When to Use Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication

Communication is a key aspect of every business. It's important to have the right communication tools in place to ensure that your employees are able to share information and collaborate effectively. The right communication channels can make the difference between failure and success.

But which option is right for you – synchronous or asynchronous communication? The best way to do this is to have an understanding of what you need and what you are trying to achieve. This will help you figure out which channels are best suited for your project needs.

With that said, let’s explore synchronous and asynchronous communication, identify the key differences, and see which ones work best for your situation.

What is synchronous communication?

Synchronous communication is a form of communication that happens in real-time. It’s used to describe the process of two or more people communicating back and forth in a live conversation. 

It’s a more interactive, engaging way of communicating that can lead to better outcomes for both parties. It also provides better clarity and understanding because you can see the person’s reactions in real time, including body language and facial expressions.

In-person meetings: In-person meetings are the most common form of synchronous communication. They’re ideal for brainstorming, collaborating, and making decisions.

Virtual meetings: Virtual meetings allow people to connect remotely via video or audio conferencing. This is an excellent option for those who can't make it to in-person meetings because of their location or time zone.

Video chat: Similarly, video chat apps like Skype allow you to have face-to-face conversations with coworkers who are physically located elsewhere in the world, even if you're on different networks at different times!

What is asynchronous communication?

Asynchronous communication is a form of communication that does not require the participants to be online at the same time. The sender can send a message and the receiver can read it at his or her convenience. 

This type of communication is often used for work purposes. It can be beneficial to have this kind of communication because it allows people to do different things at different times without having to worry about being interrupted.

Letter: Yes, we’re referring to snail mail sent through the postal service. The sender has to write the letter and attach it with postage. The receiver can then read the letter when they get it in the mail or pick it up at the post office.

Email: Email is often used in work environments because it is less intrusive than phone calls or meetings and allows people to read emails at their own leisure without feeling pressured by an immediate response.

Instant Messaging: Instant messaging can be used in professional settings as well as more personal ones. It allows people to communicate with each other quickly, but it doesn't require them to respond immediately like a phone call would.

When to Choose Synchronous Vs. Asynchronous Communications

The best way to decide which type of communication to use depends on what you want to accomplish. Synchronous communication is best for when you need to have a conversation with someone and get an answer right away, or when you need to make a decision and want to get feedback from others at the same time. Such as brainstorming or team meetings. 

Asynchronous communications work well for tasks that don't require much input from either side, such as sending an email or making a phone call. Basically, non-urgent things would probably be a safe bet.

Here are a few examples of questions you can answer using asynchronous communication.