How to Text Message Someone Using Your Cell Phone
Communication by text message has become an extremely popular mode of communication with teenagers and adults alike. The ability to send text messages allows individuals to communicate discreetly, reducing the chance that a message is intercepted. Situations occur requiring a message to be sent, however, making a traditional telephone call is inappropriate. Text messaging allows this communication to occur.
Here is a list of steps anyone can employ to send a text message to another cellular telephone. While menu structures may be slightly different from phone to phone, the basic process is the same.
How to Send a Text Message:
1.
Open the Messaging Menu on your telephone. Most often this can be
accomplished by clicking on the messaging icon. If your phone is menu driven
versus icon driven, scroll down to the messaging menu and open it.
2. Choose Text Message. Once again, the naming of this option can differ. Some phones will simply state New, while others call it an SMS message. In any event, the goal of this step is to begin a new message. After choosing this option, you should either have a blank text message on the screen or a list of contacts.
3. Choose a recipient. Depending on the phone you have, you may choose your recipient before you text message is complete or after.
4. Write your message. Compose the message you wish to send to your recipient. On a phone with a full QWERTY keyboard, this process is relatively simple. Just type the message as you would in a word processor on your computer. On a phone with a standard numeric keypad, you will need to tap the number key that corresponds to each letter character. The number of taps you will need depends on the letter’s position on the keypad. For instance, if you wish to type A, you will depress the number 2 key one time, however for the letter C you will need to depress the number 2 key 3 times.
5. Send the message. After you have completed the message choose “Send” from your menu. The message will then be copied into your messages list and will display an icon that coincides with its status. Statuses can include sending, send, or unable to send.
If your recipient chooses to respond, the corresponding reply will also be listed in your telephone’s message list. You will receive a visual and audible notification when you receive a text message.
Benefits of Text Messaging
Text messaging offers many benefits. The ability to send and receive messages, even when communication is impractical, from almost anywhere is a valuable commodity. Many professionals have found that text messaging has enabled them to create a virtual office and rely upon text messaging to keep them connected. The ability to send data and image files via text messaging allows for greater productivity and efficiency.
The text-messaging platform is similar to that of many chat applications currently being used in online applications, so the format, though abbreviated, is familiar. This makes the transition to texting easier for less experienced users.
Text messaging can be used in lieu of making phone calls, preserving minutes on an individual’s plan and saving money. Text messages are charged per message, so making sure that there are adequate limits on messaging is paramount to this strategy. Many times, an unlimited text messaging option can be added for less than the amount saved by decreasing the number of available talk minutes.
Common Pitfalls
While text messaging is a great way to send a short note to someone without the hassle of placing a traditional call, there are a few drawbacks. One of the most common drawbacks is the lack of messaging on your plan. If you choose to send a text message and you do not have this service available, you will be charged a fee for each message you send or receive, regardless of whether the message is read. Text messaging can be added to most cellular plans for less than $10 per month, depending on the level you choose.
Another drawback is that it is illegal to compose or read text messages while driving. While this may not pose much of a problem for some, it can be somewhat inconvenient for others.
Text messages are limited in size. A basic text message is 160 characters or less, requiring users to rely upon shorthand to convey longer messages. Text messaging shorthand can be difficult to understand and requires repeated exposure before abbreviations are understood.
Lastly, text messages, while more discreet than phone calls, are not private conversations. Mobile telephone companies retain logs of its users messages that can be subpoenaed and used in a court of law.
Text messaging is a great way to stay in touch with people, both professionally and personally. This service adds value to any mobile plan by allowing users to communicate in an alternate way. Contact your cellular carrier for more information regarding options for text messaging.