- Information retention is difficult, it is harder to store or retrieve. The 80-20 rule comes into play here-the majority of the audience is likely to forget 80% of the information, while retaining only 20%- thus making the speaker's task very difficult.

-Difficulty in finding words to correctly convey meaning in a short period of time.

- Easier to visualise the flow of information? This idea is good but only if the visualisations, eg. ppt presentations, are kept simple, short and to the point for the audience to grasp the idea easily. Presentation of too much written material is difficult to grasp in a short span of time.

- People usually take more time to communicate an idea.

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the above disadvantages of oral communication are valid when you look at oral communication broadly.

However, when it comes to prepared oral communication i.e. oral presentations (for any purpose), these disadvantages can be minimized of even done away with.

With regards to retention of information received via oral communication, it would also be the speaker's job to help listeners better retain the information. For example, through repetition or even power point slides to better help listeners follow. These disadvantages pointed out very much serve as an emphasis on how important it is to be well prepared when giving an oral presentation.

When it comes to having difficulty in expressing one's self, a speaker should collate his / her ideas before presenting. I do remember Prof pointing out that using little cards during presentations is a minus point. So before presenting, a speaker should have his/her ideas coherently organised in his mind for deliverance.

This also ties in with efficiency in communicating one's message. Communicating the message successfully in the shortest time possible, and also minimizing the occurrences of misunderstandings.

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Hi this happened to cross my mind while thinking about what happened in another seminar this morning. You see, words can be spoken using different tones and the very same words we can use to compliment one person can also be used to criticise ! For example, one can say 'well done' to compliment another person; however, if the 'well done' is said in another tone, it could translate to sarcasm.

Hence, it is important to use to correct tone at the correct circumstance in order to minimise misunderstandings !

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