Verbal Communication Versus Texting

Associate Program Material
Appendix A

Final Project
Verbal Communication versus Texting

Despite the technological advances over the past twenty years in the field of communication, verbal communication continues to be the most effective way to converse. Verbal communication allows you to express yourself more effectively. Although, in recent years verbal communication has been replaced with texting, there remains no substitute for the personal approach of speaking with someone directly. Verbal communication, either over the phone, video chat, or in person is less likely to be misunderstood. The reason for this is most people can verbalize there sentiments much more easily, allowing them to communicate there more clearly. Various characteristics, such as, body language, facial expressions and vocal tones are definite indicators of how the person is feeling at the time when communicating in person or by video chat. Texting can potentially be misunderstood as the reader cannot properly assess the mood of the person who is ending the message. A statement that is meant to be humorous can be taken seriously, and conversely a serious comment can be taken casually, leaving the reader and sender with a misunderstanding. An area of equal detriment is that the texting is limited to your writing skills. If the sender cannot express themselves well with writing, the reader can become confused or misinterpret what the sender is trying to say. This will cause a breakdown in communication and could quite possibly end in an argument. The use of acronyms can also be very confusing for those who do not text frequently. I have found that I get confused quite often because I do not utilize texting as often as others and I am not familiar with the multitude of acronyms that are used. Verbal is a much more personal way to communicate. People are inherently much more comfortable speaking with someone directly, able to attach a voice or face to the name. When you are able to judge a person’s emotional state, it is much easier to conduct yourself accordingly in order not to offend them. For example, if there mood is one that is not receptive to joviality, it will be apparent and you can avoid a confrontation by speaking appropriately. When communicating verbally, your tone of voice is a distinct indicator of your emotional state. When you use verbal communication, be aware of your tone of voice, speed, and inflection. Avoid sarcasm or angry tones, as they can put the people you are speaking with on the defensive. When speaking to a group or your team, make sure you speak loudly and clearly so everyone can understand you. Texting does not allow you to translate your emotions effectively, especially if you are not an experienced writer who understands how to get your point across through words. Texting can also be very impersonal and makes it difficult to establish strong relationships. Verbal communication enables you to become more acquainted with each other on a personal level. It is best used when you need to discuss something in detail or when reprimanding or complimenting someone. Whether speaking with them in person, over the phone or by way of video, it provides a bond that you cannot achieve with texting. As humans we need contact with one another. Verbal communication provides that contact, even though, we may not always be in physical contact, hearing a person’s voice, or seeing their face does provide that comfort level that most of us are in need of. The most significant drawback to texting is that it is neither acceptable nor appropriate in all settings. The use of internet slang is not an acceptable form of communication professionally or academically. Although we can use a more informal form of writing in our online chat rooms and class participation here at The University of Phoenix, the use of acronyms does not apply. Texting is certainly not a suitable way to communicate professionally, where the ability to use proper diction and efficiently is a prerequisite. Conversely, verbal communication is always an appropriate form of communicating and has been since man first began to commune audibly. Verbal communication is the most common and widely used form conversing. Other forms of written communication, such as, interoffice memorandums or letters, are definitely preferred when something needs to be documented or the person is located too far away to easily speak with in person or over the phone. Regardless of language barriers, when people have a need to express themselves they choose to speak out verbally. It is much easier to say what is on your mind by letting it come out of your mouth. Texting should be limited to use in informal settings, such as, casual phone conversations between friends, family and coworkers, social networks and every day general communication. Although most everyone has a phone or digital device that they can send and receive text messages from, not everyone is efficient at texting, I happen to be one of those who are not. Formal environments, however, require more tact and consideration when communicating with one another. Taking out a phone or another portable device to communicate with someone at a business meeting or formal dinner would be very uncouth. We are required to carry ourselves with more dignity and class in those settings. The manners that we were brought up with, shaking hands, saying please and thank, asking may I and saying excuse me are all things that are lost in communicating by text, but remain appropriate ways to express our sentiments in both personal and professional surroundings. The American poet Audre Lorde said…“I have come to believe over and over again that what is most important to me must be spoken, made verbal and shared”. There is nothing more powerful than the spoken word. Although technology has provided us with many different alternatives for communicating, they are not substitute for the personal form of communication, which is verbal. They might say…”get it in writing”, but I would add to that by saying…”It is much better to be heard than overlooked”. Verbal communication is the most complete form of conversing; you are bound to be more successful in making your point understood by speaking your mind, rather than sending a note. Does the fact that we have all this technology mean that we should risk being misunderstood through a text message? Or should we take the time to speak to someone in person to insure that we communicate effectively?