What Are the Benefits of Face to Face Communication?

With the age of cyber chatting and texting, people are starting to push aside actual human contact in communication. Emails, instant messages, social media, phone calls are all used. Although there are people who don’t mind, and actually prefer not seeing the other person when speaking, they often forget the importance of face to face communication. But what are the benefits of face to face communication? Here are six various benefits.

1. Shows body language

According to research, more than 90% of human communication consists of body language. When you see the way that the person you are talking to reacts, you are able to better understand how they are feeling. One of the benefits of face to face communication is the live feedback translated through the body language and facial expressions. Other forms of communication can never provide the advantage. You can also hear the tone of voice which makes it easier to interpret the person’s feelings. On the other hand, you are able to show your own reactions and emotions. For example, as a manager, with face to face communication you can show your employees that you care, pushing them to perform better.

photo via wallpapertip

2. Builds relationships

Another benefit of face to face communication is that it helps in expanding your network and enhancing future communication. It provides a feel of friendliness which, in turn, boosts the success of your relationships, whether they are personal or business relationships. Using emails or phones wouldn’t give you the opportunity to build camaraderie. Face to face communication is great form of persuasion, engagement, and leadership. Even if you don’t have time to actually meet in person, using platforms for enterprise video conferencing and web conferencing such as ezTalks Meetings, would provide you with the benefits of face to face communication by energizing a positive climate and a bond between you and the other people.

3. Values the other person

When you make the effort of actually seeing the other person and when you show them through your expressions that you are listening and you care about what they are saying, you will show the other that you value them. You will make them feel that what they are saying is important and heard and make sure that they are listening to you too. For example, if you travel to meet with a client, you are showing them that they are worth the time, effort, and money. You will guarantee that they will hear your message and that you will have their complete attention.

4. Boosts effectiveness

Efficiency is so important, especially in the business world. Imagine having to explain a whole project through an email and then spend the whole day responding to questions. Meeting with your team will allow you to give out all the details at once, benefit from the flow of ideas that the others might suggest, and boost the overall creativity and energy. Also, you will be able to address all the problems at once. Also, this happens to one of the key benefits of hosting a webinar with your team.

5. Protects confidentiality

There is some information that is meant for only one person. In face to face communication, sensitive information are all revealed to the trusted person in a private setting. Also, delicate situations can be handled easier while showing respect to the involved parties. When private matters are discussed, face to face communication benefits you by holding no record of what is being discussed. Some issues should not be recorded.

6. Enhances trust and credibility

This point is loosely in relation to body language and voice tone. It is true that face to face communication benefits you as you send unconscious messages to the other person through your body language. In addition, with face to face communication, you can explain clearly and answer questions with integrity. If you are a manager, your employees are able to see clearly how your words and actions align. This will enhance your credibility and help build trust between you and the other person.

Although the benefits of face-to-face communication are numerous, there would still be some disadvantages to be addressed. For example, it can be tricky to actually find the time to meet people. Emailing and texting are faster especially if the other person you want to communicate with is in another country. Moreover, some people find it hard to communicate face to face. Also, getting the same message across to different people may be hard with face to face communication. However, these few disadvantages can be overcome by setting a video conference through a platform like ezTalks Meetings.

In the end, making the effort for face to face communication is definitely worth it. The benefits of face to face communication are much more than the disadvantages. It is time to break free from cyber communication and go back to effective face to face communication.