Communication conundrum

Communication between people happens across a scale. In person, the video call, the voice call, written text. They all have tradeoffs. The all have variants from formal to informal. Each has its time and place to shine.

In person requires commitment from both sides. It requires pre planning and travel. Or the serendipity of being in the same stadium or office. The connection and depth of conversation happens best with no technology. Unlike the rest.

Video calls feel like the next best thing when distance is insurmountable. A smile and having your hands in frame make it seem like you are there. Except the delay and looking at a camera remind you it’s not.

Phone calls are one way in real time, unless pre-planned. One persons intention to reach out, the other having to stop what they are doing to answer. Still needs two people at the same time.

Text is the easiest. The email, the message, the gif, the photo. Requires someone to reach out and not expect a immediate response back. They can be read out of order or missing context. The most impersonal approach. It’s also the one that leads to the others.

The one that gives the most is the hardest to get to. It doesn’t always start there. It starts with the one that’s the easiest. The text that leads to the phone, the screen or the same room.