Some things may seem small, but they can make communication so much easier.
These days, so much of our everyday communication happens through messages. We send a quick chat to ask a question, make an appointment, check on someone, or simply get something done. And while messaging has made communication faster and more convenient, a little common courtesy can still go a long way.
When you message someone, for example, it helps to get to the point after your greeting.
You don’t necessarily have to wait for the other person to reply to your “Hi” before sending the actual question or purpose of your message.
Instead of:
Hi! 👋
waits
waits
Hello?
waits
I wanted to ask…
You can simply say:
Hi! Good morning. I wanted to ask if…
It saves both people time, especially when the person you’re messaging is busy and may not be able to respond immediately.
The same goes for phone calls.
If it isn’t an emergency, sending a quick message before calling can be a simple way of showing consideration.
Something as straightforward as:
“Hi! Are you available for a quick call? I’d like to discuss something.”
can make a difference.
Not everyone is available to answer a call at any given moment. They could be working, driving, resting, attending a meeting, spending time with family, or simply be in a situation where talking on the phone isn’t convenient.
Of course, there are exceptions.
Emergencies are emergencies. If something is urgent and requires immediate attention, calling may be necessary.
But for everyday communication, taking a few extra seconds to consider the other person’s time and situation can make conversations smoother for everyone.
Technology may have changed how we communicate, but basic courtesy still matters.
A greeting is nice. Getting to the point is helpful. Asking before calling is considerate.
None of these things are particularly difficult, but they can make a surprisingly big difference in how we communicate with one another.
So, what do you think?
Is this simply common courtesy nowadays, or are we expecting too much from people when it comes to messaging and calling etiquette?
Let’s hear both sides.