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Through the Mind’s Eye
Why writing is the most profound communication tool
Humans are social creatures. We’re built to recognize and interpret social cues as we process the world around us. When someone speaks to us, we notice and respond to subtle vocal inflections and tones, perhaps even on the subconscious level. Body language also influences our interpretation of someone’s meaning. Even the setting in which a conversation takes place holds sway over our perception of the discussion.
These subtleties mingle with our assimilation of meaning in all forms of media except the written word. Watching a person speak on television isn’t so much different than speaking with them directly — the body language and tone of voice still skew our interpretation. Phone conversations and radio communications are also vulnerable to these speaker biases. Aside from writing and reading, no other mode of communication allows for transmission of nuanced information free from the influence of another person’s interpretation.
And this is why writing can be such a profound tool for personal growth for both writers and readers.
When a writer writes honestly about his experiences, exposing vulnerabilities and relating uncomfortable events, he engages in a therapy session with the best counselor there is: the blank page. He can pour out his…
