I’ve come to realize, however, that while technology may make it more convenient to communicate, it doesn’t improve our ability to get a point across

This is a quote from John Maeda’s book Redesigning Leadership. I think it captures the essence of the problem we have today with communication. We have all these amazing tools which enables just about anyone to potentially communicate with millions of people around the globe.

What these amazing tools doesn’t provide is the means to help you get your actual point across. This is what our facial expressions and body language is so good at doing.  Even tools like video conferencing doesn’t solve this problem. You can see the person and what he is doing, but the fact that he or she isn’t right there with you makes it more difficult to actually get your point across.

You might argue that some people are more comfortable writing than talking face to face. I would argue that while writing might feel more comfortable, I doubt that it makes it easier to get their point across. Even though face to face communication might seem scary and you feel that it lacks the depth you get from written communication I think it still makes understanding easier.

I find understanding the meaning of a written statement harder than something said face to face. Anyways…. back to reality