Because you can doesn't mean you should

Technology today gives you so many different ways to talk to people. The two keys for you are to first realize that "talking" is NOT the same as "communicating" and then, secondly, to figure out which method of communication will be best for your message.

More and more often now, men are proposing marriage to women through text messages. Really. Perhaps thinking, "Since we text each other all the time anyway, why not?", they shoot off a little missive that says "OMG, IDK, want 2 get married?" or something like that. How romantic. Even Miss Manners says, "texting, which is a lightweight way of conveying instant thoughts, is unsuitable" for proposals. The technology may be at your disposal and may be appropriate for certain messages, but it isn't appropriate for all.

We've discussed examples, in the past, of companies handling mass layoffs through E-mail. In casual conversation, you'll hear of some "jerk" who ended a relationship by voice mail or text. As the title of this post says, "Because you can, doesn't mean you should".

You can "talk" to people how ever you wish. "Talking" simply means that you're telling people things. They may or may not be listening, may or may not be understanding, and may or may not care about your message. But, you're sending the message anyway, because you're just "talking".

"Communicating" is something more and something completely different. Communication is about reaching someone with your message, affecting him or her in some way, and often eliciting a response from him or her. When you need to communicate, consider which method will be most effective in reaching the other person. It may not be the most convenient way for you, or your preferred method, but if it is more likely to reach the other person than it is the method to use. If they need an address and they need it now, text it. If they need an explanation and they need it now, call them. If they need information and lots of details, E-mail it. And if you want to get married, ask them face-to-face. Any message that is going to affect the other person emotionally should be delivered face-to-face so that you can see the effect you're having on him or her and gauge the response you get.

This is the type of advice and discussion you'll get in your "Break Through the Clutter" Communication Seminar. Call or E-mail today to schedule your own "Break Through the Clutter" Communication Seminar for your group or business, 913-631-2985, bkthrucomm@aol.com. You'll be a hero for doing it.