Have you noticed that human contact is becoming less and less as we rely more and more on technology to deliver our messages? Take the example of an email. How many times have you been in close proximity to someone in an office setting when they shoot over an email rather than walk over to you and talk to you? Seems kind of lame doesn't it?
Now sometimes there are very valid reasons to put something in an email like needing to include many people on the same message or wanting your message documented. But there are times when emails are sent instead of face-to-face interaction where there is really no need. Think about it the next time you send an email to the person sitting right next to you.
Check out Paul Castain's Email Free Fridays for his suggestions on how to bring back the "conversation" into the work arena and how to work those muscles that using technology keeps us from working. Paul is a riot with wisdom and keen insights. Check out his post. You won't be disappointed.
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Great point you mention here. I write a lot of emails myself and it's true sometimes it's just not necessary to write emails because instead you could simply talk to each other.
I think one of the reasons why we do this so often is because it saves us time. When you speak on the phone you are much more likely to find some other topic that you could talk about but an email doesn't even give you that option. Many people are simply so busy that emails are the ultimate medium to carry their message.
This reminds me that I should talk to other people more often. Thanks
Sherryl, I can top that one about emailing your husband. My boyfriend and I have been guilty of sitting right next to each other on the couch and writing FB messages back and forth LOL. I agree that sometimes an email is faster because you don’t have to make small talk – it is straight to the point and often a time saver. But when it starts to replace human contact, it becomes a problem.
Hi Julius. I agree with yours and Sherryl’s point that emails can sometimes save time. Good point that many people are multi-tasking and super busy and sometimes just don’t have the time to make phone calls or talk to someone in the office. An additional point is that many people are not always at their desks so even if you try to call them or go to their office, they are not there. Your email is them more necessary. Thanks for your insights
Hello Julie.
I get pretty annoyed when I recieve texts and e-mails that would have been much better served in person or through talking. Texting really annoys me because the effort it takes to text just doesn't justify not simply dialing the number and actually talking. That and it costs more on my cellular plan;)
I have several friends who no amount of spelling it out will help, they still insist on FB messaging or e-mails, when I live nearby and never do anything but call them myself. I don't like how electronic messages take all the character out of personal interaction. There is no way to replace it, and you lose so much information that you get from inflections in speech and body language.
Hi Paul,
I agree with you about texting. My children love to make fun of my text responses because they are totally illegible. But hey, I don't need to put on my glasses to TALK on the phone right? You are also right in that electronic communications can never replace personal interaction even though there are times when it is the preferred means of communication.
Thanks for your comments
There's a real estate trainer that opens up his training sessions explaining how people communicate. He says, some people like to communicate like this, and he wiggles his fingers in the air as if typing. Then, he holds his hand to his head as if talking on the phone; next, he places his hand in front of his face and moves it back and forth underside of his hand, to imitate face to face communication and last but not least, my personal favorite, he twiddles his thumbs, squints his eyes, imitating text messaging. All the while he looks like he is doing some weird version of the Macarena.
Personally, I’m shy and finally feel like I can communicate the way I feel the most comfortable: behind a pc or some other electronic device.
Hi Angie,
Maybe he was doing his own version of the Macarena LOL. Good point about how electronic communications can help someone who is shy to feel more comfortable than face-to-face interaction. Seems like none of us who have commented thus far saw it from that perspective. Thanks for adding your insights
I kinda agree that human contact is becoming lesser and lesser. A good example would be me. I can't remember when was the last time I saw somebody else besides my husband. I work from home.
Hi Catherine – maybe it is time for you to get out?
Thanks for stopping in.
Love the word press design you are making use of. I reckon I may well give suffusion a test myself with a fresh real estate property blog. Thanks for the ideas!
Hi Jane. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love the Suffusion theme. It was rather intimidating at first and I am sure there are things/functions I can be making use of and aren't, but in time I am sure I will use all the customizations available. Good luck with your new blog and please don't hesitate to contact me if you would like any suggestions/ideas for your new venture. A happy and healthy new year to you and your family,
Julie