Do People Misunderstand Text? The "IM" Confusion ~ Hmm?

That happens due to many issues. Some people are thin skinned and anything that is humorous or cynical sets them off.

More often, I think it's a language thing. This is an international forum and there is nothing harder to express in a second or third language than ideas. When someone misinterprets you have a choice of striking back or asking what the problem is.

kay

P.S. This answer comes from someone who gave a serious answer and was told the psychic energy of the post gave someone a headache - go figure.

Hi Caleb,

Ever heard of body language? It's worth studying. I bought this book when I first started sales. I recommend it.

With text there is no body language, except perhaps emoticons.

Non-verbal communication makes up a surprisingly large proportion of how we communicate - we don't always register how much body language we are 'reading,' so many times when someone's words don't match what we believe to be the case, we put it down to gut instinct, when in fact it is often due to us reading their body language which happens to be incongruent with their words.

The book I mentioned often uses babies/youngsters to explain the concept. When you study this, it makes sense. For example, putting a digit close to your mouth is a sign of dishonesty. As adults, we still do this but over the years we have learnt to hide it somewhat, so it becomes more subtle, such as a quick scratch of the lip, or even the eye (the wrist is then over the mouth.)

This has evolved from when we were a small child and our parents asked us if we stole the food (for example), we literally cover our whole mouth as we say 'no' to 'stop the lie coming out.'

Be warned - once you know how to read someone's body language you had better make sure that you are capable of handling the truth, because you can't avoid it.

It helps if you genuinely care about your customers in
the first place.

So, rather than wanting to make them feel like you care
you instead get yourself to the point where you really,
really do care.

Before writing a word, imagine that a typical subscriber
is in front of you. You may even picture yourself
having a chat and a cup of coffee together.

Now, imagine that you really wanted to give them some
really useful information or an offer that they would
benefit from.

Think about what you would say to them in person and
how you'd say it and then try to translate that feeling
into text.

In other words, put yourself in a caring state of mind
and this will get transmitted into your written words.

Sure, there will be times when you get misunderstood
but take those as learnings and sharpen the saw
continuously.

Dedicated to mutual success,

Shaun

No Caleb, you're not stupid.

Conversational text is certainly not the medium where the emotions/intentions shine through with clarity, particularly when the author can't spend time to set it up.

In works of fiction there is ample time to create a setting, a certain mood and tone.

Unfortunately this isn't very practical for all sales letters, forum posts etc.

The best you can hope for IMO is your audience will get to know you through other past communications before making any assumptions.

That's just my opinion.

Dennis

The problem is that when we talk face to face.... more than 70% of our "communication" is non-verbal!

Now, when you write something, sales letter or forum post - all you have at your hands is the remaining less than 30% to convey your message.

So, unless you are a very skilled writer who knows exactly how to 'manipulate' (in good sense) the audience... your best bet is to try to be very precise and very concrete in your online written communication.

P.S. Probably, the emoticons have been introduced to to add something non-verbal to our written online communication

EDIT. A lot of people type faster...

That's what smiley faces are for.

So you need to use those in your sales letters.

I.e.,

"Buy this now because it's REALLY REALLY GOOD! "

Caleb,

To me, this is not stupid at all. When I am typing something, I am able to "hear" the intonation of the words. While I know how the meaning is supposed to come across, such as being serious, humourous, caring, and so on, this does not always translate as effectively to those who are reading my words. I try to write descriptively and to "paint a picture with my words" so that my intentions will be understood. Still, I know there are some who will still misunderstand my intentions anyway. I keep working on putting forth good, quality content. To me, being able to meet with customers, or at least speak with them via telephone or Skype, is more effective than simply relying on written words, because it allows me to present myself and people are able to more fully learn about the type of person I am. In turn, of course, I have the same benefit as well.

I think this is in reference to your post in "9 year old can do"..which got misunderstood I think one smiley can solve our problem...
On larger prospective, I think tone of your text,post or sales letter conditions your readers & in that context readers read your text..