Though lightning fast, the black and white of boring text can be an impediment to effective online communication, at least when compared to the visual seasoning found in a wayward gesture, roll of the eyes, or sheepish grin. However, clear articulation is a must if our road to success will wind through the weaving roads of the internet. 

Five basic principles for effective online communication.

1)  Get it Write!

When communicating online, take advantage of the strength of the written word while trying to avoid its flaws.  Treat online writing as if you were passing a hand written note on decorative paper, rather than a careless email peppered with abbreviations and unfinished thought.  Whether writing a post or drafting an email, take the time to orchestrate your thoughts and ensure your words gleam with the precision of your intent.

2)  Know Your Point

Effective online communication means being clear with your message and getting there swiftly.   Keep your ideas organized and concise.   Take the time needed to look over your work and avoid unorganized or confusing thoughts.  Clarity, grammar and spelling all matter.  As in all writing, it is sometimes difficult to discern the intent of another. Write for an audience and never assume they know the nuances of your mind.

3)  Follow Basic Netiquette

Though siblings, on and offline writing are not twins. There are new rules for this new medium, with brand new lexicon to match. Despite their many differences, there are tried and true do’s and don’ts that will give clarity to your thought and help you achieve effective online communication.

• Always treat others with respect. Don’t say anything online you wouldn’t be comfortable saying directly to someone’s face. Don’t allow the distance of the keyboard to dictate your bravado.

• Give others the benefit of the doubt. You would want the same. If you’re uncertain of  tone, assume the best unless you have a definite reason to believe otherwise.

• State your perspective with confidence, not arrogance. No one likes a know-it-all.  You can be confident in your voice while allowing plenty of room for the outlook of others.

• Don’t tear down others to elevate yourself. Good manners can’t be bought.  Treating others with the courtesy you would wish to receive is an essential ingredient of effective online communication.

4)  Be Genuine

Every minute online, is another sixty seconds that can be spent to strengthen your online fingerprint.  Every line you write casts a brighter light on what makes you an individual.  Each answered email, tweet, or post is another opportunity to show the online community precisely who you are.  Use your most authentic voice, it’s the one your community most wants to hear.

5)  Be Humble

Be willing to admit mistakes.  We all are constant learners.  Don’t be afraid to admit those things you do not know.  You might be surprised how many people are willing to reach out and offer their hand.

Written communication has its limitations; the lack of body language and intonation can make us uncertain of an author’s intent. However, there are advantages to the written word that verbal communication cannot match. We create our identity from the words we write. It is up to us to crystallize our thought and bring order to our message.

Building a robust online community is like building a door to greater possibility.  Effective online communication is the key to unlock it.

Sean

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