Texting Versus a Phone Call: When Calling is Better

With their ability to provide information at the press of a button, smartphones have enhanced and improved communication in many ways. However, in some cases, they can divide us just as much as they connect us.

Like most other people, I love the convenience of sending a quick text. However, I've also found that there are some situations where texting simply doesn't work. There are times when making the effort to arrange an actual phone call, audio or virtual, can be worth the hassle.

Bad News Needs a Full Conversation

Do you have news you dread sharing? Providing negative feedback, terminating a worker, or passing on any disappointing information can be unpleasant. It might be tempting to send this information as a text so you can skip having a stressful conversation. However, I believe that the toughest conversations are ones that are worth having.

This is especially true when you must share the news of a death in the family. While a text message may be fine to send to friends and distant relatives, close loved ones who knew the deceased deserve to hear the news in a conversation.

Unlike a text, a call gives you the room to share all the information and be there for the other person. You can answer questions and empathize, too, which can help soften the blow during a tough time. A call, be it audio or even better a video call, is often healthier for the emotional well-being of everyone involved.

Brainstorming Works Better Over the Phone

Phone calls aren't just for big, serious conversations. They can also be useful when you're brainstorming ideas. In situations where creativity matters, writing out full sentences and waiting for texts to send can get in the way of imagination and spontaneity.

Getting on the phone or communicating virtually over a computer encourages you to live in the moment. You can't wait several minutes to read a text or think of the optimal way to phrase a sentence. Instead, you say the first thing that comes to mind. I've found that these sorts of freewheeling conversations allow us to explore truly innovative and productive ideas.

Relationship Discussions Deserve More Than a Text

We have all heard horror stories of people who got a surprise text saying, "I don't think this is working out. We should break up." Aside from being, frankly, cowardly, this lack of personal connection is unkind and abrupt. The only exception would be if you anticipate any kind of violent reaction.

In addition to avoiding breakups over text, keep in mind that other serious relationship discussions also work better as audio, video or in-person talk. By having a direct conversation, you show the other person that you respect them and take your relationship seriously.

Calls are a more thoughtful way of discussing a relationship and they leave less room for misinterpretation. When you can hear the other person's voice, you're less likely to misunderstand sarcasm. And you won't have to wonder if a puzzling word was a typo or an insult.

Voice Calls Are Often More Private

In my time as a lawyer and appellate jurist, I've seen countless cases where a person's text conversations became a matter of public interest. The unfortunate reality is that texts can very easily end up in the wrong hands.

When you're sharing sensitive information like medical details or personal thoughts or concerns, calls can help you take control of your privacy. You don't have to worry about someone coming across your private messages or sharing screenshots of the discussion unless they are recording you (which shouldn’t be happening without your permission). The fleeting nature of most calls gives you the opportunity to be more vulnerable and open.

Calls Help Enhance Personal Connections

When I'm hoping to catch up with an old friend or connect with a loved one, I find myself naturally leaning toward calls instead of texts. After thinking about this tendency for a bit, I've come to the realization that hearing voices in real time, and seeing a friendly face when that’s possible, helps make me feel closer to others.

Even with the best texts, you miss out on all the pauses, inflections, and laughs that make a conversation more personal. Hearing someone's voice ends up being the next best thing to seeing them in person.

Ultimately, no amount of technology can beat the level of connection you get from hearing another person's voice or seeing their face in real time. Whenever I feel a conversation needs a personal touch, I skip texting and try a voice or video call instead. By taking the time to make a call and speak directly to the other person, you can show that you truly care.

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