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Last week at the Virginia Career Works Business Success Symposium attendees heard from Lois James on effective communication which has us thinking about email communications.
How many times have you said, "things don't come across the same in email"? That is absolutely true, but do you know why?
When we communicate in person, we are unknowingly paying attention to more than just the obvious words, but also non-verbal cues. These are the very elements that add depth and nuance to our face-to-face interactions.
But what happens in email or text communications? In the digital realm, we lose those subtle non-verbal cues that help convey meaning, emotions, and intentions. In face to face communication, 7% is conveyed through words while 38% of the message is inflection, and 55% visual. That means, in email communication, we are missing an important 93% of the message. Without the benefit of body language, tone of voice, or facial expressions, emails can sometimes lack the richness and clarity we naturally experience in person.
Taking this into consideration, it is valuable to stay aware of possible communication gaps in the digital realm. If there is uncertainty, don't hesitate to seek clarification, and for discussions where nuances are crucial, explore alternative channels such as calls or video chats. Recognizing and addressing these aspects can greatly enhance the efficacy of our digital communication.
~Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce, In the Know
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