How to send voice messages without annoying anyone

The function of sending audio messages is available in most instant messengers and social networks. This type of communication appeared relatively recently, but quickly gained popularity. WhatsApp representatives declaredthat about 7 billion voice messages are sent daily on their service. By data VTsIOM, 6 out of 10 Russians use the function.

At the same time, it seems that a negative attitude towards audio messages has formed in society. Suffice it to recall the caustic jokes that a separate cauldron has been prepared in hell for their lovers. Statistics show that opponents of such messages are in the minority: according to polls, only 18% of Russians do not want to receive them, among residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg this number is higher - 29%. But still, voice messages, unlike text messages, are more likely to cause interlocutor irritation. To prevent this from happening, let's figure out when and how they can be sent.

Why Voice Messages Are Good and When They Are Appropriate

Voice messages are a great time saver for the sender. 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 willing to listen to it, then this is a good choice.

Another advantage of voices is the ability to accurately convey your emotions. According to the text, it is impossible to read the intonations of the interlocutor and understand his mood as well. Do you want to tell in all colors about a joyful or, conversely, sad event? Then record the voice.

Audio is also useful in situations where the required information cannot be conveyed in text. For example, you want to know if pronounce a word in a foreign language, or let the interlocutor listen to the birds singing.

When Not to Send Voice Messages

Voice is not the best choice if you want an urgent response. To listen to the message, the interlocutor must look up from their affairs. 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 cannot know for sure how they feel about such messages and whether they are ready to listen to them, so you risk causing inconvenience. In addition, voice communication is perceived as more intimate, so consider whether you are enough close for this type of communication.

You should not record voices if you need to convey important and accurate information. The recipient will not be able to fix it, reread it or quickly find it in the correspondence, for this he will have to listen to the message in its entirety, 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 working correspondence. You should definitely not start communication with them if you have recently joined the company and do not know the internal procedures or want to contact one of the leaders. According to Olga Lukinova, voice chats are appropriate only if three conditions are met:

• Within the team there is consent to send and receive voice messages.
• The information in the voice messages is not urgent and will calmly wait for the moment when a person has the opportunity to listen to it.
• Voice messages are accompanied by a text explanation of what is contained in these messages.

How to record and send voice messages

These tips may seem simple and obvious, but not everyone follows them.

Make Sure the Interlocutor is Ready to Listen

Voice messages put 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.

Think ahead about what you will say

It is not necessary to paint a detailed plan for a future speech. It is enough to determine the main purpose of the message and scroll through your head what and in what order you will say. This will help you not to go astray and not lengthen the audio with constant pauses, lowing and words‑parasites.

At 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 decide to share an emotion and don't expect a certain reaction, you can say so directly.

Find the right place to record

Listening to a voice message requires more concentration than reading a text, so don't make it difficult with too much noise. Record audio in a quiet and peaceful place, bring the device close to your face and speak loudly enough. Don't do it where you wouldn't talk on the phone.

Don't Forget About Privacy

You will not be able to predict under what circumstances the recipient will listen to your voice. There is always a chance that at this moment someone else will be next to him, so consider whether it is worth sharing something frank and secret in the record. To avoid embarrassing situations, immediately warn in text that the message is not for outsiders and it is better to include it in headphones.

Choose the optimal length

It is comfortable to listen to messages 20-60 seconds long. But this is not a strict framework that must be followed in all situations, so use common sense. Do not record a series of three-second messages. If you need to send a couple of short phrases, it is better to do it in text. Sending an entire episode of the podcast is also not worth it. Listening to voice calls 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 answer if each thought is stated in a separate message.

Do you like to send and receive voice messages or do they annoy you? Tell in the comments!