Talking: The Forgotten Skill

Rebecca Gaujot - I'm beginning to realize, I'm not the only one who is disturbed by this new way of life that seems to be more the norm on a daily basis. What are they doing on their phones? Who are they communicating with? What can be more interesting than the people you're with? It's heartbreaking to look around and see so many people doing the same thing - are they that lonely, bored, or simply ridiculous? Are they trying to act like they are popular and have so many friends and could it be, they have no friends at all....

Thank you for contributing to this post. I think we are all in agreement with you too. 

Lou Ludwig - Will people lose their voice? Will it be harder to speak in public? Are communication skills suffering right under our fingertips? 

Yes! It's a hot, hot topic that doesn't seem to be changing and that's so sad.

Thanks for your great support!

Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR - I can't stand those long text messages. It takes so much longer and it's so unnecessary. People don't understnad or know how it affects other people, especially when you're driving, trying to eat, or have a private conversation and those text messages keep coming in, buzzing in your ear, and causing distractions. I think it's very rude too.

I agree with you completely and I'm concerned that with this style of communication, lawyers will eat people for lunch in a court room if the general public can't text and will be expected to listen and speak when spoke too. They will clam up and not be able to defend themselves. 

Thanks, Mary. It's always wonderful to hear from you!

Sheri Sperry - MCNE® - I was engrossed by your comments and couldn't help but wonder if you hit on something that I wasn't even thinking of. Could it people we are now officially adapting to this lifestyle? That's a very scary thought!

I remembered my first trip to Japan in 1998. The people from Japan all seemed to have at minimum of two cell phones and they were all walking and talking but to me it looked like they were talking to themselves. I remember thinking how odd it looked.

I remember getting my first Cell Phone in January 2003 and it was only because I became a Real Estate Agent. For me, it was a business tool and necessity. Now everyone, including homeless people and alcoholics on street corners have cell phones and a cup. What on earth have we become???

Oh, I do believe I could sit and talk to you in person for hours and never get bored!

Dörte Engel - I have not seen or heard those statistics. Isn't that fascinating or is it absurd? I'm always blown away when I seen a large family come in to a restaurant and everyone has their own phone, even the young children. Are they texting each other or are they playing games? It just seems like a crazy, wasted time to pay for a dinner and not even enjoy your time with each other.

It's so, so, sad. Thank you for bringing that up about the statistics. I'm afraid it may get worse before it gets better.

Kathleen Daniels - How on earth will children learn to speak up for themselves? As time goes by, what will happen to the English language? I hate to say it, but it seems like all I hear around here in public is every language EXCEPT English! That's a dirty shame. Plus, there's nothing private anymore either. 

Unfortunately, children live what they learn and grow up. Then what???

You and I are on the same page. Thanks, Kathleen. 

Robin Wells - Oh, how I loved to hear what you had to say. Everything resonated so clearly! We need to pay attention to what's going on and not be so distracted. I find that to be very disturbing. In my area, people are always texting and driving and it's so dangerous. Not long ago I honked at a woman whose car kept swerving into my lane. Finally, I laid on the horn and would you believe she got angry and started coming after me while still talking to someone on the phone! She looked like a monster! Common courtesy and safety doesn't see to exist!

It's frightening to see a crowd of people who are out for a reason.... but what is the reason for all that texting out in public? It doesn't make sense! I feel like I'm in a combat zone approaching danger in crowds of people whose focus is on their cell phones and don't look up or worse driving, texting, and talking without any consideration for others. I know, you witness this too.

I enjoyed reading your post very much, especially about the history behind SMS. Seriously, what kind of enjoyment comes from sending long messages with the tap of a finger that doesn't really fit the keys anyways? Help! I don't understand!

You seem to have a lot of knowledge in this department and I appreciate that very much. I hate to admit it, but it seems as if the circle of life revolves around cell phone messaging and people are getting the wrong signals. Are we fast becoming a nation of failure and mutants? Our thoughts are energy and wireless is out of control.

Thank you, so much for all the valuable information and sharing your thoughts too.

Patricia 

Greg Mona - Your writing is superb! You must be a great conversationalist! It seems as if society has come full circle - everyone is using text and nobody is talking except through messages. What's the message? What can we do with the mind, collectively, even in small ways when eating out in public? It's as if people are on drugs and the addiction is becoming worse; yet nobody is trying to stop it! The only one who screams are the ones who gets hurt. We really need to pay attention to this and try to help those around us, close enough that trust us to stop the madness!

Thank you! I love your comments!

Robert Hicks - Did you read the comment by Sheri Sperry - MCNE®. She mentioned people are adapting. The reality is, she  is right! 

Your message is so profound and greatly appreciated too!

Thank you, very much for expressing yourself so clearly. I enjoyed reading what you had to say. 

Richie Alan Naggar - Your posts and comments always peak my interest and gives me pause to think and pay attention. So what's the formula or strategy for getting people to promote more effective communication? Can this habit be broken? It has become a way of life and a part of our culture. 

As always, I enjoy hearing from you friend. 

Shirley Coomer - I agree with you 100%. Oddly enough I had a client that consistenly sent text messages on an on-going, continuous basis between 6 and 7 a.m. I remember saying, I appreciate the messages, but I'm driving down 635 (which is one of the most dangerous roads in North Texas) and could it wait until I got off the road where it was safe? The answer was no. I nearly had a stroke. 

Laura Cerrano - You're right. Text can be short and sweet or long and rude. We have to fix this problem.

Have a great night!