11/1/2020: Spoken communication is more powerful than written communication. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some people are in favour of (ủng hộ, thiên về) the power of speaking more than that of writing in communication. However, I believe that it all depends on the situations to decide which mode of meaning creation is more important than the other.
For some cases, oral speech conveys ideas and opinions most effectively. In programs like live political debates on television in elections, the sharpest weapon for would-be prime ministers or presidents is obviously their eloquent speeches. In such a live show, spontaneous answers to unexpected questions are usually decisive factors for the persuasive presentation of political stances which can earn them votes. Additionally, in closing sales, the power of convincing a lead (khách hàng tiềm năng) to make purchasing decisions is largely dependent on the art of speaking of the salesperson, not on written texts in the product brochure. The power of speaking is also palpable in conflict resolution where typed ideas are not as detailed and well supported as oral reasoning and explanations. That is why people often have to talk their problems out instead of exchanging limited and even easily misunderstood texts.
However, for other purposes, written communication is better for task completion. Indeed, written texts are considered more formal than spoken ones, so in case of an invitation to an important event like a wedding, or a ceremony, letters of invitation are nearly the only means of communication accepted. Also, for working circumstances, the need to keep track of the correspondence (liên lạc thư từ, email, điện thoại) among relevant parties is significant, and this inherently requires people to communicate by emails, faxes, or text messages instead of speaking face-to-face or via technological devices. Moreover, in special events like birthdays, or Christmas, a card with elaborated hand written messages usually means much more than a ready-to-give wish on the tip of one’s tongue. (sẵn trên đầu môi)
In conclusion, both spoken and written communication is equally necessary for people to function in life, but it is a situational issue when one of them is more powerful than the other. (323 words)
