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Etiquette for sending private messages: text, audio, or video?
Whether privately messaging someone via email, social media DM, or mobile text, which is better... writing, audio, or video?
Here's my personal rule:
1. Writing is most respectful because it's the quickest for the other person to read.
2. The more of a relationship I have with someone, the more they'll likely be patient enough to listen to my audio / watch my video message to them... yet, if it's something I'm asking for / requesting, it's still more respectful to write if possible.
3. If recording audio/video, try to keep it under 1 minute 😅 and more about sharing emotion... not information, which can be shared via writing.
4. Except if I'm volunteering help to someone / doing them a favor, then audio/video longer is fine, but aim for no more than 3 minutes unless it's really super helpful to go longer 😄
5. Another exception -- if I'm responding to a client/student on a Q&A call and it's a video that will be watched by others, then of course, going longer (as you know I do!) than 3 minutes is normal 😂
What are your feelings when receiving a private message from someone you don't know super well? Do you prefer writing, audio, or video? Comment and let's discuss below. You're allowed to disagree with me 😊
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What I love about this is that we (especially women) were taught in the corporate world not to show emotion...back when I was cutting my teeth in corporate in early 90s. Ridiculous! Love how George teaches to put emotion into your messages - shows your intention.
What matters most for me is the intention :)
It depends, on the person, how well I know them and how much I want to share. If I'm outside but want to reply to someone, I will probably send an audio message. Sometimes it;s nice to hear other people's voices. and if someone creates a personal video to talk to me, then I appreciate that
I prefer sending written communication. As far as receiving communication - if I know you and we have some kind of relationship, then I don't really care how you communicate with me. But until a relationship has been established, written works best for me
I do prefer written messages or voice messages, than videos.
As the Quakers say, "this friend speaks my mind"
Both of these responses resonate for me and are in line with my own practices.
For me it's all person dependent. I always start with written communication.. but then once I have more of a rapport, if there's a bit of dialogue then I'll ask if I can send them a voice note to respond to something they've asked about.
Client wise -- I have Voxer as an inclusion so they can expect written or voice.
I prefer written communication unless I know someone pretty well. It’s the fastest way for me to process. I know the intention of audio and video is usually warmer and/or more personal, but I have to listen or watch it in real time, when I have time. And if I don’t have that type of relationship with the sender, I’ll often end up leaving it unlistened or unwatched.