10 Examples of Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication

Synchronous and asynchronous communication

The synchronous communication and the asynchronous communication they are two different ways of exchanging information over a network.

These two forms of communication are distinguished because:

The two types of communication are mediated by a technological element, such as a computer, a tablet or a cell phone and are exchanges that take place between two or more people.

In addition, they can be developed verbally (when using language, both oral and written) or non-verbally (when using memes, gif, emoticons, etc.).

Both types of communication have advantages and disadvantages, but the choice of one or the other depends on the objective of the issuer. For example, if an employee has to communicate a message to her boss urgently, it is best that the exchange is synchronous.

But if a group of students has to present a written work, the best thing is that the exchange is asynchronous. For example, group members can make a shared text document, which they edit lazily.

Synchronous communication characteristics

Asynchronous communication characteristics

Examples of synchronous communication

1. Employees of a company hold a video conference to discuss how they will organize work.
2. One person calls another to ask for a recommendation.
3. Two people chat by instant messenger.
4. Some students talk about how they will write an essay in a chat.
5. A teacher teaches a class by virtual video call.

Examples of asynchronous communication

1. One person sends an SMS to another to let her know that she got tickets to go to the movies.
2. Different people debate in a forum and the interventions can happen with much difference of time.
3. A person makes a comment on a social network.
4. A teacher leaves a slogan for a job on a platform and then receives the students' assignments.
5. One person edits content that someone else wrote on a website.
6. Three people edit a text document.
7. A boss wrote an email to his employees to tell them about the company's news.

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