2 To speak or write?

The major difference when writing compared to speaking is that usually you have the advantage of being able to prepare and draft your text.

Figure 1 Distinct differences between speech and writing.

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This is a photograph of two people in an office environment talking to each other.

Figure 1 Distinct differences between speech and writing.

Often, speech or writing will suit a particular message more than another depending on the context. For example, a coach may give verbal feedback to an athlete and then follow this up with electronic written communication. Sometimes writing is used as a more formal way of recording an exchange, particularly in management situations.

But whatever the communication channel, how do we help make our messages effective?