Daily Maverick publishes column on the benefits of voice calls
The South African publication Daily Maverick has published a column on the role of voice calls in an era of messaging through instant messengers and email. The author described an occasion when he answered a call from an unfamiliar number: the caller turned out to be someone he had known before who was urgently trying to contact one of the teams he works with. Within two minutes, they clarified the problem, agreed on how to resolve it and determined a further plan.
Tone of voice in difficult conversations
In the author's view, text communication often turns resolving issues into prolonged correspondence with numerous clarifications. He noted that he calls when he needs to discuss a difficult situation or settle a misunderstanding with someone. During a conversation, the other person can hear the intonation and understand that the other side is sincere and seeks to find a solution.
The author also cited his own experience of ending a lengthy and somewhat public dispute with an institution that regulates the media. After the case was concluded, he called the other side to acknowledge that the dispute had happened and was now over, without commenting on the case itself. According to him, the interlocutor reacted with relief and gratitude, and mutual understanding remained between them.
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The humanity of a personal conversation
Psychologist Siphiwe Moyo, who focuses on workplace issues, drew attention to the importance of voice in communication on The Money Show. He explained this using the example of a company head who needs to deliver unpleasant news to employees, including the absence of bonuses or possible layoffs. In his view, a message sent by email strips such a situation of its human dimension, whereas a personal presence allows employees to see a person who is trying to solve a difficult problem.
The author believes that telephone conversations make it possible not only to discuss work issues more quickly, but also to change the direction of dialogue depending on the other person's responses. He noted that younger people often perceive an unexpected call as a sign that something serious has happened, as they are accustomed to communicating primarily through text messages.
