How Messaging and Texting Can Sabotage Your Relationships

In today's digital age, texting and messaging have become primary modes of communication. However, they come with their pitfalls, especially in maintaining relationships—both personal and professional.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Texting Lacks Emotional Nuance

Text messages often fail to convey the full spectrum of emotions, leaving recipients to fill in the gaps with their imaginations. This can lead to overthinking and misinterpretation.

2. Varied Reading Habits

Some people meticulously read every detail in a message, while others skim and focus on the conclusion. This discrepancy can lead to misunderstandings, as the essence of the message might be lost or misinterpreted.

3. The Dilemma of Brevity

Short, concise messages can help ensure clarity, but they might also come across as dry or unfriendly. Balancing brevity with warmth is a challenge.

4. The Emoji Conundrum

Emojis can add emotion to text, making messages feel more personal. However, not everyone appreciates them, some might find them immature or distracting.

My Personal Take

I've always been fascinated by the dynamics of verbal and written communication. There's a noticeable difference in how people express themselves in writing versus in person, often leading to cognitive dissonance and misinterpretation. This is particularly critical in business settings, where clear communication is paramount.

As a millennial, I'm accustomed to using emojis to soften my messages and avoid appearing too stern. It's a habit born from my naturally soft-spoken nature. While emojis are generally inappropriate in formal business communications, I occasionally find myself slipping a smiley face into messages, even to strangers. How these are received, however, is another matter.

Navigating Written Communication

Understanding the importance of clear written communication is essential. Overly emotional or overly brief messages can create confusion, depending largely on how well the recipient knows you and your communication style.

Once you've established a comfortable rapport with someone, written communication becomes easier. However, for general interactions, it's best to keep messages concise and to the point, even if they may come off as dry. Deliver the key information directly, as people often skim messages and may miss important details.

If you sense a miscommunication or a conversation veering off track, take a moment to pause. Reread the message with different tones in mind, and avoid taking things personally unless directly addressed. Use clear, unemotional language to prevent further confusion.

Learning the principles of business correspondence is crucial. These guidelines exist to minimize ambiguity and streamline communication. Remember, executives and busy professionals don't have time for lengthy emails—so stay short, polite, and direct.

For longer, more detailed discussions, opt for a phone call or an in-person meeting. While messaging is convenient, it can lead to misinterpretations, especially in sensitive conversations. Stay objective, ask clarifying questions, and avoid jumping to conclusions.

Your Thoughts?

What strategies do you use to avoid ambiguity and miscommunication in written communication? Share your thoughts and tips below!