originally published 9/1/1999

John L. Locke explains the nature of vocal and facial communication and describes why these embodied modes of relating convey more than just a simple message. He extols the value of personal communication and expresses concern for how technology is displacing it. Voice-to-voice communication works so well, Locke says, precisely because it is out of our control; we “give off” information through our intonation, body language, pauses, and facial expression. These human elements, though seemingly small, go a long way in building and enriching relationships. Locke worries that if we replace real conversation with technology, we are actually silencing ourselves and doing harm to relationships. He is the author of The Devoicing of Society: Why We Don’t Talk to Each Other Anymore (Simon & Schuster, 1998).

12 minutes

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