In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “It’s a Text, Text, Text, Text World.”

How do you communicate differently online than in person, if at all? How do you communicate emotion and intent in a purely written medium?

Our lead pastor often reminds us as staff of the value of face to face meetings. In a world that values quick and constant communication it is easy to forget that while information can be disseminated by cell phone or e-mail,  emotion cannot be completely communicated if at all in a tweet, a text or an e-mail. Words can convey emotion but it takes time and the use of narrative (something noticeably absent from most forms of e-communication).

So if my communication involves emotion: joy, sadness, confusion, anger, or fear, I need to see the people I am communicating with. I need to read their body language. I need to hear the inflection of their words. And if I cannot see eye to eye with a person then I must absolutely meet face to face!