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Val comments on Communicating via writing vs. in person - Less Wrong Discussion
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Strangely, I like both writing and in-person communication about even the deepest and most personal topics, but I absolutely dislike telephone (voice only) communication for this purpose.
Actually, with people who I know well, I like the communication in person a little more, and for strangers I slightly prefer written communication over the personal one, but voice communication is an absolute turn-off for me.
I'm slightly introverted, but I can open easily, except when the communication is voice only. In that case I always feel lost, and the communication very quickly turns into awkward silences. There is one exception to this: when the communication is strictly technical in nature. In that case I don't have any problem even with an hour long phone call, if it remains purely technical. With friends and family, I'm only comfortable in using voice-only communication if it's about some factual information, like "I'll be there at 7:30". When answering "how are you?" in text or in person, I manage it quite well, but I have absolutely no idea how to continue such a conversation on the phone.
I guess it's because in person there are many channels of communication, and while in writing they are absent, they are compensated by having time to think. On the phone, there is just one channel, without time to think.
Does anyone else have similar experiences?
I have the same set of preferences, although I think more strongly than you.
A long time ago I reached identical conclusions about why. I was in the process of composing the explanation in my head when your second-to-last paragraph echoed my thoughts back at me. That made me laugh.
Yes, speaking on the telephone is the least pleasant for me. On the other hand it's a still that's trainable. I'm better at it than I was a year ago.
I have a particular dislike for voice only as well, although not that strong. I find it a lot easier to judge when I should and shouldn't pause when there are nonverbal cues.
Yes, I feel much the same.