Tag: communication

Categories
motivation

Modern Communication

Texting anyone? Or do you tweet, post an update or prefer only to communicate with chatbots? Do you email your request? Or do you prefer to snail mail your correspondence?

We have so many easy, fast ways to communicate now. We can send instant messages to someone across the world. Yet, do we stop to consider if our favorite mode of communication is effective?

A handwritten note from a hundred years ago can still speak effectively. Books printed centuries ago can still give wisdom and insight. Some communication is good for the immediacy of the Internet. Some are meant for more permanence.

As we near Valentine’s Day, consider what mode of communication you are using. There are times a quick text to my wife is an appropriate way to say I love you. But the handwriting in a note or card may last longer than I’ll ever know.

Categories
motivation

Did I Make That Call Today?

©2013 Speartoons, Inc

Texting has revolutionized the way I communicate. If I suddenly have something I want to share with my wife or kids, I can send it immediately and not worry if they are busy. I can send a note of encouragement to a friend. I don’t have to dispense with the pleasantries of small talk before getting to the point. I can make the point and have an answer in a moment.

But the temptation is to make that the primary form of communication because it is so effortless. It’s easy to type a thought and send it. A lot can be lost in translation. It is difficult to make a true connection with a few words and no context. A text is an electronic sticky-note. Make sure when you are using it, it’s the appropriate way to communicate in that situation.

Sometimes it is just better to make the call. But it can feel awkward if I’m out of practice. It can feel too easy to hide behind a text. I’ve heard of couples breaking it up over a text. Really? It may be easier but it is not the way to deal with something so emotional.

Sometimes it is better to make the call or to visit someone in a person. If I have something important to say, I will make that call today.

Categories
Christmas holiday

Clearer Christmas Requests

It’s a foggy Christmas Eve morning in Ohio. Somebody better get Rudolph ready just in case Santa needs to make a last-minute stop at the Waffle House.

Foggy winter morning in Ohio

I sure hope you sent your letter to Santa before the fog set in. because time is running out! Wait a minute… do kids send text messages or email to Santa now? I guess that would buy a little more time. Who knows how long it takes to get a letter up there, or the cost of overnighting it!

How we get a message across is important. Sometimes, it can be easy to speak a request.

  • Santa, I want a pony.
  • Honey, please clean up this mess.
  • Please don’t bring your fruitcake.

Other messages are much more subtle and leave room for interpretation.

  • Mom, how much does a pony eat?
  • Wow! Look at this mess!
  • Are you bringing fruitcake again?

The second set of statements is much less clear. Family Christmas gatherings can be filled with nuanced conversations and foggy statements. I will resolve to make my point clear if I am wanting a specific outcome.

By the way, Mom and Dad, I don’t want a pony for Christmas anymore. If you get me one, it would only end up at your house.

Categories
cartoon

Just because you receive my tweets doesn’t mean we’re communicating.

Social media has change the way we communicate. We don’t consider when we post something, it is really one way communication. We don’t consider that we have become our own media outlet, much like a newspaper or TV news show. We are all broadcasters now.

But broadcasters are not the same as communicators. True communication is two-way. We speak and listen.

Blogging, tweeting and Facebook posts are fine. But we need to remember true communication is a different entity.

Categories
Christianity Marketing

Why Churches Should Excel at Social Media

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English: , located in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If there are any institutions that should excel at social media, it is the church across North America. Each one could be a potential publishing powerhouse because of several reasons:

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