I think the bottom line is that you need to meet people where they’re at. I understand the part about audio issues and I feel like it’s exasperated because of the low audio quality from mobile phones or earbuds. At work, I really have to work at hearing people who use airbuds, especially if they’re male Indians.
Conversely, I will read a well-written email or text and to the thing that it’s saying, then get a reply that I did it all wrong and realize that I completely misunderstood it. I read it again and then my original reply and can’t figure out how I got it all wrong. If they tell me something, however, I’ll remember it completely and accurately. Also, I have to write everything down in order to remember, but I never need to look at my notes. I must have some loose wires.
That duck is looking pretty tasty right about now.