Difference Between Voice Communication and Written Essay Sample

Communication is essential in every aspect of human life. Whether written or spoken, face-to-face or digital communication, every communication involves human interaction. It requires at least a sender and a receiver. Face-to-face communication allows people to communicate verbally through the voice and body language, yet it’s not the only way to interact with each other. People can also interact through text, telephone conversations, and social media. Digital communication is more common between young people than the older generation known as the digital immigrants. In Closer Together or Further Apart, Robert Weiss discusses how digital media and the internet have created a divided culture between young people and old people. The article describes how the old generation perceives the new generation as being isolated and disconnected. While both voice and written communication are effective methods to exchange thoughts and ideas, voice communication is comparatively faster, more understandable, and reveals more emotion rather than written communication. 

First, voice communication is way faster compared to written communication. It is a great way to communicate fast and have an instant response. However, communication styles have impressively changed throughout the years, and there’s a difference between the preferences of the generations. The use of the internet is one area where the difference can easily be perceived. Digital immigrants, people born before 1980, prefer the traditional style of communication. They prefer in-person, face-to-face, or phone call conversations rather than the written style. Therefore, the usage of the internet is not so common among digital immigrants. "Our basic forms of interpersonal communication and interaction have been drastically reformatted", (Closer together or further apart 392). They do not appreciate the effects of digital communication because they think it has changed the way people use to communicate. They think of the new generation as being so disconnected. Contrary to voice communication, it is not so usual to have instant responses in written communication. Written communication lacks oral communication spontaneity. There is no doubt that this method is more common among the generation Z. They are more into texting than talking. They would rather type a quick note rather than go through all the formalities of the old, traditional texting. As a result, fundamental skills are becoming threatened among young people. Face-to-face interaction is decreasing. Although voice communication is faster than written communication, they are both essential, and effective ways to communicate. 

Second, voice communication provides more understanding. There is so much clarity when the communication is done orally than in texting. Tone, body language, facial movement are all important when communicating. There’s no confusion or hard time when conversing together in person. In contrast to voice communication, written communication can sometimes be confusing. When texting, young people like to tell jokes and sarcasms but they do not always sound the same in text as they would when communicating orally. It can sometimes be confusing. Even though written communication can sometimes be misunderstood, it’s also a good way to communicate just like voice communication.

Third, voice communication is more effective as emotions are well-portrayed. When having a conversation either in-person or over the phone, it’s easy to know if someone is annoyed, sad, or happy. In addition, eye contact and body language are important facets to face-to-face communication. Sometimes eyes and body language speak more than words.  It’s also easy to persuade someone face-to-face rather than through texting. Conversely to voice communication, written communication is the easy way out for some people. Young people are more likely to say something through texting to someone that they wouldn’t say if they had that person in front of them. If they are afraid of the reaction they will receive if they face someone, they will be more likely to just send a text to avoid confrontation. Texting distances people from hurt and guilt in situations and can be a very manipulative tool to cause harm from a distance. In addition, texting makes young people more introverted. Besides that written communication isn’t the best method to communicate with and perceive emotions, it is also a great way to exchange information just as voice communication.

In conclusion, whether done face-to-face, over phone calls, or through texting, communication plays an important role in everyday life. Without it, it would be difficult to express and exchange ideas and information. Despite their differences and similarities, both voice communication and written communication are great ways to communicate. However, voice communication remains the ideal way to communicate for all generations. It is fast, clear, and easy to determine and express emotions.