What does 'slander' refer to in the context of defamation?

Slander specifically refers to defamation that occurs through spoken false statements. In the context of defamation, it is important to differentiate between slander and libel; slander pertains to verbal communication that can harm an individual's reputation, whereas libel involves written or published false statements. For example, if someone verbally spreads false information about another person in a way that damages their reputation, that would be classified as slander. Understanding this distinction is crucial for those working in security, as awareness of defamation laws can impact how they respond to situations involving potential reputation damage.