2. The gift of inflectionLet's say someone texts, "No, I'm not going." Depending on your history with that person, your relationship, latest experiences, and even personal mood, you may read 10 different subtexts into that four-word sentence. Return to vocal cues and you bring back the gift of pitch and tone. Then, you'll know if the person just isn't going or if they're "NOT going!"3. Impromptu add-onsWhen a couple of friends increased texting over talking, I noticed we saw each other less. Texting is often task-oriented. During real conversations, we take our thoughts, ideas, plans, and those of another, to unexpected places. There's a sense of mystery, a world of possibility, and a moment to pause and say, "Hey, do you want to go...?" Sure, texting can bear out those conversations, but there may not be energy or time once the "business" is done.4. DepthA long-time, long-distance friend who always texts, but rarely talks, will ask, "How are the kids?" If she wants more than "Fine", having an actual conversation will enable me to really tell her.5. Vision preservationI just picked up my first pair of reading glasses. Yes, I'm in my early 40s, but my perpetual squint on miniscule letters can't be helping. I want to believe that bringing back authentic conversation will slow declining vision.6. Hearing "goodbye" againI like to believe I'm good at identifying closure cues. Texting flummoxes me in this area. I can count on few fingers how many texters in my life actually say, "Okay, I have to go now. See you later." Instead, time passes with no response, and the silence says farewell. I like distinct closure.7. Getting more of the storyA friend texted that she wanted to share something serious. On a drive out of town (my husband was at the wheel), I feebly attempted to follow the line of discussion-her couple sentences starting the tale, then my response, and then more from her, then my questions about the first couple of sentences (and she was already on to thought #3). I finally said, "Let's schedule a conversation." When we did, I followed the chronology without fail and asked for clarification when I needed it.8. Confusion reductionA friend asked me to pick up a limited stock item at Costco for her child, but there were many variations of the product. Even though we tapped out single sentences, I was still unsure exactly which crazy-discounted American Girl pet she wanted: Honey, Praline, or Sugar?9. Meeting another's eyesI don't have to elaborate on the layers of negative connotation that go along with lack of eye contact in our society. Looking another person in the eye as they speak gives us connection and clarity of a message. Eye contact with the iPhone doesn't quite produce the same result.10. Reduced risk of collisionWalking and texting at the same time means that one's head is down. If your head is down and your feet are in transit, the possibility of person-to-person (or person-to-wall/door/window) collision is quite high. Talking means your head is up. Yes, sometimes cocked to the side while holding the phone, but you can see what's coming your way... and avoid it.11. Getting more doneWhen I talked on the phone, I was an excellent multitasker. I could hold a conversation while doing laundry, the dishes, and even cook dinner. Now, although I can get those same things done, when I'm in a text conversation, every few minutes, I have to look back at my phone, infuse my response, and then try to recapture my productive rhythm.12. Go hands-freeThere is no denying that texting requires hands and fingers. In tandem with #11, getting more done often requires hands and fingers. Talking, either face-to-face or via phone, brings your hands back to you... for gestures or for tasks.I don't believe people will stop texting, nor that they should. Texting has undeniable conveniences. What concerns me is how much texting has replaced verbal communication for so many. In fact, my friends with older children say texting is often the only medium to which their teens-to-young adults will respond. No wonder so many college students are propped against walls, not interacting with those standing a little more than arm's length away.
