The use of spoken words to express or exchange thoughts is referred to as talking. Speaking is the process by which thoughts and ideas are shared through the use of words, which are transmitted through utterances. Speech and interactive speaking are the two main methods that talking is perceived to happen. Speech is a type of communication that relies on the use of a wide variety of names and words to establish interaction. These discussions typically feature two or more people speaking. On the other hand, Interactive speaking involves two or more people or objects that are seen to have an effect on each other. Compulsive speaking or talkaholism is also another form of interactive speaking. It refers to socially acceptable speaking commonly known as oversharing.
On the other hand, texting is described as the electronic composition and sending of messages to other people. With texting, both numerical and alphabetical characters are used in composing sensible messages that are shared between individuals. It is also noted that as a requirement, texting ought to occur between individuals via electronic devices such as tablets, mobile phones, smartphones or desktop computers that are more static in nature. Currently, texting is widely used by both the young and the elderly for both official and informal purposes. One way in which texting occurs is by the use of email where messages are sent through electronic mail. With this method, the recipient is required to own and have access to e-mail services and as well, access to the internet. A second method of texting is through the use of S.M.S. S.M.S, a contraction for short messaging services, refers to sending of messages through mobile phones from person to person. Texting is advantageous in that, it makes it simple and quick to pass information without encroaching on the recipient’s time and space and as well, communication is made accessible to all.
Similarities between talking and texting
To begin with, both are communication methods i.e. they enable the sending and receiving of information from one person to the other. Secondly, both methods help individuals convey their messages in a manner that is timely and efficient regardless of their position. With talking as well as texting, one is able to address their issues directly to the respective people. A third similarity is that both communication methods are time intensive and may end up consuming a lot of time. This is seen in cases where friends are likely to talk for long hours and likewise text for long hours especially when chats are interesting or the messages involved are lengthy.
Another similarity between the two methods is that they both involve a personalization element. Talking is seen to be very individual especially in social settings and likewise in more formal work locations where the conversations are more personalized to fit the work settings. With texting, personalization is achieved through the use of emoji, pictures, videos etc to accompany different messages. Whilst more relaxed messages to friends may involve the use of emoji and images, more formal messages such as to the boss at work may lack these.
Differences between talking and texting
A major difference noted between the two communication methods is that while with talking one is able to tell whether the person they are conversing with is dishonest through their mood, body posture, gestures, language, emotions and facial expressions, texting does not offer this advantage. With texting, neither the sender nor the recipient is able to decipher these physical aspects of the other party and as well is unable to determine whether the party is truthful or not.
Secondly, texting is seen as a quick method and as well recipients are not required to be near their phones for the message to be sent. In addition, the messages don’t have to be read as soon as they are sent and the recipient can respond to the message at their own convenience. However, with talking, there is a requirement for both presence and concentration as well as focus and interest in order to maintain the conversations thus requiring the different parties to be available for the communication to take place.
Another difference observed is that texting is appropriate especially when one party wants to be passive aggressive and as such wishes to avoid engaging in conversation. With talking on the other hand, if one party tries to avoid discussion, the other party is able to decipher this through the tone of voices used and other physically visible signs such as body expressions and facial expressions. In addition, another difference seen is that texting may make the parties lose touch with reality while talking may not as the parties converse directly.
Another identifiable difference is the element of crime involved with the communication. While technology introduces a variety of criminal motivated methods such as catfishing where a criminal uses fake details such as social media accounts to harass unsuspecting people or obtain information from them, direct conversation is unlikely to take such a criminal turn and as well, it is highly unlikely to scam people with direct conversation. Another difference noted is that texting is a form of communication that is short and precise to the point and as such offers no meaningful conversation while talking on the other hand, offers a lot of possibilities and enables meaningful dialogue to take place.
Conclusion
Both texting and talking are significant communication methods with far reaching consequences in the world of communication, each in its own way. Texting has introduced a new world of technology into the communication world and as such, has led to the development of ways in which we are able to communicate to different people in a fast manner. On the other hand, talking has as well improved in its own way even as technology continues to enhance. It is considered to be the best and safest way to communicate as it is not alterable to fit wants of different people.
References:
Definition of TALK. (2017). Merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 14 May 2017, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/talk
