Hello! Yes, the Phone Still Works by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC

 Text, email and other forms of quick messaging have definitely made it easier to communicate with others in an efficient and timely manner. The ease and simplicity of shooting someone a quick text or email has allowed us to stay instantly in touch, which would appear to have increased our ability to stay in constant contact. However, as great as messaging is, there are times when picking up the phone is the better form of communication. Here are three reasons why it is often better to make a call rather than send a message.

1. The feelings behind your thoughts are more readily understood. The empathy, concern, laughter or even anger are significantly more evident in your voice as compared to tagging your text with an emoji! When you pick up the phone, it’s much easier to communicate how you feel, and to understand the feelings of the other party.

2. It allows for clearer communication. When an issue is detailed, or there are many questions and options to be evaluated, it is much clearer when this is done via live conversation. You can sort out an issue much more quickly by discussing it than you can trying to work it out via text or email.
   

3. It shows a greater level of interest and concern. The very fact that most people text and email rather than bothering to call gives your phone call a little extra weight. Making a call immediately communicates your level of attention to the person or the issue.

Though it is clear there are times when a phone call is the better way to resolve an issue or simply get in touch with a person, many people still use messaging to save time. If you find that you have limited time to make phone calls, use these tips to help you make the calls you need without sacrificing time management.

1. Determine which issues and relationships need a phone call rather than a message.
2. Set aside time in your day to make the calls. For many people, scheduling an hour each day on their calendar to make the day’s phone calls helps to ensure both that the calls get made and that these do not take up too much time.
3. Learn to keep it short. One reason many people avoid phone calls is the fear that these will drag on too long. Learn to be friendly and polite without letting what should have been a five-minute phone call turn into a marathon chat session.

Don’t forget the power of the phone call. When used appropriately, making phone calls can help resolve situations more quickly and ensure that people feel important to you, too.