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Is the ability to speak more important than the ability to write

by Emily Comedis

Created on: October 24, 2008   Last Updated: November 08, 2008

The degree of importance between ability to speak and ability to write depends largely on the circumstances of communication. In most cases however, the ability to speak is more important than the ability to write.

Speaking is more important than writing in our daily interactions because most of our daily activities are accomplished through speaking. for example, in shopping, do you talk to the salesperson or d you pass memos back and forth? Many other daily transactions are done through telephones. Hence, good speaking ability is not only important, it is a necessity.

There are certain jobs that place more emphasis on writing such as novel writing, print reporting or a professional copywriter. On the other hand, jobs which are focus on public relations like customer relations would rate the ability to speak as more important.

In some occupations such as legislators, legal officers, or journalist and the like, both abilities are equally important. Further, with the globalization trends facing the new breed of professionals, both abilities are now considered as equally important.

Currently, most companies are multi-nationals. Managers often must assign employees to foreign countries. While international companies appreciate those who can fluently speak and write in more than one language, the ability to speak English clearly is a prerequisite. as a result, the ability to speak and write English well is now a common job requirement.

Human Resource Managers describe speaking and writing abilities involving multiple languages as a "plus factor". Additionally, there are studies that rate English as the most difficult language to learn. It is possible that good abilities in that one language might make it easier to learn others. Certainly, learning to speak English without accent is the greatest challenge for foreign learners.

Yes, speaking usually trumps writing but this is not always the case. a particular situation where either ability may help you win what you want is courtship. but still, speaking delivers you the prize. In fact, before you approach a special person, you sometimes do multiple rehearsals about what you're going to say and how you're going to say it.

Another fact is that most couples talk more than kiss. Oddly, some couple divorce solely because of lack of communication. a relationship that may be healthy in every other way still fails not over love notes but spoken tenderness. That shows how important the ability to speak can be.

Another scenario where ability to speak is more important is asking requests from our parents. We may have written notes to them, but they usually grant our requests only after talking to us personally-especially financial requests.

Once they have personally talked to us and asked the usual questions, parents can be very accommodating. That is IF we have practiced the right tone of voice, is it not?

Ultimately, to me, the best form of communication is in lifting our voice in prayer. When one has a request for the Almighty, one does not send a memo.

Learn more about this author, Emily Comedis.
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