Ça fait très longtemps!
As it happens to be, we find ourselves in
the thick of the digital era.
A world where anyone who is anyone must
have some kind of traction on the web that is ever so
world-wide.
Technology has become such an integral part
of living, relationship management and, on a corporate
level- organizational survival as well as
sustainability; starting from smartphones to softwares a.k.a
‘apps’; from Instant Messaging (IM’ing) to blogging; And while we’re at it, let’s not forget the
ever global trend that is here to STAY...
*drumroll*
SOCIAL MEDIA.
It’s all gravy with each of these platforms
providing privacy settings, user guides and the what-have-
you’s but what about the unspoken code of
conduct for communication?
No handbook on techniquette.
Yes, techniquette- the art of conducting
oneself gracefully- especially in a digital age.
So...to walk the talk, here are a few
pointers on how to keep up with the Jetsons:
1.
Kindly Stow Away Thy Gadgets
This might be the hardest thing just because
our gadgets are extensions of our hands/personalities
and we are so used to them. You would
literally have to sit on your hands to do this but it is all mind
over matter. Intentional.
Tuck your gadgets safely into your
purse/pockets whenever you are involved in any social
interaction; whether it be at your hangout
with ‘the girls’, date night with the boo, friend of a friend’s
birthday ‘bash’, business meeting with the
Boss, Quiet Time or Sunday Morning Service.
These are not the times to refresh your twitter
feed or check out the ‘tabloids’, but opportunities to
learn how to be an active listener. Your
relationships and spirit will thank you.
So fight the urge to grab your phone, stare
your oppositions, Mr. Awkward Moment and Miss
Uncomfortable Silence, in the face and
maintain your social graces.
Paraventure you have some emergency you never hespeddet (expected), excuse yourself from your
audience and step aside to do the needful.
2.
Decrease Your Misunderstood Quotient
If it happens constantly when there are
face-to-face conversations with people (when you can
leverage off emotional intelligence by
reading body language), imagine just how much EASIER it is to be MISUNDERSTOOD via texting/ social media.
Being ‘tech savvy’ is a lot of work and
this involves being cheerful and putting a lot of smileys or LOL’s as the cases may require.
Stay sweet and polite. Use your THANK YOU’S
and your PLEASE’S and your SORRY’s generously. It will save a lot of tension/confusion and doesn’t
cost that much- just a few seconds!
Or better yet- leave the important details
for calls or face-to-face meetings.
3.
Play the Shorthand Right
I am also blithely aware of the fact that
there is no time to waste time. Every second counts.
However, if you are going to use shorthand
in conversations OUTSIDE of your ‘inner
caucus’, DO
stick with the conventionals and PLEASE
take the extra minute to compose a legible email, text, chat
or direct message (DM) to unfamiliar
people.
In addition, if you are going to wish
somebody a happy birthday on social media, please don’t be lazy
about it.
‘HBDLLAP’ as opposed to ‘Happy Birth Day,
Long Life and Prosperity’?
Case in point.
There are enough letters to go around. In
the very least- 280 characters.
4.
Attention to Detail is GOLDEN
While the main aim of texting or chatting
may be to save time, it’s always best to read over what you
type before hitting the ‘whoosh’ button-
especially with the advent of auto-correct. You can never go
wrong with being ‘too formal’ or ‘too
appropriate’. So keep it professional and classy.
There’s a difference between ”its” and
”it’s”.
Between ”their” and ”they’re”.
Between ”your” and ”you’re”.
5.
Silence isn’t Always The Best Answer
As said earlier, time is a commodity and
most times we feel that 24 hours/day isn’t quite enough.
It’s understandable that we get caught up
in the craziness of this marathon of life- and in the process
mistakenly ignore people who message or are
trying to have conversations with us.
But just to maintain peace with all men,
it’s always best to send a short reply apologizing for your
unavailability and requesting to message/call at
another time.
It’s true, you don’t owe any one
explanation but REALLY, what does it cost you?
Last TIP- maybe most important; PLEASE DO NOT SELFIE SNAP,
TEXT, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, TWEET, SNAP CHAT or IM while driving. Wisdom is profitable
dear Ones.
When all's said and done, this is not a
‘Take Me Back To The Days When We Just Talked To Each
Other In Person And Sent Letters Via Bleach-White Doves’ campaign.
No ma’ams and sires, au contraire it is just to say
you can be present and absent at the same time without causing irritation to those around
you or, worse, tarnishing your integrity.
After all, ‘a good name is to be more
desired than great wealth; to be esteemed is better than silver
or gold’ (Proverbs 22:1), n'est pas?
We are made for each other and to sustain
, not break down our relationships.
‘Attention
is a compliment- pay it undividedly’ – Y.O
Love.
Urilla
Urilla
