Tips on Texting

In a recent survey of more than 800 Consumer Cellular customers aged 50+, cell phone simplicity was found to be the major determining factor when it came to cell phone and plan selection. However, we also found that about one third of this audience was interested in text messaging.

Texting has become one of the leading modes of communication. Here are a few tips to help make texting simple and hassle free.

#1 Know the Proper Texting Context: Texts are best used when asking short simple yes/no questions or when trying to gather quick specific bits of info.  Texting is not ideal for having long drawn out conversations.

#2 Use a Cell Phone with Easy-to-Read, Enlarged Buttons and Display Text: Nothing is more aggravating than trying to type a message on a phone that has small keys and a screen with small font.  Phones with large buttons and screens make typing and reading texts easier.  Here are a few examples of some text friendly phones.

#3 Texting is Informal: Unlike formal letter-writing or professional business correspondences via email, texting is a largely informal method of communication.  Traditional words can be shortened for ease of use.  A few examples include:

• Because = cause
• At = @
• Two, to, too =2
• You = U
• Are = R

#4 Keep Texts Short: When texting, keep it brief.  For example:

Longer Version:
“Good Morning.  I am going to the grocery store and am wondering if you need me to pick you up anything?  Also what time should I pick you up from soccer practice?”

Text Version:
Hi!  Going 2 store.  Need Anything?  What time for after practice pick up?

While this second message won’t impress any English teachers, it is short, and gets the message across.