Communication Modes

As reflect on the nearly dozen methods of communication I use, I wonder not only what I use them for, but also what might be the best use of each.

1. Texting: Immediate, intimate conversation. Supremely informal. Quasi
synchronous.

Potential best use: brief, purposeful, intimate - but should not make it
intrusive.


2. Facebook: Keep up with goings on with broader family. e.g: Look, my
second cousin's dog, just had a pup!

Potential best use: Not sharing too much information!


3. Yahoo Group: Multi-pronged conversations. Fully asynchronous.

Potential best use: Developing and maintaining relationships that can easily go
asunder.


4. Email: Purposeful. Content rich.

Potential best use: Sharing valuable information. Documents etc.


5. Blog: New age (public) diary.

Potential best use: Express yourself (tastefully).


6. Tweeting: Bull horn!

Potential best use: Follow stars from every field of endeavor you are interested in
(stunning value!)


7. Memo: Snore

Potential best use: Bury this sucker!


8. Phone call: Can you 'hear' me now?

Potential best use: To ensure understanding. Written communication misses
nuance that can be captured by talking through and asking questions.


9. Telepresence (including Skype): Picture is worth a thousand words.
Difficult to be distracted or multi-task.

Potential best use: As good as meeting in person + supremely convenient;
especially the new technologies.


10. In person meeting: Human connection. Empathy.

Potential best use: Seal the deal. Cement the relationship