Three Dimensions of Communications

It would seem to me, that in today’s world of technology and advancement, that the more forms of communication we have, the more complex communication becomes. There are three levels of communication; one dimensional (text, email, IM), two dimensional (phone or other forms of voice only communications), and three dimensional (in person, face to face conversations). These are the forms of communication that seem prevalent in our society. It would seem that each have their time and place, but convenience, time restraints and other unforeseen variables leaves us to not always to choose the appropriate form of communication for the conversation at hand. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses when used appropriately.

One dimensional conversation is risky because it is up to the reader to interpret the intent of the conversation. There is no tone, body language or much else to indicate the message that the sender is trying to make, so the reader is left having to guess what underlying tone is for the messages being sent. At the same time, it’s quick, easy, and readily available most of the time.

Two dimensional conversations are a little better suited for many conversations because you can hear the tone of the other person through their voice. While it leaves less for guesswork, there is still much that can be misinterpreted. It is easy for people to multi task with voice only communication, which leaves the chance for the listener to not fully hear what it is that’s being said. It would seem to me, that distractions outside of the conversation tend to be a little higher when you are not present with the person having the face to face conversation. Whether it be that your driving, cleaning, or any of the other distractions that tend to come along, it’s highly likely that at some point in a two dimensional conversation that you will miss something that’s being said or the tone it is being said with. Two dimensional conversations are an easy way to keep in touch when in person conversations are impossible due to time, distance or convenience.

Three dimensional conversations then become the ideal. You can easier grasp what it is that’s being said when you have body language, facial expressions, tone, and other clues into the intent and emotion behind the words. It could be the importance of stressing a deadline or an important topic, it could be an emotionally charged point that a friend or colleague is trying to make, or it could simply be just enjoying the chit chat between friends. It’s not always convenient or easy to make time for three dimensional conversations. They seem to last longer than either the one or two dimensional conversations previously discussed.

While all forms of communication are subject to interpretation by the listener, be it in written or spoken form, it seems that there is less likely to be misunderstandings with the three dimensional communications that there are to be with one or two level forms of communication. Communication has always been complex and intricate. With all the modern conveniences and advancement in our technologies providing us with faster, easier, more convenient ways to communicate, it would seem our communications are getting easier, however maybe less accurate as well.