There are many differences between the processes of speaking and writing. Writing is not simply speech written down on paper. Learning to write is not a natural extension of learning to speak. Unlike speech, writing requires systematic instruction and practice. Here are some of the differences between speaking and writing that may clarify things for you and help you in your efforts as a writer and speaker.
Speaking and Writing Differences
| SPEECH | WRITING |
|---|---|
| Universal, everybody acquires it | Not everyone learns to read and write |
| Spoken language has dialect variations that represent a region | Written language is more restricted and generally follows a standardized form of grammar, structure, organization, and vocabulary |
| Speakers use their voices (pitch, rhythm, stress) and their bodies to communicate their message | Writers rely on the words on the page to express meaning and their ideas |
| Speakers use pauses and intonation | Writers use punctuation |
| Speakers pronounce | Writers spell |
| Speaking is often spontaneous and unplanned. | Most writing is planned and can be changed through editing and revision before an audience reads it |
| Speakers have immediate audiences who nod, interrupt, question and comment | Writers have a delayed response from audiences or none at all and have only one opportunity to convey their message, be interesting, informative, accurate and hold their reader’s attention |
| Speech is usually informal and repetitive | Writing on the other hand is more formal and compact. It progresses more logically with fewer explanations and digressions. |
| Speakers use simpler sentences connected by lots of ands and buts. | Writers use more complex sentences with connecting words like however, who, although, and in addition. |
| Speakers draw on their listeners reactions to know how or whether to continue | Writers are often solitary in their process |
| Speakers can gauge the attitudes, beliefs, and feelings of their audience by their verbal and non-verbal reactions | Writers must consider what and how much their audience needs to know about a given topic |
Difference between Speaking and Writing
The differences between speaking and writing are evident in various aspects, including their purpose, medium, formality, immediacy, and permanence. Here’s a concise comparison of the two:
- Purpose:
- Speaking: Typically used for immediate communication, conveying emotions, and interactive dialogue.
- Writing: Often employed for conveying information, preserving records, and formal communication.
- Medium:
- Speaking: Utilizes the spoken word and vocal cues, such as tone, pitch, and volume.
- Writing: Utilizes written text, which may include punctuation, formatting, and visual cues.
- Formality:
- Speaking: Can be informal, spontaneous, and colloquial, depending on the context.
- Writing: Often tends to be more formal, structured, and planned, particularly in academic, professional, or official settings.
- Immediacy:
- Speaking: Allows for immediate interaction and feedback, making it suitable for real-time conversations.
- Writing: Typically lacks immediate interaction, as it may involve delays in transmission, reading, or response.
- Permanence:
- Speaking: Generally less permanent, as spoken words are ephemeral and can be easily forgotten unless recorded.
- Writing: Provides a more permanent record, as written texts can be stored, archived, and revisited over time.
- Audience:
- Speaking: Often tailored to a specific audience and may involve non-verbal cues like gestures and facial expressions.
- Writing: Allows for a more generalized audience and relies solely on the written words to convey the message.
- Editing and Revision:
- Speaking: Generally not as easy to revise on the fly, although speakers can clarify or correct themselves during conversation.
- Writing: Allows for careful editing and revision before the message is shared, resulting in more polished content.
- Rhetorical Devices:
- Speaking: May involve rhetorical devices like intonation, repetition, and pacing for emphasis.
- Writing: Often employs different rhetorical devices, such as metaphors, analogies, and imagery, that are suited to the written medium.
- Spontaneity:
- Speaking: Tends to be more spontaneous, as speakers respond to immediate circumstances and audience reactions.
- Writing: Usually involves more careful planning and consideration of content due to its permanence.
In conclusion, speaking and writing are distinct forms of communication, each with its own characteristics and suitability for different contexts. The choice between the two depends on factors like the purpose of communication, the audience, the level of formality required, and the desired permanence of the message.
Difference between Speaking and Writing FAQs
- What is the primary difference between speaking and writing?
- The primary difference between speaking and writing is the medium of communication. Speaking involves oral communication using spoken words and vocal cues, while writing uses written text.
- Is one form of communication inherently better than the other?
- Neither is inherently better; they serve different purposes. Speaking is often more immediate and interactive, while writing is typically more formal and allows for careful editing.
- Which form of communication is more permanent?
- Writing is more permanent because written texts can be preserved, archived, and revisited over time, whereas spoken words are ephemeral unless recorded.
- Can spoken and written language convey the same message equally effectively?
- It depends on the context. Some messages are better suited for one medium over the other. For example, complex technical information may be better conveyed in writing, while emotional support may be more effective through spoken words.
- How does formality differ between speaking and writing?
- Speaking tends to be more informal, spontaneous, and colloquial. Writing is often more formal, structured, and planned, especially in academic or professional settings.
- Do both forms of communication require different skills?
- Yes, they often require different skills. Effective speaking involves vocal delivery, intonation, and non-verbal cues, while effective writing requires proficiency in grammar, punctuation, and organization.
- Can spoken language be easily transcribed into written language?
- It can be transcribed, but the tone, inflection, and nuances of spoken language may not always translate accurately into writing.
- Which one allows for better audience customization?
- Speaking allows for more immediate customization based on audience reactions, while writing tends to be more generalized as it relies solely on the written words to convey the message.
- Is one more suitable for storytelling and another for conveying information?
- Not necessarily. Both can be used for storytelling and conveying information, but the choice depends on the storyteller’s or communicator’s goals and the audience’s preferences.
- Which is more forgiving when it comes to mistakes?
- Speaking is often more forgiving of minor mistakes, as speakers can clarify or correct themselves during conversation. Writing, on the other hand, requires careful proofreading and editing.
In summary, speaking and writing are distinct forms of communication, each with its own advantages and limitations. The choice between them depends on the context, purpose, audience, and desired impact of the communication.