Just Talk To Me

By Tom Wilson, CFO TP Mechanical

Communication has become nothing more than a few typed words or symbols. Our culture has the lost art of speaking and holding an actual conversation. Everything is communicated by sending an email or text instead of actually utilizing the telephone for what it was intended for. Out the door are the face to face meetings, to actually talk to a customer, peer, or friend. We have become too busy.

Too many people rely on writing a quick text or email to start a discussion, begin a relationship, or argue with someone. Don’t get me wrong. Typing an email and texting are perfect for many situations such as, confirming an appointment, making sure information got to the right person, setting up a meeting, making a quick point, or just sending a kind word to a friend.

If you truly want to establish a relationship however, talking is the best way to go. Many “textoholics” would argue with me (usually via email) that this is not the case. They say, “I can make many more connections and be more productive using the electronic art of communication than any person can spending the time it takes to make a call or a face to face visit.” I contend it is more productive and satisfying to pick up a phone, ask questions, listen, and form a bond. By making that initial call, you can prevent the receiving party from misinterpreting what you were trying to say. In an email, things can be misinterpreted which leads to a second or third text or email explaining the first one. Productive… I think not.

I also strongly believe that emotions can be better delivered with words coming out of your mouth than from any keyboard. You can get more information and “feeling” from a short phone call than from any two-sentence message smattered with capital letters (for emotional effect) that any attorney would be proud of. I also think any customer, peer or friend would rather “hear” from you than “see” what you have to say. It might be a little more of an investment in time. In the long run though, this makes more of an impression.

I am don’t believe that I am not the only one who feels this way. I am absolutely sure most people today do not agree with me however. For those of you, who think I am just an old-fashioned Neanderthal that needs to get with the times, send me an email and let me know what you think. If you agree with what I believe… give me a call. I’d like to hear from you.