As interactions between people increasingly rely on the internet and other primarily text-based forms of communication, the power of words has gained supremacy over other communication methods. This stands in contrast to previous civilizations. In the ancient culture of Athens, for example, when a speaker’s influence relied more upon his presentation, demeanor, and popularity, a senator might be less concerned about his words than about gaining rapport with the audience through his delivery. In face-to-face communication today, tone of voice and other non-verbal factors, such as the speaker’s expression, still dominate over the literal meaning of a speaker’s words. However, in published content on the web, words alone often must suffice to express an intended meaning.
In the 1970s, Albert Mehrabian, currently a Professor Emeritus of the University of California, Los Angeles, published a study on the non-verbal communication of feelings and attitudes. This study found that in face-to-face communication, people trying to understand a message had only a 7 percent reliance on the words that were actually spoken, relying 38 percent on vocal aspects such as tone, and 55 percent on facial and body expression. Although these precise numbers vary depending upon what sorts of information are being conveyed, it remains true that the literal meaning of words represents only a part of the greater whole in a communicated message.
posted by lordofdesign.com
When reducing communication merely to words, as in many printed and internet-based applications, new challenges are presented, due to language, in many instances, being inherently imprecise. Ideally, in order for precise intent to be related solely through verbal communication, a given language would have to contain a word for each imaginable shade of meaning and connotation. Not only does such a language fail to exist, but if it did it would create an unmanageable array of choices for the user.
posted at fotosearch.com
Hence, those seeking to communicate effectively on the internet, especially businesses advertising their services, must carefully consider their word choice to ensure readers will understand their message. Although more difficult to represent solely through text, tone remains important, and the choice of one synonym over another can greatly aid or obscure a writer’s desire to convey a particular point. Additionally, the use of various types of media can supplement heavily word-based messages, partially taking the place of absent facial and non-verbal vocal cues.
posted by Justin DeVinney
About Justin DeVinney: As an Account Executive for PCI Communications, Justin DeVinney assists with the promotion of effective communication through creative methods.
