How can you build trust and rapport with mobile communication technologies?

1 Choose the right channel

Not all mobile communication technologies are created equal. Depending on the purpose, context, and urgency of your message, you may need to choose between different channels, such as email, text, voice call, video call, or chat app. Each channel has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as speed, clarity, tone, feedback, and nonverbal cues. For example, email may be suitable for formal and detailed communication, but it may lack immediacy and emotion. Voice call may be more personal and interactive, but it may be prone to interruptions and noise. Video call may provide visual information and rapport, but it may also require more bandwidth and attention. Chat app may be convenient and casual, but it may also be ambiguous and informal. Therefore, you need to consider the expectations, preferences, and availability of your communication partners, as well as the nature and complexity of your message, before choosing the right channel.

2 Adapt your style

Using mobile communication technologies also requires you to adapt your communication style to suit the channel and the situation. For example, you may need to use more formal and clear language in email, more concise and direct language in text, more expressive and empathetic language in voice call, more attentive and respectful language in video call, and more friendly and informal language in chat app. You may also need to use different punctuation, emojis, abbreviations, and attachments to convey your tone, emotion, and intention. Moreover, you may need to adjust your timing, frequency, and length of your messages to avoid being too intrusive or too distant. For example, you may need to send a confirmation or a follow-up message after a voice or video call, or you may need to wait for a response before sending another text or chat message.

4 Avoid misunderstandings

Misunderstandings are common in mobile communication, especially when using text-based channels, such as email, text, or chat app. Misunderstandings can occur due to various factors, such as lack of context, tone, or nonverbal cues, as well as different cultural or linguistic backgrounds, expectations, or interpretations. Misunderstandings can lead to confusion, frustration, conflict, or mistrust in mobile communication. To avoid misunderstandings, you need to be clear, concise, and consistent in your messages. You need to use simple and precise language, avoid jargon, slang, or idioms, and explain any acronyms or technical terms. You need to use punctuation, emojis, or capitalization to indicate your tone, emotion, or emphasis. You need to check your spelling, grammar, and formatting before sending your messages. You also need to confirm your understanding, ask for clarification, or provide feedback when in doubt.