Over half of Brits fume voice notes 'are turning into podcasts' - list of do's and don'ts
Voice notes are a handy way of keeping in touch but Brits are starting to dread listening to them
There has been a growing trend in recent years of Gen Z individuals preferring texting and other forms of communication over phone calls. This could be down to the landline's demise and the rise of instant messaging.
Many Scots find it easier to shoot off a quick text than speak to someone on the phone. The person on the other end might go off on a tangent, meaning you get roped into a conversation you don't have time for.
This is where voice notes come in handy. But while voice notes - where you record yourself speaking into your phone and send as an audio message - are booming, so is voice note fatigue, as per a new study from Sky Mobile.
"Voice notes began as a quick shortcut, but now they're turning into podcasts," Ben Case, Managing Director of Connectivity at Sky, said.
The study revealed that more than half of Brits are getting fed up of the high volume of audio messages they receive - and the length of them.
One in ten Brits say they receive over 10 voice notes a day, while 44 per cent say they listen to voice notes on double speed due to the amount of time they take up.
Although three-quarters say they like to use voice notes because they are quick, expressive, and a heartfelt way to stay in touch, mobile phone users are getting annoyed by filler words, muffled voices and multiple voice notes.
It has even reached the point where the average Brit is calling for the messages to be capped at two minutes.
What's more, more than one in ten admit they'd call for the talking message to be banned altogether.
A further 14 per cent dreading listening to them, and a third confessing sending voice notes is a dating turn-off.
The main gripes?
Not getting to the point quick enough, stop-and-start messages, and voice notes longer than five minutes.
Voice notes can be a great way to communicate, but not everyone gets it right.
To avoid getting wound up by your pal's lengthy spiel, Sky Mobile has pulled together a do's and don'ts guide to voice messaging.
Do:
Keep it brief. Aim for a maximum of two minutes and remember people don't have time for a podcast.
Be clear and to the point. Rambling and filler worlds are major turn-offs. Get to the point quickly.
Speak clearly. Muffled audio and monotone delivery make it hard to engage with your message.
Be mindful of background noise. Nobody wants to hear your dog barking or the train announcements.
Don't:
Send endless voice note chains. Multiple short messages create notification overload and can be frustrating.
Overuse voice notes. While convenient, sometimes a quick text is all you need.
Send overly long voice notes. Anything over five minutes is pushing it.
Monologue message. Acknowledge the recipient and engage in a two-way conversation.
Be afraid to switch it up. Sometimes a phone call is the best way to connect.
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