Professionals Sound Off on the Use of Email, Snail Mail, and Face-to-Face Conversation
How much time do you spend checking your email each day? If you’re in line with the national average, the number may surprise you. Most people spend more than 2 ½ hours reading and sending emails daily – that’s the equivalent of 27 days per year!
By contrast, New York Times bestselling author Dan Schawbel notes that in America’s top companies, one face-to-face meeting can accomplish more than that of 30 email exchanges. Is it time to turn back the clock on communication technology? Here’s what some of Clarksville, Tennessee’s leading professionals had to say.
Cindy O’Neal, former publisher of Tiny Town Buzz, prefers the face-to-face approach. She often calls business contacts to make in-person appointments. “There is no email that can put a face with a name,” O’Neal said. “Eye to eye contact will always tell the truth.”
Clifford Adams, owner of the travel agency Preferred Destinations, agrees. “I prefer talking to individuals directly,” said Adams. “That way you can get answers to all of your questions at one time. Also, you’re not left on hold, waiting.”
What of email? Adams continued, “By email, there are a lot of things you would like to say that may be difficult to express in writing. In conversation, the meaning can be made clear.”
Based on our informal polls, it seems that many (more than 75 percent) in Clarksville’s business community prefer conversation to technology. There are others, however, who prefer tech over talk. Arizona Hurn of Humble Universe Disturbers Used Books and More commented on our Facebook poll: “I can do email or text whenever, wherever. Calling or in-person communication requires the proper timing/environment, and is more difficult to accomplish.”
Are you trying to be a better communicator? Check out our writing tips.
One part Lois Lane, one part Jimmy Olsen, one part Johnboy Walton, and a bit of that Clark Kent secret identity thing thrown in for good measure.
Cara Siera is a freelance writer and photographer with a passion for travel and exotic cuisine. Join Cara, her husband Marc, and one very spoiled German Shepherd on their next great adventure.