Phone, Zoom, Teams, or Text?

Do you have a favorite for real-time conversations?

We now have several different options when we want to speak to someone in real-time.

Some people love in-person conversations, and if you are in the same physical location, that makes sense. People who are on the “warm” side of the “warm-to-cold” personality trait like in-person conversations best—they can use the interaction to read nonverbal body language that adds meaning to “complete” the message for them. If they can’t be in-person, they tend to like video conference options like Zoom or Teams.

People who just want the verbal info—and people who want to multi-task when they are talking to you—tend to want the phone call. Be aware that you may not have the full attention of the other person in most audio phone calls. They may be driving, pantomiming or gesturing something to someone else in the room, checking emails, or otherwise using their visual side separately from their auditory processing (which decreases the accuracy and retention for both tracks).

Introverts and other detail-focused people tend to prefer written communication, preferably not in real-time. However, texting is acceptable to them for short, time-sensitive communications. If it’s not time-sensitive, most would prefer an email, since they can then craft their response with just the right words or information. Real-time communication might disrupt their thought process on another topic, and they find that as irritating as someone bumping a table upon which they have been constructing an elaborate house of cards. Sometimes real-time responses are not needed.

(Photo by Mike Meyers on Unsplash)