A lot of people on this board are (seemingly) incredibly intelligent.
They can write eloquent and informative posts with ease. Their posts are articulate, learned, witty, sometimes exceptional, most times interesting and easy to read. Their arguments are persuasive, strong, yet polite and courteous.
But…
Could they argue their position as strongly IRL? If they were requested to be on a television programme to debate as issue on which they held strong views, could they articulate their opinions as successfully? Would the debate go their way when typing became spoken words, and there is no delete key to remove initial attempts to express your point?
Replace the word ‘they’ above with the word ‘you’, the word ‘their’ with ‘your’.
Can you defend your point of view with grace, eloquence and politeness in the flesh? Can you argue a position as easily in person as you can in cyber space?
I do much better in writing than speaking. I’m one of those who thinks of the perfect retort… several days later.
I don’t mind public speaking when I’ve had a chance to prepare/research/practice, but it I must discuss or debate an issue, I’m pretty much hopeless. I don’t think on my feet too well. I need time to ponder and reflect.
OTOH, if I’m just exchanging zingers or mindless banter, I’m all over it, babe!
Although not quick as quick as I was back in the day, I usually hold my own on my feet.
On an absolute sense, like most, I’m a better writer than debater, but relative to other writers and debaters, I’m probably no better at one than the other.
I’m actually more articulate IRL. I don’t type nearly as fast as I think, particularly when ranting, so often I see an old post I made and think of a dozen ways i could have said it better.
I am more articulate in my writing than verbally. Perhaps it comes down to having time to formulate a response, find the words I’m looking for, and make sure it comes across the way I want it to.
Verbal responses, unless planned well in advance, can seem scattered at times. Mind, I can still use big words to confuse the hell out of people but find that retorts can come 5 minutes after walking away from that person. Even if I know what I want to say, it refuses to come out (easily intimidated unfortunately) and then I kick myself for not saying anything to defend myself or stand up for my position.
Um… pretty, um I…would think my um…my articulous…um…ness is pretty, uh…good.
Just playing actually…
<deep breath>
I am the very model of a modern Major-General,
I’ve information vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical
From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical;
I’m very well acquainted, too, with matters mathematical,
I understand equations, both the simple and quadratical,
About binomial theorem I’m teeming with a lot o’ news,
With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse
</deep breath>
Depends on how well I am prepared, and how well I know the subject matter. A good portion of my job involves oral argument in federal court appeals. Which I am quite good at. But I am far less satisfied with my ability to speak eloquently off the cuff about issues that matter to me. Sure, it is easy as long as the discussion does not go beyond stock phrases. But when I wish to express myself accurately and in depth, I often am dismayed at the stumbling I perceive.
Tho I generally find others are not as critical about my performance as I.
And I ALWAYS experience where I realize the perfect phrasing as soon as I finish talking. Or snappy comebacks a minute or two too late.
The biggest problem I have perceived is a desire to rush - the thought that I am taking up too much of everyone else’s time. But it takes time to express just about anything worth expressing. And IME a speaker generally feels as tho his time speaking - and gaps while searching for the desired phrasing - are longer than the audience perceives.
When I used to drink more heavily, I used to tend towards being loud and boorish. Dominating conversations. I have lately tried to improve my listening skills.
I write pretty well - and quickly.
Overall - I’m a pretty good bullshitter. Good thing I’m a lawyer - a profession that allows me to play to my strengths.
(At least in my head, that is)