Verbal communication involves the use of linguistic symbols that mean something to those who take part in the process. These symbols are spoken words in oral communication and their realization as alphabetical units in written communication.
Oral communication refers to messages that are transmitted "out loud" from one person to another. We all participate in this process every day, for example, as speakers or listeners when talking, watching TV, or answering the phone. The most prominent feature of oral communication is that it is not permanent unless it is recorded.
Written communication is primarily verbal but involves also other elements due to the variations in writing. In contrast to oral communication, it is not transitory, but permanent. Thus, written messages enable us to keep exact records of language and communication. Living in a purely oral culture would limit our capacity of cultural development enormously.
The communication process involves certain elements. Let us have a look at these elements by examining some communication models.
Subchapters are:
6.1 Saussure's model of the speech circuit
6.2 Shannon's and Moles' communication models
6.2.1 Elements of the communication process
6.3 Bühler's organon model
6.4 Jakobson's model of communicative functions