Communication Etiquette

Our communication skills are a main hallmark of our professionalism and provide an important opportunity not only to deliver a message but also to build a relationship as well. May include: general points on active listening and awareness of whether an email or phone call is private or public (the headline or bulletin board rule). Email: email best practices are reviewed, including spelling, grammar, subject lines, salutations, closings, signature block, formality, reply all, cc/bcc, emoticons, and text abbreviations; what it means to have a healthy communication diet; when to resolve a concern in-person as opposed to via email; email fiasco examples; timeliness of replies. Phones and smartphones: when to take or not take cell phone calls; smartphones in meetings; best practices regarding messages sent from smartphones; taking and leaving phone messages; video and conference call best practices. Handwritten thank-you notes: under what circumstances a handwritten thank-you note should be sent; best practices, including using a date, ink color, appropriate stationery, and whether or not to enclose a business card; a sample thank-you note.