As an author, communication expert and international speaker, I firmly believe our society’s increasing reliance on digital tools can hamper effective communication, especially if it winds up as a substitute for face-to-face interaction.

While texting and emailing are extremely beneficial regarding workplace efficiency, there is also true value in face-to-face communication because it can help cultivate and foster better relationships.

Take a look at some of these eye-opening statistics:

·         Remote meetings tend to generate an estimated 10.43 ideas, versus in-person meetings which can generate approximately 13.36 ideas
·         Approximately 100 percent of people say face-to-face meetings are critical for long-term, successful business relationships
·         The average close rate for in-person meetings is 40 percent

Talking In-Person: An Extremely Powerful Notion

While it may seem easier to send a quick text or email to a colleague or client, studies show that being in the presence of others can help us understand what they are actually saying.

Face-to-face communication helps us to better read body language, non-verbal and emotional cues and develop more appropriate responses. With personal interaction, you can also reduce any misunderstandings, and there are more opportunities for clarification.

Also, communicating with team members and clients’ face-to-face gives us the opportunity to distinguish more authentic reactions and to use body language as cues. As a result, we can establish more trust and more meaningful connections over time.

Finally, in-person communication helps to create collaborative environments that inspire team members to participate in meetings actively. This type of atmosphere encourages both engagement and innovation, which is crucial to company culture and employee satisfaction.

Concise, Clear Communication

How many times has an email been misunderstood by a staff member or misread by a client as “rude” when that wasn’t the original intention? Face-to-face conversations reduce the risk of miscommunication, fostering more effective business practices.

In some cases, encouraging personal interactions can be as simple as urging employees to actually walk down the office hallway instead of sending an instant message, Skyping or using email. You should never underestimate the importance of face-to-face conversations, in real rooms and in real-time.

The Takeaway on Effective Communication

The benefits of face-to-face communication are numerous. I suggest making face-to-face contact a priority when possible – whether it’s meeting a prospective client in-person for the first time or organizing weekly or monthly meetings with your team.

While digital communication is ideal in many cases, it lacks that personal connection that often helps close deals.

Meeting clients and colleagues in-person, when the opportunity presents itself, will ultimately reduce miscommunications, and give you a chance to build trust and understanding over time.

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Ulrich Kellerer is an inspirational business leader, international speaker and mental health activist from Munich, Germany. For over 20 years, Kellerer worked in the European fashion industry as the founder and CEO of the German clothing line, Faro Fashion, which had the distribution rights for the brand CLOSED (the leading European fashion company for women’s and men’s sportswear,) in Bavaria – south Germany. Kellerer is the co-author of The Soul of Success with Jack Canfield and the author of the recently-released title, One Moment Can Change Your Life: Extraordinary Stories about Ordinary People. Today, he dedicates his time to fighting the depression epidemic and promoting mental wellness in the workplace.

For More Information Visit: http://www.ulrich-kellerer.com/