provide valuable opportunities to share anecdotes, experiences, and personal interests.
This human dimension strengthens the bonds by creating a sense of closeness and camaraderie within the team. When such feelings are present, employees are more fulfilled and proud to belong to the company.
They can even go so far as to leave positive reviews about the company on a trusted platform of employee reviews. These opinions help to strengthen the company’s brand image with the public and mainly with potential future candidates.
Indeed, in the current digital context, managing your e-reputation and communication is becoming a determining factor in attracting talent.
Resolving conflicts between colleagues
In addition to strengthening interpersonal relationships, the importance of oral communication is also revealed in terms of conflict resolution between colleagues.
Indeed, communication through verbal language allows a direct and immediate expression of concerns and points of view. When conflict emerges, colleagues can speak, explain their perspectives, and share their emotions.
This promotes a better understanding of the underlying issues and helps avoid misunderstandings.
In addition, verbal communication facilitates dialogue and open discussion. This promotes deeper communication and easier conflict resolution.
In addition, this communication allows mediators and managers to better understand the dynamics of the conflict. They can intervene more effectively by listening carefully to stakeholders and guiding the discussion towards constructive solutions.
They can even go further by putting into practice some tips to improve communication between colleagues.
Training and professional development
The importance of oral communication is also revealed during employee training sessions since this form of communication is a key vector for transmitting knowledge, skills, and good practices.
It should be noted that face-to-face and online training sessions make extensive use of verbal language communication. Trainers and experts share their knowledge and experiences by speaking with their voices.
This allows learners to benefit from real-time explanations, demonstrations, and answers to their questions, thus promoting a deeper understanding of the topics covered.
Creating a common vision
Oral communication also proves its importance for creating a common vision within the company.
Executives and senior managers use this form of communication to present and explain the company’s vision. They organize speeches, meetings, and presentations to share their ideas on the direction the company should take.
This verbal language communication helps convey leaders’ passion and enthusiasm for the vision, which can inspire employees to commit to achieving it.
Moreover, regardless of the types of verbal communication used, this form of communication promotes interaction and dialogue among members of the organization.
Meetings, face-to-face discussions, and retreat sessions provide opportunities for employees to ask questions, provide feedback, and contribute to the development of the vision.
The importance of oral communication here is that it creates a sense of involvement and collective ownership of the vision, thereby strengthening employee engagement.
