By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – February 9, 2026
In a world of texts, emails, slack messages, and endless notifications, in-person conversations are quietly disappearing. For many people, that shift feels efficient—even convenient. But for individuals with ADHD, this trend comes with an often-overlooked cost.
ADHD is fundamentally a self-regulation challenge, closely tied to working memory. Those impacted by ADHD aren’t lacking intelligence or motivation; they’re often searching for strategies that genuinely bring relief, clarity, and productivity. In an early episode of Attention Talk Radio, I sat down with psychologist Dr. Ari Tuckman to explore one of the most powerful—yet increasingly undervalued—tools available, which is in-person conversations.
Why Working Memory Matters
Working memory allows you to hold information in mind while using it. It’s what helps you stay engaged in a discussion, organize thoughts, and follow through on tasks. For individuals with ADHD, working memory is often strained, which can make email or text far less effective than it appears on the surface. Unlike written communication, in-person conversations provide immediate feedback, visual cues, tone of voice, and a natural structure that supports focus and comprehension. These elements reduce the cognitive load on working memory and help regulate attention in real time.
The Self-Regulation Advantage
Self-regulation isn’t just about willpower—it’s about the environment and the systems that support it. Face-to-face interactions naturally encourage engagement and accountability. Being physically present with another person creates subtle social pressure that helps anchor attention, regulate impulses, and sustain focus in ways that digital communication often cannot.
Why In-Person Conversations Are Disappearing
So, why are in-person interactions falling out of favor? Because economic theories, perceived efficiency, convenience, and scalability have driven us toward digital communication. While these tools save time on the surface, they often externalize hidden costs—especially for those with ADHD. What looks efficient for the system may be inefficient for the brain.
Rethinking “Efficiency” for ADHD
One of the most important takeaways from this discussion is the need to rethink what efficiency really means. If a quick email leads to misunderstandings, delays, or mental fatigue, was it actually efficient? For individuals with ADHD, in-person conversations can lead to faster clarity, better decisions, and stronger follow-through—making them more productive in the long run.
Advocating for What Works
I encourage you to reconsider how you communicate and to advocate for in-person conversations when possible. Whether at work, at home, or in collaborative settings, choosing verbal, face-to-face interaction can be a powerful act of self-support.
If you have ADHD and are looking for strategies that truly reduce friction and increase productivity, this blog post may change how you think about communication—and inspire you to bring in-person conversations back into your daily life.
To learn more, listen to the full conversation, ADHD Tools and Strategies: In-Person Conversations