What I Meant to Say...

The internet has a way of skewing intentions and generating disproportionate responses. Provided only with text, and the occasional smiley ;) we lose the important communicative cues of tone of voice, facial expression and body language.

A remark intended as a witty aside, could be inferred as being a direct attack. Something writ as being mildly annoyed can be read as being raving and furious. A rebuttal of an argument may be taken as an agreement or submission.

Before hitting ‘send’, ‘submit’, ‘post’ or any other such command that will take your words and fire them over the internet, take a couple of minutes. Go and grab a cup of Joe. Stretch your legs a bit. Put a pause between you and your words.

Okay. Now I want you to take a second look at what you’ve writ. Is this really what you want to say? Is this really the way you want to say it?

Now look at it from the point of view of the person your message is intended for. How are they apt to react? Are your words clearly indicating your intention or are the muddying the waters?

Then look at your words from the point of view of a third party. Someone who knows none of the parties involved in the discussion but is walking in at this moment. What kind of impression would they have of you based upon this one message?

If you’re satisfied with all the above – ask yourself this. Ten years from now, would I want to see my name attached to these words?

One of the advantages that communication online offers you, that you don’t have face to face or by voice, is to be absolutely sure that what you say is what you mean. You have the opportunity to take something back before it’s even voiced by simply not hitting ‘send’. Be sure to use that advantage.