14 rules of communication in the messenger

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

How quickly you need to respond to messages, whether it is worth writing on business issues on weekends, and how not to turn group chat into chaos. The head of the TamTam messenger specially for Lifehacker prepared several tips on how to communicate in the messenger so that it would not be excruciatingly painful for a sticker sent aimlessly.

General rules

1. When will I get an answer?

Sending a message in the messenger is fast, but receiving a response can take time. Even if the message has been read, you do not need to wait for an answer immediately. The interlocutor may be busy, not in the mood, and may not have the necessary information to answer. He may even go offline to think. This is unpleasant, but you shouldn't be offended.

Remind about the message in a few hours and in a day. If an answer is needed urgently, it is better to call the interlocutor.

2. Can I not answer at all?

Ideally, the time between receiving a message and responding should be short (no more than a day) so that the interlocutor does not think that you are ignoring him. Messengers mean faster responses than mail. But if you received a message and cannot or do not want to respond to it, then just write that you saw it, but you need time. The worst thing is to hide and pretend that nothing came to you.

3. Is it okay to write for work at night?

If you can not write at this time, then it is better not to write at all. Let the interlocutor not flinch at night from notifications. If you still write at night and on weekends, then it should be borne in mind that the person is not ready to answer you. Well, turn off notifications yourself at this time.

4. Can all work be transferred to the messenger?

Work issues are resolved quickly today, and the discussion of cases naturally spilled over into the messenger. But due to the abundance of correspondence, some questions can simply get lost, so it is better to leave schemes, plans and tracking results in the task manager or in the mail in the old fashioned way.

5. Why are they offended by the stickers?

Smilies, stickers, emojis are a way of expressing our feelings in correspondence. But sometimes when communicating, they are quite difficult to interpret. Choose stickers and emoticons that are equally understandable to both you and the interlocutor.

On the other hand, it is stickers and emojis that allow you to get rid of a lot of words and convey emotion. Hence the simple conclusion: always take into account the knowledge of the interlocutor about the topic of correspondence and his immersion in the topic of stickers and emoji.

6. How do I recall a message?

Please double-check your message before sending it. Especially if you use AutoCorrect. How many relationships have been destroyed, how many deals have failed because of stupid mistakes and autocorrect! In some messengers, you can edit messages, but there is always a risk that you yourself will not have time to notice the error before the read mark appears.

And don't confuse dialog boxes. Truth. This is as old as the world, but the title of the chat is worth reading again. What if you write to your boss instead of your bro?

7. Can I write in CAPITAL LETTERS?

On the internet, CAPITAL LETTERS are a cry. If you are not shouting, then you should not write caps. An exception can be made only if you communicate with visually impaired people.

8. How do you deliver bad news?

Bad news and criticism should be transferred from the messenger to real communication. Especially if you are intemperate in words. Anything you write can be screened and used. Then it will be very ashamed.

9. Why are some people enraged by audio messages?

Audio messages are very convenient, and in the messenger they allow you to get closer to the interlocutor, but so far they cause very mixed feelings among different users. It is better to check with the interlocutor in advance if he likes this format.

Try not to record audio messages on the subway or on a noisy street. Keep in mind that the interlocutor cannot always listen to the audio recording, for example, if he is in the office and the headphones are not at hand. Some important things - addresses, instructions, etc. - are best reported in the text.

If you are recording a voice and time permits, then it is better to send one long message. Agree that it is inconvenient to listen to 10 short voice messages.

Rules of conduct in group chats

10. Can I not follow the chat rules?

In our life, there are more and more group chats: office, parental, chats of residents of new buildings. And that's the problem. After entering the public chat, introduce yourself to the participants (unless, of course, there are colleagues there who already know you well). Read the chat rules carefully: sometimes some topics are forbidden for discussion.

11. How to enter a group chat?

Do not start a dialogue with a laconic "Hello" and wait for an answer. If a stranger appears in a group correspondence, do not forget to introduce yourself.

12. How not to be distracted by group chats?

If at the moment no important issue is being discussed, the chat can be checked once a day. You shouldn't go to the messenger every five minutes to check the same correspondence.

13. Can I change the subject if everyone is boring?

In a group chat, there is always a temptation to arrange a long correspondence or move away from the topic (offtopic). Should not be doing that.

Want to share a photo of your child? Just send a personal message, the parent committee group chat is not the best place to do this.

14. What if I just ask?

Please note that there was already correspondence in the group chat before your arrival. If you have something to ask, it might be worth considering the built-in search for chat messages.