Question

How have smart phones and texting language changed communication and professionalism?

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) When two individuals speak face-to-face, communication tends to have many cues. Body language, speech, tone, sarcasm, facial expressions etc. were all a part of the quotient. However, in the initial days of email and SMS on old phones, that changed a great deal. Professional and casual communication had barriers that could not be overcome by simple emails. A pitch via email wouldn’t generally convince a client about a project or idea. That is why presentations and meetings were still one of the only ways in which a client could be convinced. Also, communication was categorical and pertinent to the department. For instance, a problem with accounts meant that only someone from the accounts team would get an email about the issue.

These days, electronic communication has been further revolutionised. Applications like Skype, Salesforce, email etc are responsible for changing the hierarchal communication model of the workplace into a linear one. A problem with accounts can be talked about in conference discussions with every single person involved with the issue. A sales pitch can be done via video chats and not just in person.

Testing language has become more casual and issues are discussed more freely as opposed to a formal email with all of the salutations at the beginning and the end. Through a smartphone, one employee can contact another almost instantly without having to wait too long for a reply or formalities. This has surely made communication quick, direct and a lot more casual in the professional space.