What is the most important consideration to keep in mind when communicating through e-mail or text messages?

When communicating through email or text messages, the inability to use facial expressions and tone of voice is the most important consideration. Written communication lacks the non-verbal cues that often help convey emotions, intentions, and emphasis in face-to-face conversations. This absence can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the message's tone or intent.

For instance, a statement that might come across as light-hearted or humorous in person could easily be perceived as blunt or rude in a written format without the accompanying expressions or vocal inflections. Therefore, it is crucial to be mindful of how messages may be interpreted, and to choose words carefully to avoid potential confusion.

Other factors, while relevant, do not hold the same weight in ensuring clear communication. The need for immediate responses can create pressure but doesn't address the fundamental issue of clarity in communication. The length of the message may impact readability, but again, does not inherently resolve the challenge of conveying tone. Lastly, the use of formal language may be important in certain contexts but is not universally necessary and does not adequately address the core issue of non-verbal communication cues. Thus, recognizing and adapting to the limitations of written text is key to effective communication in these mediums.