CRITICAL yes, it adds to the actual factual reality of more than just fingers behind the screen across the web. People want that intimacy and connection, even if they don't admit it. Communication is a vital component to success anywhere and the more ways a person does that, the better off they will be.
Absolutely! It makes all the difference when can hear the person's point of view from their own voice! It brings everything they're saying to life with a new energy!