Communicating effectively is harder than it sounds.
Talking is easy. But to do that effectively is more
difficult.
Here are some tips that may help!
Get to the point fast.
Prefer asynchronous written communication over synchronous.
Type out everything you wanted to say before saying it (this applies
especially to questions). There’s no point in asking something in 5
separate messages. You’ll just dilute what you were trying to say and
annoy people.
Think about what you’re typing. Writing is a good way to clarify
stuff to yourself. If necessary, find more data or even delete
everything if you were about to ask a stupid question. (note: there
are no stupid questions…)
Use bullet-points / numbered lists so people can easily scan and
reply to specific items individually.
Simplify your language. Long words may make you seem clever, but
people won’t understand as easily.
Re-read everything before you ask people to take the time to read
it. The longer your writing (eg. a massive PR), the more carefully you
need to re-read. You may spot obvious mistakes, answer your own
question, or change your mind by doing this.
Make sure relevant people know relevant information. Potentially
deliver the same message in different formats and mediums.
Favour communication in public over in private. Other people will
benefit!
If in doubt, post the message. Under-communication is more dangerous
than over-communication.
Make sure the relevant people know. Potentially “tag” them if they
could miss the message.
Write to most relevant place & to the smallest number of people.
Who needs to know? A single person? The team? A large group of people?
People will engange more if there are fewer other people around.