Strategies For Communicating Effectively Online

• Be conversational: It is easier to be curt than conversational, but terse correspondence can hurt people's feelings. If you add a little warmth to your communication, you'll quickly notice that it goes a long way toward engendering good will.
  
  
• Maintain a positive tone: If you want your course experience to be positive, be upbeat. It's contagious. Encourage and support your team and classmates regularly. When you notice good work and/or great effort, congratulate it. The virtual kindness will come back to you.
  
  
• Ask for clarification: Misunderstandings happen all the time online. There is no body language or gesturing to accompany typed words. To avoid potentially hurt feelings and/or misinformation, it is important for you to readily ask for clarification when you are confused. It's helpful in all aspects of life and especially online, to expect the best of people and give them a chance to explain before having premature reactions. A non-combative way of asking for clarification is "I'm confused about the email you sent earlier. Can you explain what you meant by…?"
  
  
• Apologize early and often: If you think you may have offended someone, it's best to err on the side of being overly nice. A quick apology is usually all that is necessary to fix the situation.
  
  
• Forgive others' mistakes: Communicating online is new for many students. They will make mistakes and you will make mistakes. Practice forgiveness. It will make your life easier and you will be modeling a very effective online communication strategy.
  
  
• Use humor: Humor adds a terrific dimension to online communication and coursework. Using emoticons like :) smiling, ;) winking, :O surprised, etc. help to shape your online persona and nurture a fun class atmosphere.
  
  
• Read before you Send: Always consider how your postings will be "read" before you click Send.