Communication Etiquette is Important for Student Success

It is common knowledge that teenagers? preferred method of communication is by texting. Choppy text-speak is almost a new language in itself. No need for a face-to-face conversation when everyone has a mobile phone. Doonesbury comic strip depicts it well when Zipper and Jeff sit across a restaurant table and never look at each other or speak to each other?instead they text their conversation back and forth.

It is true that communication methods have changed so drastically in the last couple of decades that actually speaking with someone seems to be a last-option choice. Yet clear, courteous communication remains crucial to successful relationships?whether those relationships are developed in the workplace, school, or between friends. To go further, I would say that solid communication skills are necessary for college success.

What I?m really talking about is communication etiquette. Developing communication etiquette is a skill that many people do not even consider, yet how we communicate can either open doors or close them. Unfortunately there are a lot of adults who do not recognize the importance of communication etiquette, so it is no wonder that many teenagers lack it altogether.? If parents are not teaching their kids how to effectively, yet politely communication, then we shouldn?t be surprised at their rudeness. While parents are teaching important life skills to their children?things I?ve talked about often before, such as time and priority management, conflict management , and financial management?they also should stress the value of polite, effective communication. Such skills will serve those teenagers well when they are off on their own in college or seeking employment.

The following are a few communication etiquette tips for teenagers:

Teenagers should understand that texting should be reserved for informal, short messages; they should not assume that a teacher or employer will communicate by text.

• Students should learn to check email once a day and respond promptly?within 24 hours?because email is the way that teachers, school administrators, and employers most likely will communicate. When responding, students should be formal. Do not address a teacher or employer by their first name unless asked to do so. Use complete sentences, check for spelling errors, avoid ?text speak,? address all questions asked, and keep communication concise and to the point.
• Another thing for students to remember about email is that many people are inundated with daily emails. We all know how easy it is to ?lose? an email once it rolls out of sight on our screen. Students need to be aware that sometimes a teacher or employer will be too swamped to answer right away. It is then that the student should display her self-advocacy skills. Send a polite reminder email, referring to your first one, and say that you will follow up with a call in one week. Be sure to thank the person for their time. Such a response shows a determined, efficient student.
• Another big issue that has arisen with the advent of our non-verbal communication methods is the tendency to avoid conflict. Students should learn to address difficult issues instead of avoiding them. It is easier to simply not respond to a confrontational or complicated email or text; however, not responding indicates immaturity and disrespect. Conflicts will arise at college and in the workplace, and parents should teach their teenagers how to appropriately address them.
• Despite our digital communication preferences, nothing takes the place of face-to-face communication. Unfortunately, many teenagers?as well as adults?lack confidence and skill in communicating their ideas, questions, and comments in person. As I?ve said before, parents should encourage or create opportunities for their teens to speak with adults in varying situations. Remind them that no question is a stupid question. Students should be taught to look the other person in the eye when speaking, to shake hands, and to pay attention to body language.
• Students and parents need to recognize that it is disrespectful to text and/or answer a call during face-to-face conversations, be it family time, during class, or in a meeting. If it is absolutely necessary to answer, excuse yourself first. Our smart phones are smart at distracting us, not at making us better communicators.
• Students should be careful of what they post on social media. Every time a student posts, he should ask himself if he would be comfortable with a school administrator or employer seeing it.

College success depends on a variety of skills; effective, polite communication is one of the most important.

Source: http://towardcollegesuccess.com/communication-etiquette-is-important-for-student-success/

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