Traditional Communication Methods

Traditional methods of business communication tend to mean paper-based messages such as formal letters, brochures, reports, proposals, and notes. Based on the advantages of using digital communication discussed above, why would we wish to continue to use traditional means?

There are several reasons why these traditional methods of communication still have their place:

• Reader preference
• Storage and archive
• Security
• Convenience
• Perception

Reader Preference

One of the most important elements of any type of communication is how effective the message is. Communication is most effective when the message is clearly received by the intended audience. Some people prefer to read information from a sheet of paper rather than a device or prefer to read a novel from a bound book versus an electronic screen. Human senses come into play in communication, and touch is a very strong human trait. In communication, it’s all about the receiver instead of the sender, so by putting the receiver of the communication first, the message will be more effective.

Storage and Archive

Another advantage of traditional communication methods is the storage of documents. Many organizations today still want a hard-copy document to back up electronic records. Servers and mainframes have been known to crash with a resulting loss of data. Despite the fact that emails, texts, and other digital communication have been found to be legally binding, the storage and archiving of paper documents continue to be important since electronic storage is not foolproof.

Security

A third advantage of traditional communication techniques is closely related to data storage: data security. Data breaches and malicious hacker attacks have shown that no electronic record is completely safe, even with firewalls and cyber-security software.

Convenience

While convenience was listed above as a benefit of digital communication, it is also a benefit of traditional communication. In order to open an email, read a text, or scan a social media post, you must have a functioning device that is connected to the Internet. We all know that there are times when we may be unable to be online due to a lack of Internet access, poor signal coverage, or a dead battery. There are even times when we wish to be disconnected on purpose to have a bit of a break.

Perception

Finally, traditional communication methods can make a good impression and improve the receiver’s perception of the message sender. Do you ever find it a little overwhelming to wade through emails, texts, and social media posts every day? A simple thing like a business letter on upgraded stationary has been shown to differentiate a sender from others. A formal written proposal sent to a customer usually gets opened, in contrast to an email that is flagged for later or marked as unread. A handwritten note is almost always opened right away because of its novelty.