Communications via the internet

[AZ Jim]

Because we cannot see or hear one another on these forums, misunderstandings are not uncommon. Day to day we communicate in person and because we can see the eyes and facial expressions, hear the voice inflections, we have a much easier time conveying our thoughts without the misunderstanding of the simple printed word. I have had such an experience online and I bet many of you have as well.

 

[Lon]

Because we cannot see or hear one another on these forums, misunderstandings are not uncommon. Day to day we communicate in person and because we can see the eyes and facial expressions, hear the voice inflections, we have a much easier time conveying our thoughts without the misunderstanding of the simple printed word. I have had such an experience online and I bet many of you have as well.

So true Jim----For our written words on the web to be fully understood requires not only that the author be clear and concise, but that the readers comprehension skills are fully working.

 

[Josiah]

I'm happy with just using what's left of my fluency with the English language. I see participating on SF as a way using it and not losing it.

 

[AZ Jim]

I would add, sometimes faith in the intention of the speaker saves the situation.

 

[Ameriscot]

I bet we've all had misunderstandings. Adding emoticons to a post can be helpful to show we are just joking, etc.

 

[SeaBreeze]

I agree that just reading typed words can sometimes cause misunderstandings that wouldn't happen when speaking face to face. Also, knowing someone and how they speak and see things also give us a much better understanding of the things they say, as opposed to speaking to a stranger. Even an email from a family member can seem like they're saying something, but when you talk to them over the phone, that's not at all what they meant.

 

[Glinda]

Yes, it's true that you can read a person by their tone of voice, facial expressions, etc. But on the other hand, writing rather than speaking can enable some people to be more articulate and precise.

 

[Warrigal]

Short cryptic posts are the most problematic. Trouble is, that's the way I think.
The other trouble is that when I decide to elaborate, I tend to go on and on.

If I happen to offend someone, I apologise. It clears the air.

 

[DoItMyself]

The majority of human communication is done through facial expressions, micro expressions and body language. Verbal and written communication is only a small portion of total communication. It's easy to misinterpret what someone writes; it's one of the reasons I much prefer in-person communication to email and I refuse to text. If I need to speak to someone about an issue I'll pick up the phone and call.