Communication Efficiency

in communication •  5 years ago 

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How much time do we actually save by taking short cuts with our communication?

I'm a fan of efficiency. This is why I simultaneously sympathize with and get frustrated by people using certain kinds of short hand in their typed communication that is an attempt at efficiency that at times ends up costing them and the reader more time than if the writer had taken a bit more time to add commas, periods, and question marks.

Here are some examples.

"I care about our relationship. I want to talk in person. Can I come over? When is good for you?"
(Sender: 6 sec to type. Receiver: 2 sec to understand. Frustration level 0.)

vs

"I care about our relationship i want to talk in person can i come over when is good for you"
(Sender: 5 sec to type. Receiver: 5 sec to understand. Frustration level 2.)

vs

"I care about our relationship want to talk in person can come over when is good for you"
(Sender: 3 sec to type. Receiver: 7 sec to try to understand but realize can't be sure of exact meaning - like is Sender asking for meeting at who's domicile? - so spends 5 sec typing reply query. Original sender: 3 sec to read query for clarification, 4 sec to take deep breaths and decide to be either butt-hurt their mind wasn't read or to answer, chooses to answer, 3 sec to send clarification. Receiver: 3 sec to understand. Frustration level 10.)

Which side of the fence are you on?

Do you ever get frustrated by either receiving a message that is hard to understand or are you more often on the other side of the fence wishing people would lighten up about your way of conveying messages?

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