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Few people would disagree that a world of difference exists between the spoken and written words. It is a truism that still has the ability to shock from time to time. My most recent shock occurred after giving an interview for an oral archive and afterwards receiving a transcription of the exchanges. Frankly I was appalled by the poor quality of my spoken language and by my indistinct enunciation on occasion.

Written language has the benefit of considered formulation that reflects in concision, clarity, and style. It gains from editing and polishing and from a period of  premeditation. Clearly the spoken word is more immediate and spontaneous and suffers consequentially from rougher construction.

Aficionados of radio will be aware of the programme Any Answers, a response by listeners to a companion transmission Any Questions. In the original broadcasts of Any Answers the correspondents submitted written reactions that were lucidly brief.

The programme was presented by the urbane Freddie Grisewood who had a beautifully modulated speaking voice and businesslike manner. Overall, the impression was that the programme had been the subject of some careful planning.

Nowadays, the same commendations cannot be accorded Any Answers, which has degenerated into a radio phone-in or talk show lacking disciplined thought. Instead, the listener is too often subjected to amorphous verbal ramblings that seem to run on for an eternity and fail to reach a cogent point. Writing does demand effort, but bestows the advantages of orderliness and restraint. This is another argument in favour of the printed word when compared to flashy electronic and broadcast alternatives. Print reveals a characteristic calmness of deliberation and exudes authority and dependability.

Lawrence Wallis held international pre-press marketing positions and was a respected author and print historian.