The ability to communicate does not separate us from the animals. What separates us is really good opposable thumbs. Even ants have complex "Wi-Fi" like systems using scents. Communication is vital to us anyway in life, love, and business. Your company can only move as fast as its communication abilities. However, you can't always use the same medium for all situations. Let's look at different forms of transferring information and their pros and cons on the communications ladder.

Post-it Note

• Pros: It's a great attention grabber as it is something that is out of place. You can put it anywhere in the physical realm. Information is short and direct.
• Cons: It can't handle too much information. You have to be physically present to leave it. Anyone can read it. The short messages can be misconstrued.

• Pros: "Instant" transfer of information. Conversations can go on as long as they are needed. There is availability to send files as well as words.
• Cons: Must be done with a computer. Must be typed which slows transfer of information. Misspellings and bad grammar are commonplace.

• Pros: Complete packages of information including text and files can be sent bundled together with a very high space limit. They will wait in place for the recipient to read. It can be sent to multiple recipients easily anywhere in the world from anywhere.
• Cons: Must be done with a computer. With faulty security practices, anyone can receive the information. Emails can be overlooked or automatically put in junk email folders.

• Pros: You can say exactly what you want the recipient to know. It's discreet and private. It can be used almost anywhere to reach almost anyone, anywhere in the world.
• Cons: Can only have one recipient normally. Information transfer can be disrupted by false tones or inflections. Potential time waster when a quick call turns into a very long one.

• Pros: Easily connect with people anywhere in the world from anywhere. Can be used to convey large amounts of information, verbally, to large amounts of people with ease.
• Cons: The proper reception of message is dependent on tone and inflection. Without safeguards, background noises from recipients subvert the transmission of the message.

• Pros: Ability to gauge attitude of both recipient and sender. It can convey masses of verbal and non-verbal information directly and concisely to many recipients at the same time. It can be used anywhere.
• Cons: Must be done with a computer with a webcam. Depending on quality of service, details can be visually lost.

• Pros: Information can be transferred verbally and non-verbally, in a direct and concise manner.
• Cons: You have to be there to do it.