We live in a day and age where everything is instant. Technology has made it easier for us to give and receive from each other in a matter of moments, but traditional communications is still important.

During last week’s election of the Pope, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized along with many others watching and waiting for the smoke signals to tell the world who would become the newly elected Pope. This event got me thinking… even with technology today do we still fall prey to traditional communications?

While smoke signals in the sky, maybe a little extreme.  And, yes the fact it doesn’t happen that often in our lifetime does garner attention, there is still something to say about a phone call, snail mail, and even face-to-face communication.

I can remember a few years back during the holiday season, when my siblings and I taught my mother how to text message (I know even text messaging today is viewed as traditional). When my birthday rolled around a few months later, my mother who is known for her crazy singing renditions of Happy Birthday, sent a simple text. I waited all day for her phone call, but when midnight rolled around I knew it wasn’t coming. The next morning, I called my mother and made sure she understood there are simply things that cannot or should not be sent through a text.  I looked forward to her annual birthday call, although I was proud of her ability to send a text, there was nothing that could replace hearing her sing.

Knowing how to decipher what form of communication to use and when, is very crucial. As summer is approaching, many of us are interviewing for internships and job opportunities, it is vital to send a thank you note afterwards.  In this situation I feel it is important to send both an email and a hand written thank you note.  The email says the thank you, but a hand written note sets you a part form everyone else.  It says, “You matter to me.”

Know who your audience is. Whether you want to communicate to a friend, relative, or coworker knowing how they would perceive your form of communication is important.

Remember, it’s not always about what is convenient, but it is making the person you are communicating with feel as if you are only speaking to them. So, whether if it’s a Facebook post, a mention on Twitter, or a form of good old fashion traditional communication take the time to think before you communicate.