The Slide Challenge: Why Video Messages Will Transform Your Communication

By Wade Paterson

We live in a world saturated with text — emails, DMs, chat messages — yet we consistently forget that the written word captures only a fraction of what we're actually trying to say. If you've ever had an email misread, a text misinterpreted, or a message fall flat, there's a scientific reason for it. And there's a surprisingly simple fix: video messages.

A Lesson in Communication (Courtesy of My Mom and MSN Messenger)

Before we get into the science, let me take you back to a simpler time — the golden era of MSN Messenger. If that name triggers a wave of nostalgia, you're not alone. For many of us, MSN was our first taste of real-time digital conversation, a thrilling step up from the glacial pace of email.

When I left my hometown of Taber, Alberta, to head off to college in Calgary, my mom and I talked about how we'd stay in touch. Phone calls were a given, but I also convinced her — after considerable persuasion — to download MSN Messenger. My mother has always been wary of technology, so this was no small feat.

Months went by with no sign of her online. Then, one glorious day, I noticed a new contact had logged in — no profile photo, just the default MSN icon. It had to be her.

I typed: "Hey Mom!"

After a long pause, the status bar read "Wendy is typing…" — then it disappeared. Then it came back. Finally, a message arrived: "Hello, wait, is that you?"

I confirmed it was me. Her response? "Wade, how do I know this is you?" Keep in mind, there was a photo of me right there in the chat window, and it literally said "Wade is typing." But my own mother wasn't convinced.

Then came the security questions: "How many brothers and sisters do you have, and what are their names?" I answered — one brother named Wes, one sister named Shauna. Was that enough? Of course not. "What town did you grow up in?" Double verification. I passed the test, and she finally declared: "Okay, we can talk now."

The 7-38-55 Rule: Why Text Alone Isn't Enough

While that story is a fun jab at my mom's tech wariness, it actually highlights a real problem with text-based communication — whether it's MSN Messenger, WhatsApp, email, or any other platform. The issue comes down to three numbers you should know:

That means a staggering 93% of communication is non-verbal. When you send a text or an email, you're relying on just 7% of your communicative toolkit to deliver the full message. No wonder things get lost in translation.

Same Words, Completely Different Meaning

Consider two versions of the same sentence: "Hey everyone, I am so excited to be here. Thank you so much for having me!"

In the first version, imagine it delivered with genuine enthusiasm — bright eyes, an energetic voice, open body language. You'd believe every word.

Now imagine the same sentence delivered in a flat, disinterested monotone, with slumped shoulders and wandering eyes. The words are identical, but the message couldn't be more different. The second version practically screams, "I'd rather be anywhere else."

This is exactly why emails get misread. This is why you've wondered, "Is this person upset with me?" only to discover they weren't upset at all — it was just the way the words landed on screen, stripped of every human cue that would have made the meaning clear.

The Fix: Start Sending Video Messages

The solution is elegantly simple: incorporate video into your messages.

There are dedicated tools for this, such as BombBomb, which lets you record and send video emails complete with analytics — you can see when someone opens your email and when they watch your video. It's a powerful platform for anyone who communicates regularly with clients, colleagues, or customers.

But you don't need a subscription or a special tool to get started. You can:

In many cases, recording a video is actually faster than typing out a lengthy email. And the impact is incomparably greater because you're delivering the full spectrum of communication — your words, your tone, and your body language — all at once.

The Challenge: 10 Video Messages in 30 Days

Here's the challenge I want to put to you: send at least 10 video direct messages or emails over the next month.

That's roughly one every three days — totally manageable. They don't need to be long or polished. A quick, genuine, 30-second video thanking a client, following up on a meeting, or checking in with a colleague will do more than any perfectly crafted paragraph ever could.

If you already use video messaging regularly, push yourself further — try a new platform, reach a new audience, or increase your volume. The point is to stretch beyond your comfort zone.

Why It Works

When you send someone a video message, you're doing something rare in today's digital landscape: you're giving them your full presence. People notice. They appreciate the effort. They feel a connection that no emoji or exclamation mark can replicate. In a world drowning in text, a short video stands out like a handwritten letter in a mailbox full of junk.

So take the slide challenge. Pick up your phone, hit record, and start communicating with the full force of who you are — not just 7% of it. I guarantee you'll see the difference in the responses you get, the relationships you build, and the impact you make.

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