You may not have heard the term “techtiquette” before, but you should have a pretty good idea what it means. A mix of the words “technology” and “etiquette”, techtiquette basically refers to the etiquette that is applied to the use of technology.
If you happen to think that none of the uses of technology these days might be impolite, then you might be in for a surprise. For example, using technology can be awkward in situations where face-to-face conversations are actually more efficient and convenient. Even when circumstances do require the use of technology for communication, there are still some basic behaviors that we need to adhere to in order to show politeness to others – whether we are talking to them or those around us.
So what are the most important points of the technique that we need to remember?
Meanwhile on the phone
It used to be that calling to work meant using the landline assigned to you by the company. But things have changed dramatically. The advent of cell phone technology, as well as VoIP phone services such as that offered by RingCentral, makes it possible for people to engage in business conversations anytime, anywhere. While this is very convenient, it can lead to some very awkward situations when you’re multitasking or in public.
The most important engineering rules in this regard are:
- Try to hold off on conversations about confidential information until you’re somewhere more private
- Never use the speakerphone in public especially if it causes you and other people on the phone to talk loudly
- Don’t put someone on speakerphone unless they’ve approved it
- When multitasking, don’t engage in other conversations or perform tasks that make loud, distracting noises; use the mute button if you can’t hold it down
- Most importantly, pay close attention to the conversation because the person you’re talking to may be disappointed if they think you’re not listening at all.
While talking through the computer
A little more than fifteen years ago, none of us would have dreamed that we would rely on email, instant messaging, and even video chatting for work. These days, however, they are somewhat commonplace. Companies like Microsoft have combined these services with other applications to create a complete suite of office operations for smart businesses. Just like any new telephone technology, computer-based communications can be very useful. But they can also make us forget that we are interacting with other people.
Here’s what you need to adhere to in a situation like this:
- When instant messaging, make sure the other person is open for conversation; You also need to make sure that you indicate your own availability to chat
- Keep your instant messages and emails as short as possible, covering only the important points and questions
- When participating in scheduled video conferences with clients, try to dress professionally – preferably in subdued colors
- Avoid making extraneous noises and movements that could be mistaken for distractions during video conferencing
- Try to respond to questions as soon as possible, and let others know if you need to delay a reply
As you practice the techniques, you will find that your business will do better and you will be taken more seriously.
Image Credit : Daily Etiquette
