The difference between synchronous and asynchronous communication lies in the timing of interaction between parties. In synchronous communication, participants interact in real time, requiring both parties to be present, as seen in phone calls or video conferencing. Conversely, asynchronous communication allows for delayed responses, enabling one party to send a message while the other responds at their convenience, as seen in emails or text messages. This distinction influences collaboration strategies, task management, and overall efficiency in various workflows.