The Importance of Telephone Calls in a Digital Society

The progress of digital communication has left a large hole in meaningful connections. For many, reaching out in this digital age by text, email or computer has increasingly begun to feel cold and disconnected. This has been amplified as a direct consequence of the restrictions placed on society in this unprecedented time of social distancing. In the current time and place, nothing can match the warmth of a real voice on the other end of the line.

To exacerbate this situation of feeling isolated, many are intimidated by the telephone as they had never developed telephone communication skills, having lived their formative years communicating strictly by text or email. Others are lazy in that they don’t want to do the work or prepare for a real live conversation, or take on the responsibility to think on their feet, as it is easier to send a text or email . Those people prefer to take the easier route to avoid being responsible for what they say, how they say it, and what the other person hears in real time. In the age of political correctness, most people don’t want to risk saying the wrong thing.  Social contact and the trust that it develops has been critically eroded.

To get a clear, complete and nuanced understanding of any communication takes much more than text or email. When you are properly prepared, it is so much easier to pick up the telephone and clarify meaning. 

People are far more likely to prioritize telephone interaction over digital communication. If you really want to get your customers attention in a digital world, pick up the phone.

Lisa Kerr