We never talk anymore.

• Position: Office Communication

Executives today may be just as likely to make introductions as small talk around the office water cooler. That is because they are spending less and less time conversing with colleagues by phone and in person, shows a survey developed by OfficeTeam, a Menlo Park, Calif., staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. Compared to five years ago, only 13% of managers polled use the telephone as their primary means of communication, down from 48%; just 14% rely on face-to-face meetings, down from 24%. E-mail has become the most common form of dialogue at work, according to 71% of respondents.

"E-mail offers the advantages of speed and efficiency," notes Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam. "But the message should match the medium. Phone conversations allow individuals to share ideas and feedback with the benefit of vocal inflections, which reduces the potential for confusion or miscommunication. Meeting in person adds yet another dimension as participants can respond to facial expressions and body language;'

OfficeTeam offers the following tips for determining the right medium for various types of...