Business communication in few words has become more necessary since e-mail, tweeting and short communication has become the norm. The short attention span of individuals garners more and more studies and data every day.

I ran across this article which was bemoaning the demise of business communication due to texting. The premise of the article was texting removes all body language cues necessary for productive business communication. As a nonverbal communication expert, I understand its point, but since the article is from 2012, and texting is obviously here to stay, there is a new question—

How do we make the most of our short form business communication to make it proactive?

This is where all the nonverbal communication you have seen BEFORE the texts comes into play. I teach my clients to keep notes on what type of decision-maker their colleagues and customers are based on the body language they have observed and the verbal content they have heard. These notes become very important when it is time to motivate someone to action. Especially when the motivation must come in the brevity of a text!

When communication must be in few words, it is vitally important to resist texting quickly because the language will come across in a way that would motivate or work for you, but may not work on your recipient. Why? We naturally communicate primarily with language based on our own thought process and motivators. Therefore, we often attract individuals who think similarly to us and have an easier time communicating with those most like us.

How do we text effectively in few words?

Use business communication language which will work on your recipient based on your notes for their decision-making style.

My training teaches three main types of decision-makers who respond to different language.

1. Research- driven              Respond when information is the focus.
2. Value-driven                      Responds when why you are texting is the focus
3. Action-driven                     Responds when “how to” action is the focus

For example, if you are sending a text reminder for participants to attend a meeting which isn’t “required” but is “strongly encouraged,” do not send the text out with the reasoning that works for only you. Use all three if it is a group text. Otherwise, choose the language specifically for the person you are contacting.

“Reminder of the upcoming meeting to share the information, reasoning and action steps for our upcoming roll-out. Your presence is extremely important to the success of the meeting. Time, Date and Location”

Or

“Reminder of Tuesday’s meeting at 9:00 am in the conference room where we will gather information, check it against the company mission and set next action steps. Please RSVP today.”

If your business does not text but uses e-mail or calendar invitations, use this technique. It works for all platforms.

Try it! What do you have to lose? Let me know how it works for you or if you want more information. Buy my book for more details. Need a taste? Sign up for my newsletter and receive the first two chapters free.

Moving Image Consulting works with C-level leaders and sales teams for improved communication using nonverbal behavior observation.