Email, e-cards, and social media. It’s all taken over not only how, but what and to whom, we communicate. What ever happened to the lost art of the handwritten note?
Growing up, I was writing letters all the time – to a cousin out of state, in Spanish to a pen pal in Mexico who helped me with language learning, home to Mom and Dad when I was in college with updates (and probably asking for money!). At the risk of dating myself, we didn’t have the “luxury” of electronic communications or social media. Hell…they didn’t even exist “in my day”!
Notes for Business
I learned the art of a handwritten note as a means of building a relationship and networking with business contacts very early in my career.When I met someone at an event or through a scheduled meeting, I immediately followed up with a handwritten note, and enclosed a business card. As I got to know people, if I saw a newspaper or magazine article I thought they’d like, I’d clip it and send with a handwritten note. It became literally a daily occurrence for me.
Sometimes I used business stationary, the kind with my company’s logo on it. Great for reinforcing your business, but I always felt a bit “salesy” and impersonal using those. My purpose was to build a trusting relationship first, then build the business. So, more often than not, I used blank note cards with pictures that reminded me of them or our conversation, or motivational quotes selected specifically for them. Whenever I went to craft fairs, exhibits or expos I sought out memorable note cards, so that I always had a good stash on hand. It got to the point that friends and acquaintances would point out booths I needed to visit simply because of my pension for note cards!
Enter the Internet
It seems a lot of people have gotten away from writing and mailing cards…myself included…and that’s disappointing. It’s so quick and easy to drop someone an email, or head to a social media platform and drop a quick “Happy Birthday” and call it a day. I’m guilty. If I think ahead, I might use a free or for-fee electronic greeting card website. I’m guilty of that, too. But is that really enough to build and maintain a relationship?
Paul Booth, PhD, was quoted in a Social Work Today article back in 2013 as saying, “Social media affects how we engage with one another across all venues and ages.” He also said, “While we’re communicating more, we may not necessarily be building relationships as strongly.” (attribution: Social Work Today Vol 13 No. 3 P.10). I’m no PhD, but I have to agree. I would also add the quality of our communication is sorely lacking in so many ways today as a result.
What Are You Saying?
I think about the email that’s so brief or cryptic, it’s just one more crammed in my inbox. Or worse, the one that’s so long I need to grab a coffee refill before I start to read. Maybe I’m a fuddy-duddy, but when someone tries to “communicate” (I’ll use that term lightly) with cryptic letters and numbers, my first thought is, “They’re apparently too busy for me to be bothered with a full word.” (think “k” instead of “ok” or “CU” for “see you”).
I’m not active on Twitter, although I’m out there. I can read English, Spanish, a little Italian and some French…but those tweets are all “Greek” to me! I admit I’m a word and grammar nerd, and that I mentally “red-line” grammatical errors, misspelling, and missing punctuation in poorly written messages. I want to shout, “PEOPLE…use a damn period now and then!”
The Lost Art of the Handwritten Note
Friends, we need to preserve the human value of communication and building real relationships in this electronically driven world! Let’s bring back the thoughtful, handwritten note! I’ve made a resolution this year to get back to basics with handwritten cards and notes. I’ve always loved to give, and receive, them but have gotten away from them over the years. To me, a handwritten note is truly a lost art…and I’m out of practice. It’s a sign that I care enough to write something personal, stick it in an envelope with postage, then make the trip to a mailbox. Does it take time? Absolutely. Will it make the recipient feel extra special when it arrives? Guaranteed!
So, family and friends…you’ll be hearing from me, even if it’s just, “Hi, thinking of you and hope you’re having a great day.” I’ll be working to find a funny birthday card, or a flashy “way to go” congratulations. If I find a cool article or a book I think you’ll love, it’ll be inside. You’ll start seeing some of my homemade crafty creations, and some of my photography in print. And inside, know that what I write will be done with love and respect for our very special relationship.
Won’t you join me?
