This is the first of a series of twelve installments on the benefits of handwritten communication. This series had its beginning in a conversation with So-Jin. She asked for my thoughts and I wrote them out as they came. It is in this order that I will write about each benefit. As this topic comes up in correspondence or comments the series my grow beyond twelve. I always appreciate your input for it is from you, Dear Pen Friend, that I have learned about handwritten communication. Benefit One: Thoughtful Communication
This is probably near the top of everyone's reasons for writing letters. Never before in the history of communication has there been so much spoken with so little said as in the present time. From email to text messaging to social media thoughts and messages are tapped out and sent off almost faster than the thoughts behind them. Impatience is the rule of the day and time can't be spared to spell complete words it would seem. We are all of us affected by the force of technology and those of us old enough to remember living in an analogue, pre-digital age will be aware of the change in our expectations and our growing impatience. Handwriting a message counters that impatience. It forces us slow down and slowing down allows more room for thought, for better self-editing. When we pause to think about what we are saying we are better able to communicate an elevated thought or a nuanced idea. Handwritten communication serves as both the occasion and the vehicle for thinking ideas through. In the handwritten letter 120 characters will not do and there are no "Like" or "Dislike" options. More than minimal mental effort is required. In our day of instant messaging and social media handwritten communication is more needful than ever. Thoughtful communication is a benefit of putting pen to paper because writing makes both time and place for thought, that precious process so easily yielded up to the expediency of technology.
3 Comments
1/5/2014 01:00:55 am
Very well said. As an elementary school teacher, I am seeing the effect of less thoughtful writing and communication in my classroom. Less descriptive words used, less words used in general. A constant battle is being waged to get kids to love words in general and the written word specifically.
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1/5/2014 06:19:54 am
And all the more challenging it must be when the love of words is no longer valued by the culture. I hope you find strength and encouragement in your battle to elevate young minds. You're doing a good work!
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Anna
1/6/2014 11:36:57 pm
I agree wholeheartedly. I feel passionately about children writing letters because it helps them to order their thoughts but also keeps them focused on what they are saying/writing. There was a study recently that found that we take more time to think about what we are writing when we use pen and paper as compared to using a computer. That didn't surprise me, as I know from my own experience it's easy to let your fingers get away from you on the keyboard rather than taking the time to write it out. The ability to cut and paste saves time, but when you stop and consider what you write before you actually write it, I think you get a more thoughtful response.
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Letter Matters
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