Humans connect with each other through communication. And for thousands of years, that communication has primarily been through voice. However, not everything we say is communicated strictly with words. Studies have shown that as much as 80 percent of what we convey when we speak is nonverbal. From the tone we use to our body language and facial expressions, we supplement our words with crucial signals that give clarity and meaning to what we say.
That’s why it’s so important to value voice communication. In a digital age where connecting with others is with asynchronous text through SMS, email, or social media, we’ve lost an element of human interaction. This extends to business communications as well. If your brand is only touching base with customers and stakeholders through text-based means, you may only be tapping into as little as 20 percent of your potential when it comes to communication.
Encouraging Personal Human Connections
Talking to someone, really talking to them, is invaluable. Texts, emails, or notifications may be convenient at times (and frustrating at others), but it lacks that personal touch that a phone call has. Whether you’re letting a patient know about an upcoming appointment, explaining a product to a potential customer, or engaging in ongoing client support, you don’t want to come off as cold and uncaring at a time when your recipient may need the warmth and comfort that comes from a friendly voice.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in mandates that forced people to stay indoors and avoid physical connections with others. While this spurred many businesses into a more flexible and scalable communications system, it also had a real impact on the common thread of connection that brings us all together. Communication in the digital age took a big hit and the decline in voice call volume is indicative of the loss of connection.
It’s not what you say, but how you say it. Defaulting to text is appropriate in some cases, but in many others, voice communication is still the best way to establish trust with your customers, clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Clearer Communication in Real Time
A text-based conversation over email or SMS may take days or even longer to run its course as people get busy or read a message and then forget to reply. If the subject is important or time-sensitive, this can present problems for your business. Information can be lost or forgotten, typos can change your meaning, and intent can be misunderstood.
With the advantages of real-time voice communication, a whole conversation that would have taken weeks can take place in a matter of minutes. Follow-up questions can be asked and answered, concerns can be addressed, and all with the kind and professional attitude of you and your staff.
Be an Industry Leader
Voice communication in the digital age can be the catalyst that sets you apart from your competition. Anyone can read something online and rewrite it for a customer or client. In fact, AI has grown to do just that without any human interaction whatsoever. When a client picks up the phone and hears your representative speaking clearly and confidently about aspects of the business or industry, you impact that individual. Who will they trust more, an AI-generated email or a real person talking them through an offer or solution?
How Decibel Can Help You Take Advantage of Voice
The best businesses have a foundation of trust with their customers. You can bank on new clientele coming through the door on a regular basis, but to build and scale successfully, you need to have lifetime customers that shout your brand from the rooftops. One of the best ways to do this is to sweep them off their feet with above-and-beyond communications.
If your business has left voice communication behind and has seen a dip in customer sentiment as a result, Decibel can help. With tailored solutions that focus on voice communication in a digital age, we are in a unique position to help you take your systems, and your business, to the next level. From softphone apps to audio and video conferencing, we have digital phone options for every business size and budget. Give us a call today at (800) 345-4335 to see how you can start reaching your customers like never before.