By Chayanne Husar
Emailing is of course a part of everyone's life and is a fast, effective way to keep a record of communication of a project. Using email to clarify meetings, understandings, and schedules helps to keep a project on task and moving forward and I would always encourage consistent communication with a client. However, there comes a time to give up email. I have caught myself providing wordy descriptions when a simple sketch solves the problem, it's true that a picture is worth 1,000 words. It is also easy to fall victim to rapid fire exchanges that quickly escalate a small misunderstanding to a big problem. Stop and pick up the phone (taking a few deep breaths beforehand if needed). Emails can easily be read with the wrong tone shifting a simple building issue into a personal problem - there is no replacement for real human interaction. Sometimes this will require more than a phone call, turn to face to face meetings or video conferencing if visuals are needed to solve the problem and don't be afraid to talk to your clients, consultants, and contractors. When it comes to communication, take a moment to assess your options and be flexible to all of the tools at your disposal to achieve efficient, clear, and friendly service.
What is your favorite means of communication?
What is your communication pet peeve?
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