It’s 2016. I get it. Texting is the most preferred method of communication by everyone under the age of 30. I also understand the value of texting being over the age of 30. You can quickly convey a ton of information instantly versus an email in order to receive a relatively immediate answer. And you can easily extend a conversation over a span of hours, days, even weeks.
However, this paradigm shift in communication has plenty of pitfalls. Many of the idiosyncrasies of speech in texting is lost in translation.
- Misinterpretation of the information sent
- Bastardization of the English language
- Sarcasm
- Speech inflection
- Message sent to incorrect person (aka mistext)
- Misspellings
These p
itfalls have been the inspiration of the websites, such as DYAC (Damn You, Auto Correct) Users upload screen captures of text conversations gone awry because of the autocorrect algorithm within most text messaging applications of smart phones nowadays.
And those same reasons, I prefer to pick up the phone. Each of these pitfalls can be avoided.
- If I said something that was misunderstood, I can quickly re-word
- While I have a varied vernacular, I still speak a form of English
- My sarcasm, speech inflection, jokes, are all understood by the receiver
- I know that my message isn’t sent to the wrong person – I called them!
I know that a 5-minute discussion will take care more in that timeframe than a 20-minute text exchange.
- Would you buy a car via text?
- Perhaps arrange your house purchase strictly using email?
- Collaborate a delicate discussion with faxes (Yes, they still exist) ?
Your answer was “no” to each of those questions, or at least I’d hope so.
If that’s the case, then why would you try to coordinate a special event such as a wedding, anniversary, birthday, corporate event and more without talking to the vendors first? Establish a bridge of communication first, then use texts and emails to follow up. To me, texting has effectively killed the fine art of conversation and negotiation. Most people want to “shop” for a DJ / MC, photo booth and other event services even if they received several personal endorsements from friends and family.
However, even if I was competitive shopping other DJ’s why wouldn’t you pick up the phone to speak with someone? I’m a skilled negotiator through conversations, but all of that is lost in translation once I start texting.
Wouldn’t you want several phone conversations, even better with face-to-face meetings with your professional DJ and Event company to ensure your vision of the event is properly administered?
That’s not a rhetorical question, y’all! Thoughts? Comment below as I would love to have answers to read.
Be good like you should, but if you can’t be good then be good at what you do!
Microphone drop! bOoM
‘los; outro.
Karaoke To Scaryoke
