Verbal connection!

Due to the fact that I am a verbal reasoner, someone who prefers to talk things out rather than write about things, as well as the fact that in my current role a lot of time is spent on laptops writing emails, debrief reports, Conference minutes, vision statements etc. etc. ... you know 'the fun things!' ... I have recently been exploring options for less typing and more talking - which will alleviate the admin burden but also make tasks themselves perhaps more enjoyable.

Here are my three easy solutions tried thus far and comments ...

1/ Phone a friend (or Skype) ... the bad thing about email is that it is a trap - People email me, I email a response ... but does it need to be this way? If people email me I could always ring them back ... duuuhh! However this is not as easy as it sounds ... if a response is required then I can write an email when it suits me, ie I am in control of the time, if I phone then they have to be available to take my call and talk - this is not always the case which pushes the task back and it remains undone. The other downside is that even once a call has been made it often requires a record to be made of the conclusion for future reference, which is an admin task ... The obvious upside of talking is the building of relationship.

2/ Dragon dictation ... a free iPad or iPhone app which turns spoken words into text for email, text, etc. I have found that it is generally very accurate - it also changes the nature of my task on the Computer. The text still needs editing, but this time I am going over something already prepared - which helps the outcome to be more considered having been through a deeper editing process. When writing a personnel report this can be very helpful. It also means I am typing less text. I will persevere with this for a little longer. 

3/ Audioboo ... a short audio clip rather than a twitter. I find this a very strange experience but worth trying out. When you have to speak to generate social media it brings in a very different dynamic, it is more immediate (probably the same for video clips as well) ... I find myself being more cautious and thoughtful for some reason ... it is 'my voice' rather than just 'my words' ... I feel more connected to the medium, which somehow makes me feel more accountable - this is probably a very good thing! 

Well, if you have any thoughts on what else might help, or your experience of using verbal material/technology then let me know. Also, if you want to discuss it further, I would prefer doing it over coffee rather than via email!!