It’s no secret that text messages can be easily misinterpreted. Often, it’s not the words in the message that cause the receiver to misunderstand the meaning, but the punctuation.
Periods in particular can change the tone of a text, said Daniel Post Senning, co-author of “The Etiquette of Emily Post: Centennial Edition.”
“The difference between someone saying ‘Interesting!’ and being ridiculous. It’s dramatic in the way it’s explained,” Senning said.
You can’t take it too far when it comes to exclamation points, though.
“People are using exclamation points and emojis more freely in text”
Periods can add a hostile tone to a text message. Senning says you don’t need to end your “one- or two-word response” with a period.
If you want to convey that a problem is really serious, use a period, he said.
Another tool you may want to use with caution is humor, as tone (something that cannot be conveyed through words) is crucial to correct interpretation.
“It’s really hard to write something interesting,” Senning said.
Before sending a joke via text message, Senning recommends asking yourself “Is this relationship established enough, or do I need to know them well enough to make it work?”
However, the use of exclamation points is very widespread.
“It’s worth noting that people are using exclamation points and emoticons more freely in text,” Senning said. “It’s a way of expressing enthusiasm, not a super-excited interpretation. It can be used to modify a positive tone.”
Want to become a successful, confident communicator? Take CNBC’s new online course Become an Effective Communicator: Mastering Public Speaking. We’ll teach you how to speak clearly and confidently, calm your nerves, what to say, what not to say, and body language techniques to make a great first impression. Sign up now and use code EARLYBIRD for a 30% introductory discount until July 10, 2024.
add, Subscribe to the CNBC Make It Newsletter Get tips and tricks for success in work, money, and life.
About The Author
