Difference Between Speech and Writing in Business Communication

They say that it bad if a person starts speaking like a book because a book instead should sound like a person. In business communication, everything is more and less simple at the same time. There is a huge difference between business speech and writing communication but, at the same time, there are linkages and interconnections which should not be ignored at any cost. However, let’s focus on differences first.

Technical Differences

It is fair to say that first of all speech and written communication differ in terms of technical means.
  • For speech, you use your articular apparatus and for writing, you use technical means;
  • Speaking is often much faster than writing, especially in the business sphere, as business writing is very demanding;
  • Technical means for written business communication has varieties: PC, tab, smartphone, pen, a sheet of paper, notes, calendar, etc.
  • Often, the most formal business writing is not a part of the digital world still. Contracts are still mostly signed on a piece of paper.

Differences in Vocabulary

From the first glance in terms of the vocabulary used writing and speech should be close to each other because we are still talking about business related issues. However, there are differences to remember:
  • In the speech, you use shortened versions of words and expressions, but in writing, you should use everything the way it is, in its the most official form.
  • You can’t write “don’t” in an official business letter, you should write “do not”. When you are talking these things are not heard much, but still, you should stay formal enough. Both in business writing and business speech you can’t use expressions like “don’t wanna” instead of “do not want to.”
  • In written business communication you should use phrases to open and close your communication, like “Following your interest in my offer” or “sincerely yours”, etc.
  • When speaking with your business partners, you can be much less formal, you are definitely not obliged to use opening lines and finishing lines the way you would do it in written communication.
  • Vocabulary in written business communication is more elaborate because you have more time to think about the words you use, find synonyms, etc. That is why it is better to write offers first and later discuss them.


Differences on Emotional Level

It is obvious that speech is normally more emotional than written communication. However, there is more to this topic you should think about:
  • You are not obliged to write emotionally poor letters, presentations or business offers. We are not in Victorian times, and you can allow yourself to be warmer and emotionally engaged in your business communication;
  • Negative emotions should be controlled when it comes both to talking and writing.
  • In critical situations when negative emotions prevail it is better to focus on written communication. Once you’ve written a draft read it, and try to eliminate negative, angry phrases and words.
  • When writing based on emotions don’t limit yourself too much but leave the letter till the next day, don’t send it right away.

Business writing, in general, is time-consuming and requires some training. If you have a presentation to make next week and you have never written a business speech or marketing plan presentation before, it is a wise idea to look for a reliable business writing service experienced in such matters. Finally, in business, it is a result of what truly matters, not the process. In business, you have to sound, write and act professionally to ensure your career growth and impress your partners, managers and potential investors. Anyway, if you don’t have any time for writing your speech, you can always contact a custom speech writing service online and get your paper prepared by professional academic writers.

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