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 😊 (If you cannot see -- or write -- comments below, it means you're not logged in.)
I'm glad there are people on here who think and feel the same way! Written (for me) is always the best and most preferred way for 2 reasons: 1) it's the quickest to process and 2) it's possible to scroll through messages looking for information at a glance, rather than having to rewatch/relisten to all the videos/audios to find 'that bit' of information. I also agree that audio/video are very important tools when trying to convey emotions, as that is an instance when written words can be misunderstood!
@Amy Ewald well said🙏🏼