Our Forms Of Communication
With thanks to Matt Homann (the [non]billable hour) for the link, think about this information from William Glasser:
How We Learn
10% of what we READ
20% of what we HEAR
30% of what we SEE
50% of what we SEE and HEAR
70% of what is DISCUSSED with OTHERS
80% of what is EXPERIENCED PERSONALLY
95% of what we TEACH TO SOMEONE ELSE
William Glasser
Every trial lawyer knows this--that's why we try to show exhibits to a jury and have key parts read to them. That's why we try to make our examination of witnesses seem like a discussion, albeit one where not all parties are using their voice.
But all of this begs the question, why do we limit ourselves in the way we communicate with our clients. Most of us use email (which replaced letters and memos). Even assuming that our clients learn more than the statistics from Mr. Glasser, wouldn't we be more effective if we used visuals and in-person dialogue? How many of us shy away from the latter?