Final answer:
Slander is the type of defamation of character that occurs when a false oral communication is made about an individual. To successfully sue for slander, the individual must prove that the false oral communication was made with either knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard for the truth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Defamation of character occurs when false information is communicated about an individual, which can cause harm to their reputation. In the case of oral communication, this type of defamation is known as slander. Slander involves spreading false spoken statements about someone that harm their reputation. In order to successfully sue for slander, the individual must prove that the false oral communication was made with either knowledge that it was false or with reckless disregard for the truth, also known as 'actual malice'.