In this cartoon, it highlights the importance of the right medium to establish a great interpersonal relationship. Chapter 9 mentions that successful interpersonal communication comes from selecting the right medium based on message complexity and relationship dynamics. Richer channels—such as face-to-face conversation and phone call—offer immediate feedback, tone, and nonverbal cues, in which the parties can connect better. In the cartoon, it shows that the worker has angered the manager by selecting the right medium to communicate, which is face-to-face, when the manager shows reluctance to speak directly, preferring the comfort and convenience of text. The cartoon pokes fun at how low-richness channels might limit nuance, misrepresent meaning, or reduce communication authenticity, and individuals should consider the relationship dynamic and information before choosing the right medium.


In my workplace, this resonates strongly. I once had to deliver sensitive feedback about questions I had about Excel to my supervisor. Initially, I considered emailing back and forth, but after the annoyance that would incur my supervisor, I opted for a video call. The visual cues, tone of voice, and real-time exchange helped us clarify expectations and maintain rapport—something text alone would never have achieved. Like the cartoon, it highlighted how certain conversations simply deserve richer channels to preserve clarity and empathy.

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