Why emails are bad

Email is not true communication — it is only evidence that something was sent. We use examples from history and communication theory, the talk explains that communication only occurs when the idea in the sender’s mind is clearly understood in the receiver’s mind, which email alone cannot guarantee. Written messages are easily misunderstood, and without feedback or verification, the sender cannot know if understanding has occurred. Therefore, while emails are useful for records and low-risk situations, real communication — especially when accuracy matters — requires speaking directly, checking understanding, and confirming that the message has truly landed.