Communication is the main aspect that makes human beings special from the other living animals. The creation of advanced technologies in the last few decades has given rise to various contentious issues in the society. As technology keeps on evolving, different ways for communicating are emerging such the use of mobile phones, email, the telephone, social media, and even Skype. It is impossible to deny the significance of these platforms as well as the manner in which they have revolutionized human interaction and communication (Kappas). The presence of various telecommunication and electronic communication have significantly helped in communication and ensuring connection for every individual across the Earth. The Internet has contributed significantly in establishing a global village where people can share and exchange ideas without even knowing each other. I agree with Johnson’s position that even though the web provides more of such opportunities, face-to-face connection is important in safeguarding and enhancing our social communication skills with family, friends, and in businesses.
Even though various forms of web technologies such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and e-mail chatting have significantly improved the speed, convenience, and ease of communication, face to face interaction is important strengthening social ties because people can be able to meet physically and interact with each other (Kappas). This is especially important because psychologists have often described face-to-face interaction as being of high quality because it contributes to satisfaction and well-being.
Face-to-face interaction is important because it helps in positively impacting and improving the language skills that are used during social and professional communication. According to Byrnes (2007), face-to-face interaction provides enables the next generation is creative, and can be able to communicate articulately to a large or small audience (Byrnes). The language used in communicating through web is commonly shortened and cannibalized which can affect an individual’s ability to communicate professionally when involved in a face-to-face communication.
Face-to-face interaction is important in capturing the attention of people involved in the interaction. The interaction helps in gauging how an individual is interested during a conversation or when interacting (Byrnes). This can be achieved by reading the body language of an individual and can help in changing and adjusting the tone of voice to ensure that the attention of the listeners is captured. Similarly, when partners or colleagues are nodding their heads and smiling actively, one can understand that they are clearly engaged with their audience. The interaction involving the use of electronic media involve interacting with someone in a virtual environment which can be hard to determine their level of attention as well as their interest in the conversation.
Face-to-face interaction can boost the efficiency because they help in saving time e-mailing projects back and forth, an activity that can be accomplished in one go. In addition, the interaction can boost creativity because the overall energy used during meetings will be high enabling an individual to brainstorm on many issues and provide solutions to several issues of different magnitude at the same time (Kappas). Web interaction may challenging for individual who are unable to read or write, therefore, face-to-face interaction can be significant and effective for such individuals who struggle with written communication. People have different and own unique range of skills, and some individuals are more clear and fluid with verbal communication.
Interacting via the web has helped businesses and business people in meeting and making new clients hence expanding their client base. The interaction is commonly carried out through the use of emails, text messages, mobile phone communication, and social media chatting. Even though the web has helped in achieving such concepts, face-to-face interaction is important in addition a “personal touch” when dealing with new or outside clients as well as stakeholders.
This is because, face-to-face interaction creates a sense of community that comes that is able to establish an environment for socializing and interacting. The established the basis for personal trust as well as the ultimate better working relationship. Even though face-to-face interaction is not commonly an option because of the conflicting schedules and distance, it is an important aspect that should be embraced and dignified in maintaining personal and business relationship (Byrnes). Face-to-face interaction enables an individual to read the body language of another individual which can help in gaining a better understanding of how a client is feeling, which cannot be achieved through the use of other forms of communication such as the web, mobile phone, and use of text of messages. Face-to-face interaction also helps in establishing a sense of value for a new client even though it involves travelling and meeting budgets. It creates an impression that the candidate or a client is worth the money and time hence ensuring that the intended message is guaranteed (Byrnes). It also helps in eliminating any misunderstandings that might be perceived to be rude by the other party especially when web communications such as emails are used.
In a nutshell, I agree with Johnson’s position that even though the web provides more of such opportunities, face-to-face connection is important to in safeguarding and enhancing our social communication skills. Face-to-face interaction is important strengthening social ties because people can be able to meet physically and interact with each other. Face-to-face interaction is important in capturing the attention of people involved in the interaction. In addition, face-to-face interaction is important in addition a “personal touch” when dealing with new or outside clients as well as stakeholders. It is important for people to take their time and interact with their colleagues, families, and friends and enjoy the benefits that comes with face-to-face interaction.
- Byrnes, Thomas. The Value of B2B Face-to-face Sales Interaction in United States, Canada and Latin America. ProQuest, 2007. Print
- Kappas, Arvid. Face-to-Face Communication over the Internet: Emotions in a Web of Culture, Language, and Technology. Cambridge University Press, 2011. Print
