While we marvel at modern technology and the ability to communicate through e-mails, text messages and social networking sites, it's also encouraging verbal communication to break down.

According to Jim Headley in his article, "The Importance of Verbal Communication": "Verbal communication is 10 percent what you say and 90 percent how you say it."

Most people, especially teenagers, are starting to rely on non-verbal communication sources to communicate with others. Messages are being lost in translation due to the fact that people are not hearing the correct emotions behind written words.

The receivers of these messages are often left to interpret the emotion behind the written words based on their own moods and feelings for the day.

For example, I am sure we have all been guilty of being angered at a message that was meant to be sarcastic or humorous. Perhaps if we could have heard the speaker's voice behind the message, we could have avoided the hard feelings that came about.

Oftentimes you see people sitting side by side texting each other conversations instead of physically speaking.

Do you get the same warm fuzzy from the noise of your keyboard as you get from the voice of a friend or loved one? Doesn't the sound of a human voice make a conversation closer to the heart and more meaningful?

I know I am going to put more effort in utilizing my voice instead of letting my fingers do the talking. Come on people let me hear your voice!

Alyssa Corbitt, Bloomington