But in this case it is not opinion but fact. Read on and be enlightened!
There are only 3 ways in which we human beings communicate. Only three!
- Words
- Tonality
- Fizzyology (Yes, I know how to spell it but wanted to see if you were paying attention)
Of even more interest is the relative effect each of these have in our ability to get our message across to each other. Experts have shown that the breakdown is as follows:
- Words - 7%
- Tonality - 38%
- Physiology - 55%
Words, as you see, have the least effect on our communication. HOW we say those words, or the tonality, is over 5 times as important than the words themselves and of course the real communicator is our physiology, i.e. body language, eye contact, hand gestures etc.
The sad thing about blogging is that the only way we can communicate is with our words. Punctuation marks can help a little by taking the place of tonality or physiology but unless you are a great, great writer you will never be able to get your point across as well as you could if you were speaking to your audience face-to-face. Exclamation points and italics are a sad substitute for true passion and excitement that people can read in your face.
I have been a public speaker and trainer for over 30 years and feel really hamstrung with this blogging thing cause I don’t feel I can communicate as well as I would like and am used to. Take tonality for example. With HOW I say a word I can actually change the meaning of what I am saying. Take the following sentence:
“I didn’t say I shot my wife.”
Depending on my voice inflection, (tonality) I can make those simple words mean many different things. For example: (Inflection on the subject word is italicized and bolded)
“I didn’t say I shot my wife.” (the man over there did)
“I didn’t say I shot my wife.” (I implied it)
“I didn’t say I shot my wife.” (My mistress did)
“I didn’t say I shot my wife.” (I poisoned her)
“I didn’t say I shot my wife.” (I shot his wife)
“I didn’t say I shot my wife.” (I shot my dog)
Each sentence had the same seven words but depending on my voice inflection they had six totally unique meanings. Great speakers understand tonality. They vary the pace of their speaking, sometimes they are loud, sometimes they whisper, sometimes they use accents. They understand that the meaning of what they say can be affected by how they say it. They use anything to keep from being monotone which not only weakens the communication but puts the audience to sleep.
That is why I really respect great writers. They have a tough job. They need to get their message across using just one of the means of communication. And the least important one at that!
Don’t get the wrong idea from me. Words are very important. Mark Twain once said that the difference between the right word and ALMOST the right word is like the difference between lightning and a lighting bug. No wonder he was a great writer. More later,
PS. I need your help!! What can I do to make my blog better and what more can I do to advertise it? I will cherish your comments and/or advice. Let me know. Thanks for sharing some of your valuable time with me! Rick
March 12th, 2008 at 10:59 am
If you really prefer tonality and physiology, then I think you should consider using Viddler for video comments. Blogging is not restricted to written words. People are also doing video blogs now.
Check out Technosailor blog’s comment section, he has video replies using Viddler there.
http://technosailor.com/2008/02/28/the-value-of-personal-brand-to-a-business/
March 12th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I also have problems with context. I have an extremely shall we say, dry, sense of humor, and even people speaking with me face to face have a hard time *getting* my jokes unless they know me very well. I’ve had to restrain myself every day (admirably, I might add) from inserting sarcasm in blog entries that will be read by complete strangers so as not to alienate them.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your point of view) I’m instilling this same absurd sense of humor in my kids. Dinner table conversation is veerrry interesting in our house, but at the same time I’m having to train them to rein themselves in around their friends.
March 12th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I think about tonality and infliction a lot, especially sense I’ve been blogging. I’m so glad you wrote about this because I couldn’t have said it better. However, blogging is a challenge in addition to a great writing exercise for writers. Writers should always show, not tell, a story, so it helps us remember how to imply our characters personalities etc…
Although, I’ve noticed a few misunderstandings since I’ve been blogging and it’s sad. Because I think these differences of opinion or arguments would be solved easier in person or even over the phone.
Anyway, I love your post. I’m trying something new as well, for instance, articulating who I am to readers. For example, it’s different than creating characters who will talk to each other… Thank you for a great post.
You taught me some different ways of emphasizing words, besides the same old writers tricks. - thanks~
Ann
March 12th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Well done-however I will add there are three reasons why we don’t communicate and they are:
1.Cognitive/neuro-linguistic deficits
2.lack of opportunity
3.lack of desire
and you my friend have none of those- so write on or is it right on!