What happens in conversations that are ‘not face to face’?

Question

What happens in conversations that are ‘not face to

face’?

Answer 1

What happens in conversations that are not face to face? asks the questioner

In response, I have a question for you: What is the CONTEXT (environment) for the conversation you envision? Is it a work environment? A social one?

Either way, CONTEXT is exactly what you are missing in conversations that are not face to face. Such conversations lack a “tone” or “mood.”

Many of us have had the experience of not knowing if a text or email is supposed to be completely serious or not. The solution: speak face to face whenever possible—because facial expressions and hand gestures are very rich with meaning. As is the human voice.

Expressions and gestures can convey humor, seriousness, and anything in between.

The sound of the human voice is key, too: is it warm? Is it impatient? The mood of the voice gives so many clues to other people’s mindset.

Thank you for asking perhaps the most important question there is about human communication.

Answer 2

Here's an Oscar Wilde quote that comes to mind: "Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give a man mask, and he will tell you the truth." Conversations that aren't held face to face are more likely to be honest because people are then able to speak through a mask where their vulnerability is hidden.

Answer 3