In this modern era, there are a multitude of ways to convey our messages to others, instead of always verballing expressing what it is that we desire to say, we can utilize email, texting, and the written word, of which, oftentimes we are compelled to do so, for ease of communication purposes as well as convenience. The thing about each of these communication avenues is the fact that the written word is subject to more easily being misinterpreted by the other because what is missing from that written word, is the body language, and the tone, so of. In other words, when we get most in trouble when it comes to miscommunication with others, is typically not when we are talking face-to-face, but rather it is the written word, which can be interpreted ironically, sarcastically, critically, and all sorts of other gradations and interpretations that we may not have been trying to convey.
Indeed, when we speak, we find that the words themselves can be of far less importance, than the tone and the manner that we are speaking to the other. In other words, while words do matter, how we express those words, such as angrily, or with sarcasm in our voice, will certainly make a difference in how they are interpreted. That is to say, the very same words, but with different emphasis and different tonality, combined with different facial expressions, will be interpreted differently, and should be, because though the words are the same, the intent behind the words is different.
So then, it has to be acknowledged that words spoken, will have a different meaning, depending upon how the voice expressing those words is coming across to those that are its intended audience. We know this, by our own experiences in our communication with others, in which, certain words spoken in a certain way, can lead to an actual physical fight; whereas, the very same words spoken in an endearing or friendly way, can lead to a friendly exchange.
Undeniably, it is fair to say, that the combination of verbal words, body language, tonality, as well as the pitch and inflection of the voice, along with our knowledge of the person so speaking, will typically permit us to correctly interpret the meaning of those words so being spoken, quite accurately. However, those very same words, written down in a text or an email, can easily be subject to misinterpretation, even though the words are the same, because, without a good understanding of the context of those words, we may not well understand them. That is why, the best way to communicate to others, in regards to those areas of high importance, is always going to be through the verbal word, because not only does it provide an opportunity for the other to speak in response, but also because we read each other’s body language, the person so speaking will often adjust their tonality, their volume and the pace that they are so speaking, to better reflect the idea behind the words that they are saying, because they want to convey their message accurately and thereby to best have it understood, without error.