What an absolutely brilliant world we live in, where we don’t call each other anymore we simply tell about our mood by sending messages on our ever favorite WhatsApp. Through their several lists of emojis and not to forget the sticker icons, we can convey what is going on in our head.
But do you really think the person reading your message at the other end has understood what you are trying to tell them? Or is it misinterpreted similar to what happens when you play Chinese whispers?
Well, picture this, my partner of this website Tanusri Chakraborty and I weren’t calling each other much and our messages had been doing the rounds. She was busy with her family functions and I was busy doing my other family commitments.
Our messages passed to and fro, it happened at a very mini level where I misinterpreted her thoughts and answered her in a monotone (which is so unlike me) and later those monotones turned into irritating replies. This is how our messages read:
Tanu: We need to give that book as a giveaway
Me: Ok
Tanu: The winner does not want to have the book, we are giving it to the second runner-up
Me: Ok
Tanu: She has given us enough members and will you please make the announcement, I am not keeping well. I have been down with a cold and a sty.
Me: Ok. Better take care of yourself.
So you see. Though I didn’t mean to sound irritating or I didn’t mean to intimidate Tanusri, one look at the messages and you will think I just want her to get off my back. This isn’t the case, but this is a prime example of a Chinese whisper. And messaging has suddenly become like a curse. We give you the solutions to how you can avoid this.
Talk it out
Don’t let your egos come in. Always talk it out with the person you are communicating on WhatsApp or any other media for that matter. If you think and believe me your sixth sense will always ring a bell in your head. It is best to call and speak.
Don’t assume
Assumptions never worked and they never will. Assuming that the other person said this or meant this will only trigger off the matter and you will never find a solution.
Strictly not for professional use
Only and I repeat only if you have spoken to the person over a call, do WhatsApp in case of any professional work. But be careful about what you type and send. Don’t use a friendly tone or too rigid tone when typing out a message professionally.
While technology has always given us the best of what there is, matters could go out of hand if not handled well. Try to follow these simple and easy tricks to get out of any difficult matter.
We would be happy to hear from you if you have any story when your messaging was misinterpreted but you handled the situation with panache.
Till then keep winning! Keep inspiring!
