Unlock Your Communication Power — Speak or Write with Confidence

Have you ever noticed that some people are more comfortable speaking than writing? While speaking requires instant delivery and quick thinking, many still find it easier than putting their thoughts on paper. This article explores why that happens and how practice in both areas — speaking and writing — can significantly improve your communication skills.

The Power of Practice

Communication, whether written or spoken, is all about practice. Some people express their thoughts better while writing, as they get more time to think and organize their ideas. Others find speaking easier, even though it demands instant delivery. Why does this happen? It all depends on how much practice a person has had in each form.

There are people who can speak fluently and confidently, but when it comes to writing, they struggle to express the same ideas clearly. These individuals may speak something meaningful, but if you ask them to write it down, the quality doesn't remain the same. That’s because they’re more trained in speaking than writing.

Writing vs. Speaking: A Matter of Comfort

Writing allows for more time to think, evaluate, and refine your thoughts. On the other hand, speaking is about delivering ideas instantly. Still, for many, speaking feels easier. This is not unusual. These days, technology has made it even more accessible for such individuals.

Speech-to-text tools by Google, Microsoft, and others are becoming popular. People who prefer speaking over typing or handwriting are using these tools to convert their spoken words into written text. This is especially helpful for professionals like lawyers and advocates.

Real-Life Example: Advocates and English Communication

Consider the legal profession. In high courts, English is the standard language for all arguments, orders, and documentation. Earlier, lawyers used typewriters, but now most of them use computers. However, not everyone is comfortable typing quickly. Many advocates can express themselves well through speech but find typing difficult. They need someone to type for them while they speak — a typist. But finding a typist every time is not always practical.

Writing with Speech: Benefits and Challenges

Even with speech-to-text tools, the challenge remains. While speaking, you might lose track of what you want to say next or how you want to frame it. Writing allows you to pause, review, and modify your words before finalizing them. The brain gets time to evaluate and polish the communication.

Personally, I’ve faced this too. Sometimes, I record my thoughts by speaking and then type them. But I often feel that the result is not as polished as it would have been if I had written it directly. That’s because writing gives your brain time to analyze and improve the content.

The Art of Taking Pauses

Great speakers are not just fluent — they are thoughtful. Take the example of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He was known for his powerful oratory. One of his strongest traits was the long pauses he would take while speaking. Why?

During these pauses, he evaluated his thoughts and carefully chose what to say next. These small gaps gave him time to compose himself and ensure clarity in delivery. His audience would wait in silence, anticipating the weight of his next words.

A Tip for All Communicators

Whether you're speaking or writing, it's essential to give yourself time to process your thoughts. If you're speaking, take short pauses. These pauses help your mind to compose the next sentence, maintain your rhythm, and speak confidently. Speaking too fast can break your flow, reduce fluency, and damage your confidence.

In the end, whether you find writing easier or speaking easier, it all comes down to practice. Technology can help bridge the gap, but your brain still needs time to think, process, and deliver — whether through the pen, the keyboard, or your voice. So practice both, be patient with yourself, and remember: every great communicator was once a beginner.