Formal communication and informal communication are two different types of communication that are used in different situations. Formal communication is more structured and is used in professional settings, while informal communication is more relaxed and casual and is used in personal settings. Understanding the differences between the two can help you to be more effective in your communication.
1. Types of Language
The first difference between formal and informal communication is the type of language used. Formal communication is more structured and uses more technical language and formal language. Informal communication, on the other hand, is more relaxed and uses colloquial language, slang, and other informal terms.
2. Tone
The tone of formal communication is usually more serious and professional, while the tone of informal communication is usually more relaxed and casual. Formal communication is usually more direct and to the point, while informal communication is usually more friendly and conversational.
3. Formality
Formal communication is usually more formal and structured than informal communication. Formal communication is often used in professional settings and requires the use of more formal language and a more serious tone. Informal communication is usually more relaxed and casual and does not require the use of formal language.
4. Audience
The audience for formal communication is usually more structured and specific, while the audience for informal communication is usually more varied and open. Formal communication is often used in professional settings and the audience is usually more structured and specific, such as co-workers, colleagues, and customers. Informal communication is usually used in personal settings and the audience is usually more varied and open, such as friends, family, and acquaintances.
5. Content
The content of formal communication is usually more structured and specific, while the content of informal communication is usually more open and varied. Formal communication is often used in professional settings and the content is usually more structured and specific, such as business plans, reports, and presentations. Informal communication is usually used in personal settings and the content is usually more open and varied, such as conversations, stories, and jokes.
6. Length
The length of formal communication is usually longer than informal communication. Formal communication is often used in professional settings and the length is usually longer, such as in reports, presentations, and memos. Informal communication is usually used in personal settings and the length is usually shorter, such as in conversations and emails.
7. Form
The form of formal communication is usually more structured and specific, while the form of informal communication is usually more open and varied. Formal communication is often used in professional settings and the form is usually more structured and specific, such as in letters, reports, and presentations. Informal communication is usually used in personal settings and the form is usually more open and varied, such as in emails, conversations, and stories.
8. Feedback
The feedback for formal communication is usually more structured and specific, while the feedback for informal communication is usually more open and varied. Formal communication is often used in professional settings and the feedback is usually more structured and specific, such as in reviews and evaluations. Informal communication is usually used in personal settings and the feedback is usually more open and varied, such as in conversations and emails.
9. Written vs. Spoken
Formal communication is usually written, while informal communication is usually spoken. Formal communication is often used in professional settings and is usually written, such as in letters, reports, and presentations. Informal communication is usually used in personal settings and is usually spoken, such as in conversations and emails.
10. Purpose
The purpose of formal communication is usually more structured and specific, while the purpose of informal communication is usually more open and varied. Formal communication is often used in professional settings and the purpose is usually more structured and specific, such as in business plans, reports, and presentations. Informal communication is usually used in personal settings and the purpose is usually more open and varied, such as in conversations, stories, and jokes.