Phone calls have been replaced by emails and emails have been replaced by texts, which is all good, except when not used well. Here are some ways that you can improve your text life.
Identify yourself. If you are texting someone for the first time, they may not yet have your contact information in their phone. Make sure to include your name before diving into conversation.
Who is this? Alternately, if someone texts you and you are not sure who it is, you can say something along the lines of, “May I ask who this is, your name did not come over with the text.”
Call me on the line. Before shooting off that text, consider if a phone call is better. If the conversation requires many details, pick up the phone.
State your reason. Sending just a Hey/Hi/Hello will annoy the other person, texts start with the reason for the text, for example, “Do you have time to meet for lunch today?” Let the person know the reason for reaching out.
Don’t disappear. When you start a text conversation, and the other person answers back in a timely manner, don’t just leave them hanging in the middle of the conversation. If you have to end the conversation, let the other person know so.
Long wait times. Respond in a timely manner while conversing, don’t wait 3 minutes to respond to each text, it will feel like an eternity on the end.
Be patient. If you text and the person does not answer right away, they may be busy, hold tight.
No manifestos. Texts are meant to be quick and to the point, writing a manifesto will not be taken well.
Don’t yell. Just in case you do not know, the use of ALL CAPITAL LETTERS feels like yelling.
Immediate answers. If you need an answer sooner than later, you need to make a phone call.
Bad/Sad News. This too means a phone call.
Emoticon Well. Emoticons may seem cute, but they also are very necessary communication tools (though please, do not use them to ad nauseum)! Emoticons take the place of your facial expressions and can also convey tone, therefore providing more meaning to your messages and help in avoiding miscommunication. “You are so weird :),” reads better than “You are so weird.” Here’s a handy chart for you.
Expect Typos. Grammar and spelling are important, don’t abandon them completely, but understand that typos and autocorrects (that are not correct) happen. If you get what the person meant, despite the typo, don’t call them out on it, just continue the conversation. If you need clarification, simply ask.
Respect. Some people do not like or feel comfortable with texting; don’t force it upon them, just call.
Know When the Conversation Has Ended. You’ve seen the silly movie scenarios when someone is saying, “You hang up.” And the other person says, “No, you hang up.” And on and on it goes. Same with texts, they could go on forever, know when the conversation has ended.
No texting at 3am. Just in case someone does not turn their notifications off at night, leave the texting to waking hours.
That said, if you want to start a conversation about finding the perfect spot for your next meeting, be sure to text me at 314-853-4339!