Why Does Texting Feel Different from Talking? | Otherwords

Summary

In the video, Dr. Erica Brozovsky explores the differences between synchronous and asynchronous communication. Synchronous communication, like face-to-face conversation or phone calls, offers immediate feedback, tone, and gestures, while asynchronous communication, such as emails or text messages, allows more time to craft responses. The video highlights how modern tools like emojis, voice notes, and even slight delays in technology have blurred the lines between these forms of communication, evolving our linguistic toolkits to express ourselves more clearly and effectively in various contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Synchronous communication happens in real-time, where all participants speak or sign at the same time, such as during phone calls or face-to-face conversations.
• 😀 Asynchronous communication involves a time delay between responses, like email or text messaging, where a person can take time before replying.
• 😀 Intonation in speech, such as tone and pitch, plays a crucial role in conveying meaning, emotion, and context, which is difficult to replicate in written form.
• 😀 Written language uses punctuation and formatting (e.g., italics, caps, mixed case) to try to convey tone and meaning, but it often falls short, especially for sarcasm.
• 😀 Gestures and backchanneling (e.g., nodding or saying 'Mm hm') in synchronous communication help convey understanding and support the conversation flow.
• 😀 Asynchronous communication gives people time to double-check information and refine their messages, eliminating the need for filler words like 'um' or 'like'.
• 😀 Even though asynchronous communication doesn't involve real-time feedback, it can allow for more careful thought and perfecting of what is said.
• 😀 The line between synchronous and asynchronous communication has blurred in the modern era, especially with instant messaging and apps like Slack or Teams.
• 😀 Some supposedly synchronous forms of communication, like Zoom or phone calls, often experience slight delays, disrupting the normal flow of conversation.
• 😀 Emojis are used to replicate gestures and backchanneling in written communication, adding nuance to text conversations and making them feel more like speaking.
• 😀 As tools and timelines for communication evolve, language is adapting to accommodate both synchronous and asynchronous modes, improving clarity in communication.

Q & A

What is the main difference between synchronous and asynchronous communication?

Synchronous communication happens in real-time, where all parties participate at the same time, such as in phone calls or face-to-face conversations. Asynchronous communication, on the other hand, involves a delay between responses, like emails or text messages.

How does the timing of communication impact the conversation?

The time gap in asynchronous communication allows for more thoughtful responses, but it lacks the immediacy and real-time feedback that synchronous communication provides, which can make conversations feel more connected and engaging.

What role does intonation play in synchronous communication?

Intonation, or the pitch and tone of our voice, plays a significant role in synchronous communication by adding emotional context, emphasizing certain points, and indicating whether something is a question or a statement.

Can written language fully replicate the nuances of spoken language?

No, written language struggles to replicate the nuances of spoken language, particularly when it comes to tone, emotions, or sarcasm. Punctuation and formatting tools like italics or caps can help, but they don’t fully replicate the subtleties of voice intonation or gestures.

How do gestures contribute to communication?

Gestures, especially hand movements, can convey additional emotional context or ideas that are hard to express through speech alone. They can also help the speaker with cognition and fluency, aiding in the flow of conversation.

What are the advantages of asynchronous communication?

Asynchronous communication gives individuals the time to double-check their message, look up additional information, and avoid filler words like 'um' or 'like.' This leads to more polished and thoughtful responses.

Why does sending emails in the modern work environment feel stressful?

Emails, while asynchronous, often feel pressured because of the expectation for quick replies, especially in a work-from-home or always-online environment where people might anticipate faster responses than traditional email communication allows.

What are 'semi-synchronous' tools and how do they blend communication styles?

Semi-synchronous tools, like emojis, voice notes, or reactions in messaging apps, combine elements of both synchronous and asynchronous communication. They add emotional context or real-time feedback without requiring immediate verbal responses, blending the advantages of both communication styles.

How has the use of emojis impacted modern communication?

Emojis have become a form of gesture in written communication, allowing people to convey emotions or tone that are typically present in face-to-face interactions. They add nuance to text-based communication, making it feel more like a conversation.

What is the significance of backchanneling in synchronous communication?

Backchanneling involves non-verbal cues like nodding or saying 'Mm-hmm' during a conversation to show that you are actively listening and understanding. These cues provide real-time feedback that reassures the speaker and keeps the conversation flowing smoothly.