Handwritten Notes—Do You Know How?
By Dave Tester
When was the last time you sent a handwritten note to one of your clients? According to one firm’s statistics, it’s been a long, long time. The Radicati Group estimates worldwide, 183 billion emails are sent per day. That’s two million sent each second! And over half a trillion text messages were sent last year. In other words, it seems electronic messages are the dominant mode of written communication. That’s too bad in my opinion. Because the very act of writing by hand slows the mind and forces it into a more contemplative state in which precisely chosen words convey nuances of emotion that could never be captured in a quick "Wassup?" or “lol”.
I understand the barriers for a rebirth of handwritten notes are significant; postage, stationary cost, the lack of immediacy, and the time and care required in its preparation. For me, an additional hurdle is my hen-scratch penmanship. Nonetheless, nothing expresses respect for a contact or colleague like a handwritten letter. And no love e-mail, text message or cell phone call will ever be carefully bundled into a memory box and savored for years to come. In a world that thrives on acceleration, the handwritten letter calls us to a time more deliberate, elegant, and gracious. What says you care more than taking time with a person. That is truly how relationships are built.
If you want to refine your note writing skills, here are some tips:
• Write something personal
• Check your spelling
• It doesn’t have to be long
• Use nice stationary or cards
• Give the recipient something like a clipping, idea or photo
Remember how you react to email. It can wait. A hand written letter is something special that needs to be read right now.
Try something new, like a handwritten note. At the very least send your Mother one today!
No comments:
Post a Comment