With so many avenues of communication available, we can, if we choose, avail ourselves to the world 24/7 and in a multitude of ways. Managing the methods we choose to communicate requires discernment. Knowing the mode to employ in a given situation and appropriately pairing the message with the intended audience and underlying context can be challenging.
With regard to modes of communication, age-related, "generational" norms and expectations have the potential to create missed opportunities if mutual understandings and familiarities aren't established.
By way of example: A phone call is placed and voice message (with brief details) is left, including the caller's cell number. Would it be reasonable to expect the recipient to respond using the same mode of communication? Would if be fairly reasonable if both parties communicated via cell phone and were capable of texting, to use a mixed-mode form of communication (call via cell phone, leave message, return message via text)?
Consider this scenario: Call via cell phone, leave message and return cell number, respond via Facebook? Pros to that approach? Cons to that approach? Unless one is aware of the surrounding circumstances the answer may remain elusive; equally so the timing of the communication...and any potential opportunities.
Technology is wonderful!
Effective communication in this day and age requires knowing not only how to communicate, but which modes are compatible for the sake of timing, clarity, compatibility, and expediency.
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