Having returned home this week after spending ten days with my siblings, on the road in the US, from NY to Philly to Cape May and DC, I am reflecting on the power of communication and the great talks we shared.
In my previous post, The Power of Ideas, I looked to align personal and professional core values, inspired by companies like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry’s.
So this post explores communication as a core value, both personally in the varied conversations of my travel abroad with family and then professionally finding a path that will lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven business.
The Power of Communication
One jarring fact that is standing out in just the short time that I have returned home, is the difference due to distance impacting our communication.
I feel a big difference between the way we communicated face-to-face and now by text.
Face To Face
Talking face-to-face as opposed to using social media particularly when working through complex ideas works better.
Social Media
Social media and blogging have taken the place of letter writing and have improved how we can immediately be in touch with one another. Still, I sometimes find that social media does not express everything you like and can be misinterpreted or misunderstood.
This recent travel experience has reaffirmed for me that there is no substitute for face-to-face conversations.
You can view facial expressions, tone of voice, and all the rich non-verbal cues, that build connections and enable clarification of ideas and points of view.
Blogging
I love blogging as it has allowed me to explore a variety of ideas that either challenged and/or empowered me.
It has allowed me to gain greater clarity and direction.
Blogging and letter writing allow an idea to be explored, unlike comments on social media apps.
Thank You For Your Comments
I want to thank all my readers and those who have been with me on this journey, commenting along the way.
It means a lot when you share your perspective with me. I feel deeply honored.
To Comment Or Not to Comment?
I sometimes reply to comments but often I don’t and I would like to get your perspective.
Would you like or need a response from me?
If I am asked a specific question, I would reply, otherwise, I let comments stand in an equal way, the way my post stands.
I feel that when I respond I may in some way detract from your comment.
Power Of Communication
I recognize the power of communication and how the interaction of having my say and you coming along and expressing your view feels there is a balance.
But I want to check with you.
Is that ok? or is there something more?
I very much appreciate your views.
Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you!
If you prefer to contact me directly, please email me at:
Dream Big,
Be Fearless.
Eleanor
I quite agree; face to face is always better. I communicate regularly with my sister in the UK but only by phone. She doesn’t have a mobile (cell) phone or a laptop and I haven’t seen her in person since before Covid hit. On the subject of replying to comments, generally I don’t as I think the chances of the same person coming back to the same post are slim. Having said that, it’s a nice surprise on the odd occasion, when I do go back and discover someone has replied.
Eleanor, Your reflections on the power of communication, both in personal interactions and through blogging, resonate deeply. Face-to-face conversations indeed offer a richness that text-based communication often lacks, allowing for deeper understanding and connection. Blogging has provided you with a platform to explore ideas in depth and engage meaningfully with your audience, which is commendable. Your openness to feedback and willingness to maintain a balanced interaction with your readers show a thoughtful approach to fostering meaningful dialogue. Keep sharing your insights – they’re valuable and appreciated!
Eleanor,
Sounds like your family visit was very nice. It is great to spend time with family and friends. I would much rather visit in person than send a text. More personable and you can really read the person and how they feel. Regarding the writing of letters, I wish we did more of that. I remember having a pen-pal as a child as enjoyed writing letters. My how the world changed. I guess blogging in kind of like letter writing and it doesn’t take 7 days to be able to read it. 🙂
Sherri
Your road trip sounds like it was an amazing adventure, and it’s so cool how it made you reflect on the power of communication. I totally agree that face-to-face conversations are irreplaceable – there’s just something about the personal connection and all those non-verbal cues that you can’t get through text. Social media and blogging are great for staying connected and sharing ideas, but they definitely have their limitations.
Human connection is everything and there is nothing that beats it. Thank you for sharing, your blog really put a smile on my face this morning.
Hi Eleanor – Communication is key! That is more than just a phrase but what is necessary to get around in this world. Whether business, personal or everything in between we must communicate. Isn’t it interesting how communication has evolved over the years? If you would’ve told me 20 years ago that we’d be blogging, texting, using social media, and a whole host of other items and ways to greet and meet people, I would have said you’re crazy! But here we are. As a Country song has stated” Welcome to the future!” I always look forward to your blog posts as you have an excellent way of expressing your thoughts in a clear manner. I can really learn from you. Have a wonderful day and week ahead!
Hi Eleanor,
My background totally agrees with everything you’ve said; there’s no way that I can understand how people “chat” all the time and forward texts instead of talking face to face.
I was listening to a program that talked about the psychological effects of covid-19 and how the smartphone has, unfortunately, turned us into “less smart” people because of the lack of interaction.
For me, being able to talk to someone face-to-face is what I’ve always loved to do to the point that I’ve been told that its daunting the way I look into the eyes of the person I’m talking to.
Regarding responses to our blog responses, I’d expect a response. When it comes to blog-hopping, I do intend on seeing a response – mostly when I know that I’ll most likely go back to that persons blog and would be able to go read the response.
All the best!
Hi Marc, Yes, forgot to mention that during covid we did use zoom, but i mentioned one or 2 conversations that we had and no one could remember???
But i do intend to continue to use as there is such great distance between us and texting not working only for wishing happy birthday and such like.
Yes, I do prefer face to face and I think i may do as you do because I do think our eyes are the windows to our soul.
Re: blog hopping – I also forgot to mention that I now and then check to see a reply to a comment I’ve posted – so I don’t do regularly but maybe because I am disappointed if there is no reply!! So something to think about.
Perhaps If I want a reply, I might mention that in my comment as I am replying to you as you say you would like responses to your comments.
Thanks for sharing your point of view. Have a great day.
Hi Eleonor,
What a thoughtful and insightful post! Your reflection on the power of communication, especially the contrast between face-to-face interactions and social media, is very relatable. In-person conversations indeed add a richness that digital communication often lacks.
I also appreciate your perspective on blogging versus social media comments—blogging allows for a deeper exploration of ideas. Your approach to comments is very considerate, respecting the space for readers to share their thoughts without needing to always respond, yet being responsive to direct questions.
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Hi Eleanor,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree that face-to-face interactions offer a depth that social media often lacks, especially for complex discussions.
Blogging is indeed a great way to explore and express ideas more fully than social media comments.
Regarding comments, I appreciate your approach. Letting them stand often maintains the integrity of the conversation, but knowing you’re open to engagement is reassuring.
Looking forward to more of your insights!
Meredith
Meredith Moore recently posted… Enhancing My Blog with Expert Advice From My Mentor Glenn: A Journey of Tweaks and Transformation