Written communication has expanded from formal emails to Slack messages, tweets, and video scripts. But are you being understood? In this "Quick Fix" episode, Paul and Matt break down why the way we were taught to write in school fails us at work and how the lack of intonation in text creates emotional misunderstandings. Paul introduces a four-layer framework to ensure your writing is effective and resonant, and issues a warning about using AI: don't let it destroy your authenticity.
Key Takeaways:
• The Sender-Receiver Gap: What feels positive to you as the sender can often be received negatively. Text lacks the vocal cues that usually signal intent, creating a gap where uncertainty and anxiety emerge.
• The Framework for Excellence (The 4 Rs): To move from "functionally okay" to excellent, layer your communication to be:
1. Real: Truthful and clear.
2. Receivable: Short sentences that are easy to process.
3. Relevant: Focused on what the other person needs to know, not just what you want to say.
4. Resonant: Toned appropriately for the relationship and circumstance.
• The AI Warning: While AI is useful early in the drafting process, relying on it too heavily can strip away your unique voice. This creates cognitive dissonance when people eventually meet you in person and the "real you" doesn't match your written persona.
The "Quick Fix" Challenge: Before you hit send on your next important email or text, pause. Read it through the eyes of the receiver. Better yet, use a text-to-speech tool to listen to it. Hearing your words read back to you can reveal issues with tone and clarity that your eyes might miss.
Resources & References:
• Book Mentioned: Smart Brevity (Recommended for structure, but use with caution to remain authentic).
• Tool: Speechify (Text-to-speech app).
Up Next: Join us Thursday for a deep dive with Bill Kirst on maintaining our humanity in the age of AI, and tune in next Tuesday for a Quick Fix on Conflict Resolution.
Humanity Working is a podcast focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations be ready for the future of work by maximizing their human potential.
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