No “please” and “thank you.” Not even a complete sentence. Certainly nothing like this . . .
We would appreciate Members putting their carts
on the indicated side of the checkout conveyor belt
and keeping their own selves on the other side.
Like any other hard thing, communicating clearly and quickly always look simple after the fact.
Isabel
You mean: “I think you should have known what I meant. Why didn’t you get it?”
On the other hand, some folks never get it, no matter what.
Tom
Tom – Too true.
But which form of communication (Costco imperative or British civil-servantese) actually works better? And by “works better” I mean willing compliance, not just obedience. Contrast this plea for funding:
“If you don’t mind, and if you think the content of this news letter is critical for the dignified living and survival of humanity and other species on earth, please forward it to your friends and spread the word. It’s time for humanity to come together as one family! You can subscribe to our news letter here http://www.countercurrents.org/news-letter/ ” with, say, the demands of some American alternative news media. I don’t have a sample,, but basically, they say, “If you don’t fund us, Trump will win!”
Jim T
Jim T – Good point. The communication target can be clarity or persuasion or both. Or other things, in other situations. Building the relationship with the customer (actual or intended) is also part of the calculation.