What would we do without text messages? The immediacy of being able to send a brief message, to receive confirmation of a meeting or even a reminder of your doctor’s appointment is brilliant. My husband always text’s to confirm which train he is on: presumably to ensure there is a welcomed cup of tea available. My son text’s to ask what is for dinner (WFD?). My father always texts me with a photograph of a stunning view of where he’s walking!
However, there are occasions where texting is possibly not appropriate. I blogged about Malaysian Airways texting families of the passengers, to say that the aeroplane had been lost. I believed this was an inappropriate way to communicate bad news, although the company felt they had good reason to use this method of communicating.
I received a text from an employee to hand in his immediate notice. He’d had a better offer but didn’t think of mentioning this face to face. He only spoke to me when he needed a reference…. My cousin was ‘dumped’ by Text after a 3 year meaningful relationship.
In my latest Superstar Communicator Podcast I discuss how great TEXTing is; how useful it is, but also how it can be misused. As Superstar Communicators our aim is to be effective communicators; to engage and interact, developing rapport. I therefore suggest times when TEXTING is BRILLIANT and times when other forms of communication could be more effective, as well as considering who the recipient is of the TEXT.
So go ahead: listen to the podcast!