*Communication and Digital Etiquette

*Basic Communication

*Use proper grammar

*Do not use multisyllabic words unnecessarily.

*Punctuate carefully.

*Use fonts that are easy to read.

*Be clear and concise.

*Vary your sentence structure.

*Use an appropriate tone.

*Use spell-check.

*Proofread your work.

*Have someone else proofread your work.

*Channels

*Channel Choice

*Should you be formal or informal

*Do you need to hear/and or see a person’s reaction?

*Do you need an immediate response?

*Do our need to elicit high audience participation or not?

*Do you need a channel that appeals to just a few—or all—of the receiver’s senses?

*Do you need a permanent record of this communication?

*Face-to-face

*Allows you to read body language and provides a personal spontaneous touch to the communication. Best way to communicate sensitive information.

*Traditional Writing

*Precise wording and detail, privacy and a permanent record.

*Public speaking

*Provide the same message to large numbers of people.

*Telephone

*Immediate feedback and hearing tone.

*Email

*More spontaneous and creative than traditional writing.

*Webpages

*24/7 access, ability to enhance through graphics and sound. Reach people that you don’t know.

*Text Messages

*Useful in personal communications and should be used cautiously. Lacks the content for clear communications.

*Blogs and social Networks

*Popular for engagement and feedback.

*Digital Etiquette

*Telephone greeting

*Start with a greeting and introduce yourself:

*“Good morning, Jeannette Novakovich speaking.”

*Telephone voice

*Speak clearly and directly

*Don’t be distracted

*Speak a bit more slowly

*Put the caller on hold when looking for information

*Always smile when you speak it will bring warmth to your voice

*Email etiquette

*Business email uses traditional grammar and punctuation.

*External email should use the recipient’s formal title

* The email should fit on the first screen

*Limit email to a single topic

*Edit into short chunks

*Add headings, lists or numbers to make the email easy to skim

*Avoid jokes, slang or emotional punctuation

*Subject Line

*Use a clear subject line that tells your reader what the message is about and how it concerns them.

*Checking and responding to

email

*Check email regularly

*Don’t check during meetings

*Choose recipients carefully

*Don’t send an email if you are emotional

*Respond within 24-hour period

*When you ask your prof for help and they respond---acknowledge and thank them

*Webpage etiquette

*Be sensitive to your audience: content and access

*Keep it simple

*Respect slow modems

*Make navigation easy

*Revise regularly

*Include an email link

*Review and revise before posting

*Generational etiquette gaffs

*Using first names with prospective employers

*Neglecting to correct spelling and capitalization mistakes

*Using all lowercase letters

*Multitasking

* Placing your cell phone on the table

* Social texting during a meeting or class

*Overusing IM acronyms

*Using emoticons

* Posting weird pictures on Facebook

*Blogging about your employer

* Listening to music on your headphones

*Source: Guide to Business Etiquette

*By Roy A. Cook and Gwen O. Cook

*http://www.flickr.com/photos/tamaleaver/288308367/