This morning’s post on Problogger discusses how to have great conversations on your blog. While this topic may seem to be a no-brainer, it’s not. In fact, online conversations can go seriously wrong, fast. Effective communication is critical. So is self-control.
I Want to Like You, Really
I like everyone. Well, that’s a lie. I want to like everyone, but sometimes lack of sleep, PMS, hectic schedules, and my personality get in the way.
Great conversations are possible even when you dislike the other converser. You don’t even have to bite your tongue until it bleeds. Just avoid slinging mud and don’t let the conversation turn into a personal attack. You don’t always have to agree, and you don’t always have to be polite. In fact, life would be downright boring if we all thought alike and kissed up to each other.
Read What You Write
I would be willing to bet that at least 50% of the online conversations that create confusion and conflict could be avoided if the writer would only read what they wrote before posting.
Read your response over before you hit that SUBMIT button. Did you leave out a word? Does what you wrote convey what you meant it to? Does it even make sense?
Check Your Mental State
Another key to great conversations is to check your mental state before responding. Online conversations and email matter as much as face-to-face ones. People can be hurt. You can ruin someone’s day. You can make enemies. Words are powerful, both written and spoken.
If you are having a bad day, are angry at your spouse, or frustrated with your kids, don’t take it out on your readers and customers. If you are working with a couple of hours of sleep and no caffeine because the doctor said coffee was “unhealthy” (whine, whine….BAH!), let people know you may need a day or two to recover before you can make intelligent decisions and put together coherent sentences. People will understand, they’ve been there, too.
Honor Others
Honor is often misunderstood in our culture. We hear about how we should honor others, but we blow it off as another social politeness, without understanding. Honor is treating people as valuable creations, unconditionally. This means you acknowledge that each person is created in God’s image and has inherent value, despite his or her actions.
Learning to create meaningful, engaging conversations is a complex process. I wouldn’t dare pretend to have all the answers and I don’t claim to be a world-class expert. The fact is I’m learning as I go.
Feel free to add your two cents worth, we believe in honor and conversation at Blue Duck Copy. And if you want to learn more about communication, visit Sonia Simone’s Remarkable Communication. She knows her stuff.
Well said. I read my posts, thrice. Once as I’m writing. Once as an edit. Once to my wife. Then I publish.
Well said. I read my posts, thrice. Once as I’m writing. Once as an edit. Once to my wife. Then I publish.
Jamie, the key takeaway here – for me is – words are powerful. I “try” to use words that are positive and uplifting. Even when I don’t necessarily agree with something. However, this has me thinking – if I were to re-read my words, how would they come across (without any bias on my part). Hmmmm….. Sometimes I don’t think we realize just how powerful what we say can be.
Jamie, the key takeaway here – for me is – words are powerful. I “try” to use words that are positive and uplifting. Even when I don’t necessarily agree with something. However, this has me thinking – if I were to re-read my words, how would they come across (without any bias on my part). Hmmmm….. Sometimes I don’t think we realize just how powerful what we say can be.