This document provides guidance on proper communication and digital etiquette. It discusses choosing the appropriate channel for communication based on factors like whether feedback is needed. Channels include face-to-face, telephone, email, webpages, text messages, blogs, and social networks. The document also offers tips for telephone and email etiquette such as using a clear greeting and subject line, checking email regularly, and responding promptly. Finally, it identifies generational etiquette issues to avoid like using first names with employers or texting during meetings.

1. Communication and Digital Etiquette

3. 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.

4. Channels

5. 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?

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

7. Traditional Writing Precise wording and detail, privacy and a permanent record.

8. Public speaking Provide the same message to large numbers of people.

9. Telephone Immediate feedback and hearing tone.

10. Email More spontaneous and creative than traditional writing.

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

12. Text Messages Useful in personal communications and should be used cautiously. Lacks the content for clear communications.

13. Blogs and social Networks Popular for engagement and feedback.

14. Digital Etiquette

15. Telephone greeting Start with a greeting and introduce yourself: “Good morning, Jeannette Novakovich speaking.”

16. 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

17. 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

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. Source: Guide to Business Etiquette By Roy A. Cook and Gwen O. Cook http://www.flickr.com/photos/tamaleaver/288308367/