Question

What two major impacts has email had on interpersonal communication? What are some advantages and disadvantages associated with communicating by email? What are some common email mistakes and how can they be avoided?

Answer 1

1. E-mail has eliminated the use of expressions , tone and tenor which can be otherwise seen in face to face communication. Two persons communicating with each other cannot judge the intent and tone of each other.

2. E-mail communication has eliminated quick outburst that is made in anger. In an interpersonal face to face communication, a person can express his outburst or anger or pain. Communicating through e-mail has altered that element of communication.

Advantages of E-mail communication:

1. E-mail communication is fast, easy and reliable. You do not have to depend for lengthy duration to send and receive communication.

2. Communicating through e-mail reduces shipping paper and other postal charges.

Disadvantages of communication:

1. Communicating though e-mail is susceptible to leaks. Confidential information shared between two persons may be leaked.

2. Understanding intentions and emotions is not possible in communicating through e-mail.

Mistakes in E-mail and ways to avoid:

1. Generally a lot of information is shared through e-mails which is cumbersome for the reader. Over expressing must be avoided in e-mail. A short, crisp and up to the point information must be communicated through e-mail.

2. Most often, people send e-mails without writing the subject line and concluding remarks. Subject line is an essential element in e-mail communication. Subject line helps in understanding the purpose of communication . An appropriate subject line must be always be included in the e-mail.