NEVER UNDERESTIMATE A PHONE CALL
FROM TEXT TO TALK
These days, communication is easier than ever with numerous methods and platforms available. When I’m working with a client, an attorney, or anyone else, there’s often a lot of back and forth between email, text, or even old-fashioned letters. However, in my experience, sending emails, text, and letters — all of which rely on the written word — there is a lot of meaning that can be lost.
I’m currently involved in a case going toward a settlement conference. All parties will gather in a room as a judge mediates the proceedings. It’s a big case. As we approach the date of the conference, I’ve been conversing with the opposing counsel. As you might guess, we have deeply divergent ideas of how the case should play out. In short, our email communication has gotten heated at times. While arguments are something to be expected in certain circumstances, the email format has allowed the conversation to become interpreted as tense. Recognizing this, I decided to call the opposing counsel to pick up where the email left off. We had a nice conversation and were able to reach an actual resolution regarding the topic we had discussed in the email.
THE ‘LOST’ ART OF THE PHONE CALL
When you’re dealing with an email or text, you cannot represent or express tone or inflection. You also lose the immediate reaction of the other party. You cannot hear their voice or their breath. You lose wordplay. That isn’t to say emails, texts, and letters don’t have their place — they absolutely do — but for some matters, a phone call can make a difference.
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jwyatt@harrisonlawgroup.com
www.HarrisonLawGroup.com
(410) 832-0000
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