If you're smart, you recognize that good communication goes way beyond your computer screen. When it comes to exchanging ideas and really being understood in the workplace, e-mail and instant messages are only the tip of the iceberg. After all, there are real conversations that happen countless times on any given day in any office. While any of the tools using computers can be effective, none is as powerful as the old-fashioned, face-to-face conversation. This is because engaging someone face-to-face allows you to gain their trust and boost their motivation. Moreover, it is the only way to guarantee that you have the person's complete attention.