This post originally ran in the Fall 2018 issue of Balfour’s magazine Elements.
It’s epidemic. Texting and tweeting have eliminated the human voice. Students would rather interview via text or email than conduct in-person interviews. But something’s lost when staff members can’t see or hear their subject:
1. Flexibility—following up with clarifying questions; repeating questions.
2. Observation—watching nonverbal behaviors; listening to tone.
3. Control—meeting in a distraction-free environment; knowing who’s actually answering questions.
4. Spontaneity—capturing impromptu asides; laughing.
5. Complexity—asking probing and in-depth questions. An article on the Poynter Institute website examines how five professional journalists decide whether to interview by phone, email or face-to-face. They all preferred in-person interviews, but occasionally used phone interviews when a face-to-face interview was impractical. All agreed an email interview was a last resort. Texting was only mentioned as a means to set up in-person interviews.
With ever-evolving modes of communication, yearbook teachers and advisers help students develop a wide range of communication skills. Having the ability to talk, text or email and knowing appropriate times to use those skills are critical in the workplace and in personal relationships.