As educators, we communicate with students, parents and colleagues, which makes it hard to resist relying on and responding to digital communications. But are we truly communicating or just transmitting information? This matters in the most significant “people business,” working with children and families. While digital communication has its place, it often falls short, especially when clarity and understanding are needed in sensitive and sensible situations. Sometimes, the most effective tool in our communication arsenal isn’t a keyboard; it’s our voice.
Consider research suggesting that digital communication is only 7% as effective as face-to-face dialogue. That’s a staggering statistic. It highlights a critical issue. Words on a screen camouflage tone, inflection and body language, which can all be easily misinterpreted. How many times have you sent an email or text message only to receive a reply that made it clear something was lost in translation, leading to confusion or, worse, rising conflict?
Why talking matters
This is where the power of dialogue comes in. Think about a recent instance where a digital exchange went sideways. Perhaps a parent misunderstood your intended message to help and saw it as a war on their child. What if a student felt unfairly graded, and your correspondence was interpreted as insensitive, even dismissive?
Instead of continuing the back-and-forth volley of emails or texts, consider picking up the phone and scheduling a quick video call or in–person visit. Verbal communication shifts from a potential 93% rate of misunderstanding to far greater clarity. You might be surprised how quickly a simple conversation can resolve a festering issue. A phone call allows for immediate coherence, a chance to hear the other person’s perspective, tone and intention and the opportunity to build rapport.
Similarly, consider the chaos of an overflowing email inbox. How much time do you spend each day wading through messages, trying to decipher their meaning and prioritizing responses? That flurry of emails on a single topic is incredibly inefficient. Instead of adding to the digital deluge, suggest a discussion – a quick chat in the hallway, a scheduled phone call or an in-person visit. While it might seem like adding another item to your agenda, a well-structured interaction can save you time in the long run by addressing the issue comprehensively and preventing future misunderstandings.
2 days lost
Consider another surprising statistic: two days lost in the valley. A Microsoft study highlights that workers can lose two full work days weekly on emails and unnecessary meetings. Have you ever gotten that email at the end of a school day, rivaling the length of a Stephen King novel that is laced with emotion and hidden somewhere deep within is the microdetail you need to know? You are vigorously shaking your head in agreement, aren’t you?
In these instances, I use an AI chatbot and ask it to summarize all actionable items I need to know about in the message. And then I still pick up the phone!
Consider another Microsoft study: enlisting an AI chatbot to decipher the email volume, offering a refreshing antidote to the “two days lost in the valley” problem. Features like email summarization netted significantly less time pouring over them, resulting in a savings of 40 to 50 minutes per week. The decreased time spent on emails from the AI’s ability to summarize and prioritize messages efficiently frees time to engage in those all-important discussions.
This also adds time for what matters most: teaching and learning. Never mind how this digital overload can exacerbate stress levels and reduce productivity. A shift from typing to talking in a people business is a must. Verbal communication’s greater efficiency and quicker resolution of issues foster better relationships, which are vital to teaching and learning. Reduced digital fatigue and enhanced interpersonal skills improve the climate, enhancing teaching effectiveness.
Swap superficial for meaningful
Digital communication is like throwing a pebble across a pond – it creates ripples, but the impact is often superficial. Dialogue, however, is like casting a stone into the center of the pond – it creates a powerful wave of understanding that resonates throughout the entire community.
So, how can we, as educators, embrace this “stop typing, start talking” principle?
- Recognize the limitations of digital communication. Acknowledge that nuance and emotion are commonly lost in text.
- Prioritize dialogue for important or sensitive topics. When clarity is crucial, opt for a conversation over a digital exchange.
- Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. A quick phone call often resolves issues more efficiently than a long email chain.
- Embrace the power of direct interactions. This helps address complex issues and foster collaboration.
- Model effective communication. Show others the value of respectful and thoughtful dialogue.
Like all other modern professions, educators must use technology and digital tools, which are essential. However, the power of human connection is often more effective and efficient. By prioritizing dialogue, we can build stronger relationships, foster deeper understanding and ultimately create a more positive and productive learning environment for everyone. Sometimes, the best way to connect is to stop typing and start talking.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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