Synchronous Vs. Asynchronous Communication - When to Use What?

These sound like very complicated means of communication, right? But I can gaurantee you use these methods on a daily basis when going about your day. You may not know it, but effective communication is critical in today's world, and it is essential to choose the right mode of communication for every situation. There are two primary modes of communication: synchronous and asynchronous communication.

Synchronous Communication

Synchronous communication is real-time communication, where two or more people interact at the same time. It involves a back-and-forth exchange of messages, where participants receive and respond to messages simultaneously. Examples of synchronous communication include phone calls, video conferencing, and instant messaging.

Synchronous communication is an excellent way to ensure that communication is efficient, productive, and engaging. It allows for immediate feedback and makes it easier for participants to build a sense of trust and camaraderie. Synchronous communication is best used when:

• Immediate response is required: Synchronous communication is the best way to communicate when there is a need for an immediate response. For example, a phone call is the best mode of communication when you need to speak to someone urgently.
• The message is complex and needs clarification: Synchronous communication is the best mode of communication when the message is complex and requires clarification. For example, video conferencing is an excellent way to collaborate and brainstorm ideas.
• There is a need for collaboration and brainstorming: Synchronous communication is the best mode of communication when there is a need for collaboration and brainstorming. For example, instant messaging is an excellent way for team members to discuss ideas and share information in real-time.
• The participants are in the same time zone: Synchronous communication is the best mode of communication when the participants are in the same time zone. It makes it easier for participants to communicate and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

Asynchronous Communication

Asynchronous communication, on the other hand, is not real-time communication. It involves a time delay between message transmission and receipt. Examples of asynchronous communication include email, social media, and voicemail.

Asynchronous communication is an excellent way to communicate when participants are not available to communicate in real-time. It is a less intrusive way of communicating and allows participants to respond to messages at their convenience. Asynchronous communication is best used when:

• The message is not urgent: Asynchronous communication is the best mode of communication when the message is not urgent. For example, email is an excellent way to communicate when there is no immediate need for a response.
• The participants are in different time zones: Asynchronous communication is the best mode of communication when the participants are in different time zones. It allows participants to communicate at their convenience and ensures that everyone has time to respond.
• There is a need for documentation: Asynchronous communication is the best mode of communication when there is a need for documentation. For example, email is an excellent way to document information and ensure that everyone has a record of the communication.
• The message is long and requires significant thought: Asynchronous communication is the best mode of communication when the message is long and requires significant thought. For example, social media is an excellent way to communicate ideas that require time and reflection.

Sync & Async at LearningLeaders

LearningLeaders is an online education provider, working with students, parents, & teachers from across Asia, to help students communicate with confidence. This means we have plenty of experience using these different methods of communicating, both with students, and with our team members around the world!

Our students have synchronous classes with expert coaches every week which offers them the chance to perform live, interact with students, and engage with the coach. However, that's not all. Our students all receive plenty of asynchronous communication from the LL Team. After every class, students will be provided additional video recorded feedback that they can use to help theri reflective learning. This will allow them to reference back whenever they need to.

Conclusion

So whichever communication method you prefer, at LearningLeaders we've got you covered! Choosing the right mode of communication is essential for effective communication. Synchronous communication is best for immediate responses, complex ideas, and collaborations, while asynchronous communication is best for non-urgent messages, cross-time zone communication, and lengthy messages. By understanding the differences between these two modes of communication, we can choose the right mode for every situation and ensure effective communication. Communication is the key to success, and by choosing the right mode of communication, we can ensure that we are communicating effectively, efficiently, and productively.