Written communication

What will be an ideal response?

includes e-mail, memos, letters, reports, speadsheets, and other documents. Advantages to using written messages are that you can revise and perfect them and save them in a permanent record. Your message stays the same even if relayed through many people, and receivers have more time to analyze the message. Disadvantages are that the sender has no control over where, when, or if the message is read; the sender does not receive immediate feedback; the receiver may not understand parts of the message; and the message might not contain all the information others need.

You should weigh these considerations when deciding whether to communicate orally or in writing. Also, sometimes use both channels, such as following up a meeting with a confirming memo, or writing an e-mail to prepare someone for your phone call.