Which do you prefer more for contacting colleagues: E-mail, hand-written letters, fax, telephone? And why?

Email is the best choice, it also helps in following up on the pending issues and of course to keep a record to track at a later stage. 

E-mail easy to use and retrive data

then hand letters

then Tel. 

 

Effective utilization of communication tools is highly important to business and could lead to either failure to achieve objectives or successfully meet targets. Written communication is always the best especially email to ensure that: • Detailed information is easily given to all concerned collegues • Its accessible everywhere and every time • It can be a reference in future if needed. Verbal communication is also important and can reveal if a written communication is clearly delivered or not

for me ..email because this decoment important

Email and / or telephone depending on the kind of communication. Email, when it has to be a typical formal communication which needs to be on record and which is longer than a usual two liner command or information. Email can precisely contain all details about the communication, it remains on records, it has trails for all communication regarding a particular topic, it is also free. However, for a very urgent work or communication that needs immediate attention, a telephone call or message would be better in seeking colleague's attention. 

If it is a colleague and in a work environment, email is the best choice as it also documents what is being communicated about.  We can always refer to documentations once we need validation to the matter discussed. Another advantage is that with the current technology we enjoy, we can access emails using our smart phones, thus saving time if it is urgent and the colleague is out of the office.   I always practice calling a colleague by phone and back up by an email. Calling by phone  and followed up by a face to face interaction if time and location permits improves the personal relationship with your colleagues which then paves a much more relaxed communication in any future concerns.   

Other modes of communication like fax is done mostly if so required.  A hand written letter is  seldom or not practice in the business world and could be great when applied in personal messages like birthdays, congratulatory wishes on promotions etc.

Telephone is most essential. In this way, you would know the immediate response of your colleague especially urgent matters. If there is a need for any documentations or important matters to be recorded and sent easily you can take email as second option to reach out. When there is no answer on the phone, email can be sent but dont expect immediate response since there is no immediate reaction on email communication.

it depend on what you want to communicate , but E mail is usually essential as documentation

The best for me  send email because we  found reproducible

Speaking with discretion prevents any misunderstandings with your colleagues. Face to face communication helps with building trust and openness, and it enables you to sense and understand someone’s viewpoint and feelings. Also talk face to face to resolve disagreements or fix complex problems, and use clear, friendly and polite language.

·                Email: is better because you can send it any time, telephone you can not call any time.

·                In email the communication is archived in details and  you can retrieve it whenever you need it. In  telephone no guarantee for archiving details.

·                Email is reasonable price or cheaper than telephone  calls.

·                In email you attach many attachments, many documents, audio, video, etc. while in telephone you don't attach.

·                In email you can make a break and continue your thoughts. Thoughts are not left scattered.

 

I hope these points support.