In the business world, feedback is of immense value. It’s how we understand what’s working, what’s not, and how we can improve. Historically, this feedback has often come in the form of written reviews. But as we continue to evolve and adapt, especially with the evolution of technology, there’s a growing shift towards a potentially more impactful form of feedback: that of voice. This article explores the importance and power of voice feedback and compares it to the age-old practice of written reviews.
The essence of voice feedback begins with voice itself. The voice is unique, carrying emotion and distinction in ways that letters on a page simply cannot. A softening of tone, a sharp intake of breath, or a pause can tell you as much about what someone is really feeling as their actual words. Behind those vibrations and sounds, there’s a person expressing heartfelt thoughts. Plus, as research suggests, voice – essentially being ‘speech’ – resonates with our memory a lot more. It fits in rather seamlessly with how we’ve been evolving as human beings – depending heavily on communication through voice.
On the other hand, written reviews have limitations. While I have nothing against written feedback, and in fact believe it serves its purpose incredibly well, the emotion often gets lost or ‘sanitized’ in translation from mind to paper. The irony of written language is that it can sometimes be restrictive, even inhibiting, rather than value-adding. Tone, inflection, and nuance can all be misinterpreted, leading to potential conflict or misunderstandings. Furthermore, written reviews can be scripted or edited multiple times, potentially losing the authenticity of the feedback.
Which brings us right back to the benefits of voice feedback. To put it bluntly, it’s raw, it’s real, and it’s authentic. When you hear someone’s voice, you’re more likely to get the true essence of their thoughts and feelings. In addition, voice feedback can offer greater detail. As our brains are better wired for speech, we often find it easier and faster to voice our thoughts than to write them out. All of this boils down to improved performance and satisfaction because feedback is understood and applied more effectively.
Take, for example, a client feedback scenario in a software company. The written review might vaguely comment, “The user interface could be better.” Contrast this with a voice feedback, “I struggle to find the ‘Save’ button every time, it does not stand out. It can be frustrating.” Here, the problem is much clearer – leading to a more concrete solution.
Now turning to the future, the digital age is brewing a revolution when it comes to feedback. Developments in technology not only make voice feedback easier and more accessible, but we’re also seeing the rise of smart analytics. The likes of AI and Machine Learning can analyze voice recordings for emotional tone and more qualitative aspects, which could significantly improve business communication and feedback loops.
While written reviews have their place and continue to be a staple of feedback—especially where documentation is important—we cannot ignore the unique and compelling benefits that voice feedback provides. Embracing this form of feedback can not only improve communication but also lead to a richer, more productive business environment. After all, businesses are about people. And what better way to connect with people than through the soulful utility of voice.