How to Cope with Digital Overwhelm without Quitting Your Job: Craig Mattson

How to stay sane in a noisy world Instead of digital minimalism consider this alternative

Episode 251 (Craig is based in Grand Rapids Michigan)

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In this conversation with Craig Mattson we explore:

• Why acknowledging digital overwhelm is the first step toward healthier communication.

• The limitations of digital minimalism and the need for digital flexibility.

• Six communication modes professionals rely on to cope with digital stress.

• The importance of understanding your default communication style.

• How to avoid contributing to others’ communication overload.

• Simple techniques to reset a failed conversation.

• Why switching between communication modes helps maintain humanity in digital spaces.

• The power of treating all communication as a gift — even criticism.

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About our guest Craig Mattson:

Craig is the author of "Digital Overwhelm". He writes, researches and teaches at Calvin University.

You can buy his book, Digital Overwhelm here.

Learn more about his programs and register for his newsletter here 

https://www.themodeswitch.com/

https://www.digitaloverwhelm.com/

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Key Learning Points from this Interview

1. Acknowledge the Overwhelm

   • Being overwhelmed by digital inputs is normal; the first step is admitting it.

2. Digital Flexibility vs. Digital Minimalism

   • Minimalism helps, but flexibility is key to adapting and connecting with others.

3. Avoid Contributing to Others' Overwhelm

   • Be mindful of how your communication style might stress others.

4. Understand Your Default Communication Mode

   • Everyone has a go-to style (e.g., long emails, verbal advocacy) — know yours and its limitations.

5. Adapt Your Style to the Listener’s Needs

   • Match your message delivery to where the audience is emotionally and mentally.

6. Communication as a Social Issue

   • Digital overload isn’t just individual; it’s a workplace-wide challenge that requires collective responses.

7. Mode Switching as a Skill

   • Learn to shift between styles: emailing, saying, signaling, advocating, meaning, and fixing.

8. Reflect on Communication Experiences

   • Journaling or debriefing helps improve future interactions.

9. Communication as a Gift

   • Even criticism can be seen as a gift — shifting mindset opens deeper dialogue.

10. Be Willing to Start Again

• When conversations derail, it’s okay to pause and restart with clearer intent.

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Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self.

In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.

 

Your host is George Torok

George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers traini