The function of sending audio messages is available in most messengers and social networks. This type of communication appeared relatively recently, but quickly gained popularity. WhatsApp representatives stated People are sending 7 billion voice messages on WhatsApp every day / TechCrunch that their service sends about 7 billion voice messages daily. According to Voice messages: why not? / VTSIOM VTSIOM, the function is used by 6 out of 10 Russians.
At the same time, it seems that a negative attitude towards audio messages has formed in society. It is enough to recall the caustic jokes that a separate cauldron has been prepared in hell for their lovers. Statistics also say that opponents of such messages are in the minority: according to polls, only 18% of Russians, among residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg, do not want to receive them.‑In St. Petersburg, this number is higher — 29%. But all the same, voice messages, unlike text messages, are more likely to cause the interlocutor irritation. To prevent this from happening, let's figure out when and how they can be sent.
Voice messages save a lot of sender's time. Perhaps this is their main advantage. Dictating a long text is much faster and more convenient than typing. So if you want to share a long story and the recipient is ready to listen to it, then this is a good choice.
Another advantage of voys is the ability to accurately convey your emotions. According to the text, it is impossible to read the intonation of the interlocutor as well and understand his mood. Do you want to tell in all colors about a joyful or, conversely, a sad event? Then record the voice.
Voice calls are good as an alternative to telephone conversations, because the exchange of them is, in fact, a conversation stretched over time at a pace convenient for the interlocutors.
Audio is also useful in situations where the necessary information cannot be conveyed by text. For example, you want to find out if you pronounce a word in a foreign language correctly, or let the interlocutor listen to the singing of birds.
Voice is not the best choice if you want to get an urgent response. To listen to the message, the interlocutor must break away from his business. If you are not sure that he has such an opportunity right now, send a question by text.
It is also better not to send voice messages to unfamiliar people. You can't know for sure how they feel about such messages and whether they are ready to listen to them, so you risk inconveniencing them. In addition, voice communication is perceived as more intimate, so think about whether you are close enough for this type of communication.
It is not necessary to record voice messages if you need to convey important and accurate information. The addressee will not be able to fix it, re-read it or quickly find it in the correspondence, for this he will have to listen to the whole message, or even more than once.
Dictating a phone number or bank details by voice is a real mockery.
A separate issue is voice messages in work correspondence. It is definitely not worth starting communication with them if you have recently joined the company and do not know the internal procedures or want to contact someone from the managers. According to Olga Lukinova, voice chats are appropriate only if three conditions are met:
These tips may seem simple and obvious, but not everyone follows them.
Voice messages put the interlocutors in an unequal position. This type of communication is much more convenient for the sender than for the recipient. Therefore, the main rule is to ask in advance if he can listen to the audio.
The most important thing is to get consent to send voice messages from the addressee. You can negotiate with him once for good, or you can ask for consent for each individual case — it depends on your relationship.
There is no need to describe a detailed plan for the future speech. It is enough to determine the main purpose of the message and scroll through in your head what and in what order you will say. This will help not to get lost in thought and not to lengthen the audio with constant pauses, mumbling and words ‑parasites.
In the end, do not forget to clarify what you expect from the interlocutor, so that the purpose of your appeal is clear to him. For example, ask how he feels about the situation or what advice he can give. If you just decided to share an emotion and don't expect a certain reaction, you can say so directly.
Listening to a voice message requires more concentration than reading a text, so do not complicate this process with unnecessary noise. Record audio in a quiet and peaceful place, bring the device closer to your face and speak loudly enough. Don't do it where you wouldn't talk on the phone.
You will not be able to predict in what circumstances the addressee will listen to your voice message. There is always a chance that someone else will be next to him at this moment, so think about whether it's worth sharing something frank and secret in the recording. To avoid awkward situations, immediately warn by text that the message is not for outsiders and it is better to include it in headphones .
It is comfortable to listen to messages with a length of 20-60 seconds. But this is not a strict framework that you need to adhere to in any situation, so use common sense. Do not record a sequence of three-second messages. If you need to send a couple of short phrases, it's better to do it in text. It's also not worth sending an entire podcast issue. Listening to voice messages longer than a couple of minutes will turn casual communication into exhausting torture.
If you plan to discuss several different issues, it is better not to voice them all in one audio. It will be more convenient for the interlocutor to respond if each thought is stated in a separate message.
Do you like to send and receive voice messages or do they infuriate you? Tell us in the comments!
