I’ll admit it…I actually like talking on the phone.
Apparently, that’s becoming a rare thing.
Somewhere along the way, many of us have become people who would rather exchange 47 text messages than have a three-minute conversation. The moment the phone rings, it’s almost as if we’ve forgotten what it’s for. Instead of answering, we send back a quick text: “What’s up?”
I’ve never quite understood it.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I text every day. I send emails. I use messaging apps. There are plenty of things that can be handled quickly without interrupting someone’s day, and I appreciate that convenience. If you’re letting me know you’re running five minutes late or sending over a document, a text is perfect.
But not everything belongs in a text message.
Some conversations deserve a voice.
One of the biggest problems with written communication is that it removes one of the most important parts of the conversation—tone. A simple sentence can sound friendly, sarcastic, frustrated, dismissive, or even angry depending on how the person reading it interprets it. The sender may have intended something completely different, but once those words are on a screen, the reader supplies the emotion.
That’s where misunderstandings begin.
When you’re talking to someone on the phone, you hear the smile in their voice. You can tell when they’re joking. If you accidentally say something the wrong way, you can immediately explain what you meant before it turns into a misunderstanding. You can ask follow-up questions without waiting ten minutes between replies. Most importantly, you can build a connection.
That’s something a keyboard simply can’t do.
I see this all the time in my real estate business. There are absolutely things that should be in writing. Contract terms, inspection requests, deadlines, pricing, and other details need to be documented clearly so everyone is on the same page. That’s just good business.
But before many of those emails or texts are sent, a quick phone call can make all the difference.
I’ve watched situations that could have become tense get resolved in five minutes because two people simply talked to each other. I’ve also seen the opposite—simple issues become much bigger because someone tried to have an emotional conversation through text messages. Without hearing someone’s voice, it’s easy to assume the worst.
Maybe I’m just wired a little differently.
I genuinely enjoy hearing someone’s voice. I like the back-and-forth of a conversation. I like the pauses, the laughter, and even the occasional awkward silence because that’s real life. A text message just can’t capture that.
Maybe that’s one of the reasons I still enjoy picking up the phone.
I like getting to know people. I like hearing the excitement when a buyer finds the right home or the relief in a seller’s voice after we’ve worked through a challenge. I enjoy catching up with past clients just to see how they’re doing. Those conversations remind me that I’m working with people, not just transactions.
And honestly, this isn’t just about real estate.
I’ve had plenty of moments where I’m texting someone and realize it would take thirty seconds to explain what I’m trying to say. So I hit the call button…and almost immediately it gets declined.
Then comes the text:
“Can’t talk. What’s up?”
Now, if you’re in a meeting, driving, or genuinely busy, I completely understand. We’ve all been there. But sometimes I can’t help but think we’ve become so accustomed to communicating through screens that we’ve forgotten how easy—and enjoyable—it can be to simply have a conversation.
Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had weren’t planned. They wandered off topic. We laughed. We solved a problem. We learned something about each other that never would have come across in a text message.
Those are the moments that build relationships.
Technology has given us incredible ways to stay connected, and I’m grateful for that. But I hope we don’t lose the simple art of conversation along the way.
So if my name pops up on your phone one day, don’t panic.
I’m probably just calling because I think it’ll be easier than sending twelve text messages.
Besides…I actually want to know how you’re doing.
David Dorman
Broker Associate | CENTURY 21 Carioti
Serving Ocoee, Winter Garden, Windermere, Orlando, Clermont, Apopka, Mount Dora, Groveland, Minneola, Dr. Phillips, Celebration, and surrounding Central Florida communities.
📞 407-948-8295
📧 david@daviddorman.com
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