Mastering WhatsApp Etiquette: A Guide to Graceful Messaging

• 作者: Ms Cathy Yang
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• 刊登日期: 2024-10-14 15:47:34
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• 238 人已經看過
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Ms. Cathy Yang, International Business Etiquette Trainer

Instant messaging apps have become an indispensable part of our daily lives and work. Especially after experiencing three years of the pandemic, many have adapted to working from home (WFH). Whether coordinating tasks with colleagues or keeping in touch with friends and family, we rely heavily on communication tools like WhatsApp and WeChat.

However, the widespread use of these messaging apps has not only provided us with 24/7 communication convenience but has also led to instances of improper usage, turning what was once a convenience into a nuisance for others.

As an international business etiquette trainer, I believe it is essential to follow basic etiquette guidelines when using WhatsApp to ensure that communication is elegant, smooth, and efficient, while avoiding inconvenience to others.

Let’s explore personal WhatsApp and private messaging etiquette:

1. Control the Frequency of Messages

Managing how often you send messages is crucial. Excessive messaging can disrupt the recipient's work or daily routine. We should learn to strike a balance and control the frequency of our messages to avoid becoming a "message bombardier."

2. Be Mindful of Timing

Sending messages during night hours or sleep times can affect the recipient's rest, so it's important to respect their schedule. While group chats have a mute function, one-on-one messages are less likely to be muted, making it vital to communicate effectively.

Common Timing Considerations:

• Consider Time Zones: When communicating with people in other countries, remember time differences. The recipient may not be in the same time zone as you. Choose convenient times to message or call to avoid disturbing them.
• Avoid Break Times: Generally, it’s best to avoid reaching out during the recipient’s sleep, meal, or weekend downtime as a sign of respect.
• International Norms: Schedule calls between 9 AM and 9 PM. (Emily Post)
• Chinese Norms: Avoid calling after 10 PM and before 7 AM unless it's an urgent matter.
• Assess Urgency: If a message or call is urgent, it may be acceptable to contact them at less convenient times, but you should clearly state the urgency of the situation.
• Be Aware of Holidays: Know the holidays in the recipient's country to avoid contacting them during significant celebrations, which may cause inconvenience.

3. Use Polite and Courteous Language

Maintain a polite and courteous tone in your messages, avoiding crude or aggressive language. Even in conversations with close friends, it’s important to use language that reflects grace and decorum, avoiding overly casual expressions.

4. Respect Privacy

Even with close friends, it’s crucial to respect their privacy. Do not share their personal information or photos without permission.

5. Be Mindful of Public Behavior

When using WhatsApp in public settings, we should be particularly attentive to our behavior. Some inappropriate actions include:

• Playing Audio Loudly in Public: Broadcasting audio messages loudly or recording others without consent can disturb people around you.
• Assess Background Noise: Before recording, ensure that the background is appropriate for audio capture. Noisy environments are not suitable for recordings.

We must always be mindful of our actions to avoid impacting others negatively.

In summary, when using WhatsApp, we should always be aware of our behavior and adhere to basic etiquette guidelines. Whether in personal chats or professional settings, we should communicate elegantly, prioritize efficiency, and respect others' privacy and routines. By doing so, we can ensure that our use of messaging apps is both graceful and effective, avoiding any inconvenience to others.