Almost 19yrs ago, at my employer, it was common for people to send an "Octel" which was similar to a voice message. There were a couple of reasons to send an Octel instead of an email:
- You couldn't quote/parse/forward it (often used for more sensitive messages)
- The system also had an optional feature where you couldnt forward it if the sender didnt want.
- This was before smartphones, so it wasnt easy (though not impossible) to re-record it and forward it.
- It captured nuance better than email.
- It was harder to respond quickly and you thought about your response more carefully.
Most of these seem like good features, depending on your perspective. However, in 2020, none of these are possible anymore, especially with a gmail attachment.
http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/octel-messa...
that's feedback we received from users as well. I do agree when it's about quick and efficient (& non emotional) communication.
But I do believe that (especially now with COVID), having an async way to communicate that ressembles human communication (aka. hearing the tone of voice, the speed of talking, ..) does really add value, don't you think?
A few reasons to send an audio message for me would be: - To give a life update - To explain something that happened - To share ideas
A few reasons not to send an audio message: - To ask if you're joining the meeting on Monday - To ask you to send a document - T share some business KPIs
The only way I would even consider working with someone sending audio files over email would be if it at least included an automated transcription.
I really don't want to listen to your 3 minute audio file when I could have read it in 30 seconds.