Textiquette: Text Messaging in The Professional World

Don't 4get mtg 2moro @the office. Btw ne1 want snacks? Lmk! Cul8r!

Sometimes we receive text messages that leave us thinking, "What?" Texts like the one above are so littered with lingo that they may be difficult to understand. These types of texts are usually from personal friends and family, but texting colleagues and superiors in the workplace is becoming more commonplace. As long as your boss approves, texting can be a quick and effective mode of communication. However, texting your colleagues and boss can be intimidating when you don't know how to text professionally. So here are a few tips to observe.

The Do's and Don'ts of a Professional Texter

· Think before you text. Ask yourself: should I email this information? Would it be better if we spoke about this topic over the phone? Would a face to face conversation be more appropriate? The last thing you want to do is waste time sending a text that no one will understand. Determine if the information you need to communicate is simple enough for a text message.

· Keep excessive short hand for personal text messages only. Text short hand is a completely different language that not every one knows how to speak. If you shorten a word, make sure your recipient will know exactly what you mean. As a rule of thumb, if you are in doubt, spell it out.

· Keep text messages concise. No one wants to read to 4 page text. If the message you need to send does not fit into one page (about 140 characters), either call or send an email.

· Send texts at appropriate times. You might not want to wake your boss up at 2:30a just because you will not be able to pick up donuts for tomorrow's meeting. Keep business related text messages close to working hours. But of course if your boss texts you after hours, it is appropriate to respond.

· Check for spelling and grammatical errors. Text messaging is a more casual mode of communication, however you do not want to embarrass yourself by being too casual. So make sure to proofread the text before you hit the send button.

These simple tips will keep you professional and may even help you stand out.

Happy texting.

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Kali Raoul is founder and president of The Image Studios, a Chicago-based communication firm that specializes in personal branding and leadership presence. She blogs in “Successful Expression” to help you learn to communicate your true self.