I was having a conversation with a few colleagues about preferred types of communication. The 24 year old of the group only send’s emails and texts, no phone calls, I (30 years old) prefer emails and texts but also like a follow up with a phone conversation, and the 51 year old would respond to an email with a phone call. So why don’t we talk on the phone anymore? Is it a generational thing, technology advancements, or is it simply personal preference?
I do know that talking on the phone is becoming a thing of the past. People are now texting, communicating via social media or emailing. Whilst reading articles on this topic, I have come across very mixed reviews about talking on the phone. I wanted to share some with you, see if you can relate to any of them.
Why People Don’t Want to Talk on the Phone
- Some feel unprepared for ad hoc phone calls, and prefer to feel in control. Emails help them document a conversation.
- Some are apprehensive about dealing with emotions on a phone call, and they don’t know how to end a phone call conversation.
- Interrupts their flow.
- They can hide behind emails and texts.
- Phone calls can take too long, and people feel emails are quicker.
- Different time zones making it hard to communicate at certain times.
Why Talking on the Phone is Important
- You get a response there and then. If you have an urgent issue that needs to be addressed talking about it will give you a quicker response.
- Talking helps build relationships. Yes a perk of email is that you don’t deal with emotions, but we are human, emotions are part of our DNA.
- It prevents conflict. Ever sent an email which didn’t get the response you were looking for? You should have phoned the person instead.
Just a few Facts for you!
Emails: By the end of 2017 it is estimated that there will be over 4.9 billion email accounts. There are over 132 billion emails sent per day worldwide.
There is so much debate about what mode of communication is best. The truth is they are all good in the right situation; normally a mixture of communication methods is best. When you go to send your next text message or email, think would it be quicker and more beneficial for both parties to pick up the phone and talk?
It might be time you lay your assumed constraints of talking to someone to bed!
Sarah-Jane is the EMEA Channel Solutions Consultant.
Statistics Taken from Radicati Research 2013.