COMMUNICATING YOUR MESSAGE
Written Word
(Text message, Email, Handwritten Note, etc.)
Voice Calling
(Telephone, Voice Over IP, Google Voice, etc.)
Video Calling
(Skype, Facetime, Video Conferencing, etc.)
Face-to-Face
(Physically meeting in person)
MORE CONTROL
LESS CONTROL
When you simply write a message, you are only using 7% of your potential means of communication. The message is left widely open to misinterpretation by the reciever and can easily be influenced by environmental factors, their mood or other predispositions. Additionally, if the message is misinterpreted, you, the sender are not present to correct the misunderstanding of the message and must wait for feedback, best case scenario, before you are made aware that there may be a miscommunication.
Although with voice calling you have eliminated 55% of visible communication including facial expressions and eye contact, there is still the ability to interpret and react to the pitch, tone, rate and volume of the reciever's voice. In this case there is the opportunity to correct miscommunication. However, it is much harder to express emotions and sincerity over a voice call than in person. Also, keep in mind that some individuals from the more senior generations are often shy to talk to a screen and may adjust their behavior accordingly and not act as they would in an in-person conversation.
When using video calling, you are able to have all the verbal and non-verbal cues permitted in a face-to-face conversation. The only risks faced are the potential lag time, quality of sound or visual and the lack of intimacy that an in-person conversation provides. If you cannot have a face-to-face conversation, this is the next best option, especially when communicating personal messages, longer or more detailed pieces of information or when discussing sensitive topics that may be more susceptible to miscommunication.
Communicating any message face-to-face is always preferable. Sending a message in person minimizes room for interpretation, distractions and provides an immediate reaction that can be reacted to if necessary. Additionally, face-to-face interaction is one of the best ways to build stronger, lasting relationships.
Select each tip to learn more
Know Your Audience
Put yourself in the other person's shoes. How and when would they like to hear your message?
Communicate One Message at a Time
This leaves less room for confusion and adds more focus to the interaction.
Reduce Jargon
Simplify as much as possible and don't try to make things sound more complex than they are.
Connect Emotionally
Take time to make the reciever feel like you care about them and the message they are about to recieve.
Tell your Audience What You Want From Them
If you don't ask, you will never receive. Tell your audience what your expectations are or what their role in the situation should be.
Ask for Feedback
If you want to improve or desire creating more collaborative relationships both business and personal, ask for feedback!