Emails And Text Messaging An Imperfect Form Of Communication

Nick, all your points are right on target!  If only more people realized the importance of the tone of their writing!

Nick, texts and emails definitely can send the wrong message, and especially when you are in a hurry!

I think texting should only be done where it is necessary but as soon as there are essentials like contract details or terms emails are the way to go. I am also a person who is interested in hard evidence in case something goes wrong. With texting things can go wrong much easier because we are all in a hurry and make typing mistakes.

Sunny greetings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

One of the best uses of email is to put in writing the results of the phone conversation you just finished.  That allows you to reiterate any understandings and create a permanent record that is less formal than if you wrote an addendum to a contract.

Text messaging is great when issues are simple.  Again, it creates a permanent record.  I have had numerous text conversations with clients, though, where it starts to get very detailed and involves lots of explanation.  That's when it's time for me to pick up the phone and then follow-up with an email.

Agree. We really have to be extra careful with sending texts and emails because sometimes it also depends on the receiver's perception of the message.

I think people will always continue to use them, but you are right you have to be careful.

This is so very true!  It is so easy to mistype a word especially when you are in a hurry (waking vs walking) and because you are in a hurry you do not take the time to proof yourself.  Modern technology it is a blessing and a curse all at the same time!

I dont mind texting, but if its important, I always make a phone call

Auto correct is the worst thing ever invented. I wish we could all just talk on the phone or in person but in a business where our clients have their own jobs and many agents I co-broke with have full time jobs texting and email are necessary. Also, it is a paper trail too. 

I do agree that it can be misunderstood but if I have an email to refer back too it is much easier than trying to say I left you a message about this last week only to get the response well I never got the message, whether they did or not I have no proof. 

Great post! It is a reality when dealing with millennial clients. They prefer to text. My philosophy, communicate with the client they way they prefer.

This is very true. Emails and texts can be very imprecise. At least pick up the phone. Lord knows we've all got a couple of those!

Hi Nick - you hit the jackpot on this one!  Texts - really?  If people don't read what they are about to send and/or check to whom the text is being sent, it could be a total disaster.  I certainly hope the text frenzy ends .... soon!  Unfortunately, I' thinking that is merely a wishful thought.

Semantics can be our worst enemy

Nick ~ your words have never rang truer.  Emotions, meanings and body language are not translated through emails and texts!  Great words of caution.

On I know how embrassing this thing can be I have been on wrong end a couple of times myself. 

Nothing beats face to face but if that is not possible then a phone call is best. Text and emails are great for tracking information but they can lose a lot of the message.

 Always remember that you need to be very careful about what you say in your work-related e-mails, especially when you are representing your client’s interests.