Does written word have more of an impact than spoken word? Why or why not?

1. 88

   Steve Witschelposted 10 years ago

   Does written word have more of an impact than spoken word? Why or why not?
   
   My feeling is that is does indeed carry more weight. My initial feelings as to why are that when something is written, it has the element of sustainability. It's more permanent. Also, when someone reads an article, or book, or a hub, they're "hearing" it in their own voice, as though it's something they are telling themselves.
   
   I'm interested in hearing what you think.

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2. 72

   lburmasterposted 10 years ago

   Not from my perspective. Then again it also matters where the written words are. In a magazine, in a journal, plastered to the pinboard of the office, etc. You can write down anything, but words from the mouth seem to give them more ability to do harm, to hurt you.

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3. 81

   dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

   I think it depends upon the situation, what one is in need of.
   When it comes to inspiration people very often turn to famous written quotes or even the bible for comfort. When it comes to motivation a pep talk from someone you admire (live, audio CD, or DVD  may mean more that reading words. When it comes to love and romance there is no substitute for seeing, hearing, and touching.
   The beautiful thing about the written word is one can review it over and over again without having to rely on their memory as to what was or was not said.

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4. 61

   duffsmomposted 10 years ago

   I believe, overall, the written word has more impact because it can be revisited and as you say has a certain sustainability.  The spoken word can be quite transient.  However, with smartphones, 24 hour news cycles, and youtube documenting the spoken word, that may change.

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5. 72

   Ciel Clarkposted 10 years ago

   Written words do carry more weight -- both I think because the writer can think her or his own thoughts and the reader can read and think about these thoughts before asking questions.  I am a good debater when I write, but terrible in conversation because I get distracted by every eye roll or comment and I forget what I wanted to say.

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6. 66

   Joseph Frankinaposted 10 years ago

   Perhaps we need to look at our audience. Some people refuse to think critically regardless of the mode in which information is delivered to them. Some people choose not to respond to the message of any type of meaningful communication.
   
   We could go into the different modes of learning-kinesthetic , audial, visual, etc. and hypothesize how those learning traits impact one's preference between spoken and written word. That is not necessary because, at the core of it all, the person who is willing to listen or read information that he may not agree with and still think about it critically will respond to it in either written or spoken form.
   
   The information giver is at the mercy of his audience. That is truly a frightening realization.
   
   Awesome question by the way! I love it!

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7. 61

   benisan85745posted 10 years ago

   Both can be junk and not interesting at all, however, I think Spoken-Words has just a little bit more on Written-Words...only because us, the audience gets to hear the tonality in which the author wants you to comprehend what he is saying, where as a reader, we take the liberty to sound it out as we choose.

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