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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Conversation (face to face) (10/07/10)
“ Conversation (Face To face)”

Conversation is a process in which two people interact by exchanging information, opinions or ideas. Conversation is accomplished by the utilization of speech. The process of conversation involves two people orally communicating with each other. In face to face conversation, the two people have to be physically present. This is not the kind of conversation that occurs over a medium such as telephone or computer. Face to face conversation in essence conveys more body language, and gestures that are easily perceived by both parties. The blatancy of face to face conversation makes it the most effective method of communication. However, this asset also makes it the most intimidating method. Face to face conversation can be more time consuming and less cost effective when compared to any other form of conversation.

Even though face to face conversation can be the most effective and natural method of conversation, It has the tendency to be the most intimidating kind of conversation. Face to face conversation can be intimidating to people, because it is the most overt form of conversation. Body language and gestures are obvious and the participants cannot hide them as in the case of other methods of conversation. One good example of conversation that shields participants is a phone conversation because participants cannot see each other. Human beings naturally shy away from face to face conversation due to the level of transparency involved. Face to face conversation can also be viewed as confrontational in some cultures. Naturally, humans do not like to feel like the other party is reading their mind or psychoanalyzing them. For this reason, people tend to put up their guards during face to face conversation. In face to face conversation, the participants are able to exchange and maintain eye contact during the conversation. This allows them to really get their points across. In face to face conversation, the attitude of each party involved is easily discerned by the other party. Attitudes such as lack of interest, impatience, and anger can be easily perceived through body language and gesture. There may also be a conflict in how different body language, and gestures are perceived in different cultures. For instance, a culture that views looking someone straight in the eyes as rude and confrontational. This is why face to face conversation can be intimidating to some people and culture. In my opinion, most people would rather have a phone conversation, send an e-mail or text message rather than have a face to face interaction with another person.

Ultimately, the success and outcome of any conversation depends on the interpersonal skills presented on both sides. It depends on the listening skills of each participant. It also depends on their willingness to accommodate one another during the conversation. Each participant must be willing to fully listen to the other participant. This would insure that the conversation is not one sided, which may lead to communication barriers. Cultural differences must also be kept in mind. A phone conversation may be more appropriate in cultures where looking someone straight in the eyes can be perceived as being confrontational and rude. For any conversation to be successful and accomplish its goal, each side must give the other the chance to be heard and understood. Conversation has to be a two way street and not a one way street that leads to a dead end road.

Society it seems has found other ways to replace face to face conversation. Technological advances has created various methods to replace face to face conversation. Because this medium of conversation can be time consuming and not cost effective, technology has aided the world in minimizing face to face conversation. Hence, face to face conversation is gradually becoming obsolete.
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This article has been read 1499 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/21/10
You present a precise and factual paper about communication. I like how you pointed out that some cultures avoid eye to eye contact. I wish you had gone into that more and given precise details about which culture it is that feels that way.

It might help if you break your paragraphs into smaller sections. Keep writing and don't ever lose your passion for words. I can see where face to face conversation is getting rarer but hopefully it will never become obsolete. I often hunger for more companionship and you showed that in your essay.
Jan Ackerson
10/22/10
A fine expository lesson on conversation.

You may have over-used the topic phrase, and I'd suggest some more human interest anecdotes to keep an essay like this from becoming too dry and academic.

Your writing definitely shows your heart; thanks for this entry.
Brenda Rice
10/24/10
You are obviously well informed on the topic. I think as writer's we should try to think outside the box using our creativity along with the facts. Thanks for your article and keep writing.
Genia Gilbert
10/24/10
I agree about the trend of losing face-to-face conversation in the sea of technology. I also agree that the transparency factor is what causes people to shy away from it. But also, I agree that face-to-face communication will always be needed to fulfil our human needs and to be a real friend to others. Good writing.
Dee Yoder
10/24/10
Very informative. I'd have liked to see you illustrate some of your points with a sentence or two of conversation. That way, the reader would have a little break between info sentences and could "see" how good conversation can be achieved. You have many good points in this article!
Virgil Youngblood 
10/25/10
Your article reflects that you have given much thought to this descriptive piece. I enjoyed reading it.
Lollie Hofer 
10/26/10
I like how you gave this a lot of thought and detail. Lots of potential...keep writing.