What are the current trends and challenges in online communication for your field?

1 Email etiquette

Email is still one of the most common and important forms of online communication, but it can also be one of the most tricky and frustrating. How do you write clear, concise, and polite emails that get your message across and elicit a response? How do you avoid spamming, oversharing, or offending your recipients? How do you manage your inbox and avoid email overload? Some of the best practices for email etiquette include: using a professional and relevant subject line, greeting and signing off appropriately, keeping your emails brief and focused, using proper grammar and punctuation, proofreading and editing your emails, replying promptly and courteously, respecting privacy and confidentiality, and following up when necessary.

2 Social media savvy

Social media is not only a way to connect with friends and family, but also a powerful tool for networking, marketing, learning, and influencing. However, social media also poses some challenges and risks for online communication, such as: maintaining a consistent and authentic personal brand, balancing personal and professional boundaries, engaging with your audience and stakeholders, managing negative feedback and criticism, avoiding misinformation and fake news, and complying with ethical and legal standards. Some of the best practices for social media savvy include: choosing the right platforms and channels for your goals and audience, creating and sharing valuable and relevant content, interacting and building relationships with your followers and peers, monitoring and measuring your online presence and impact, and updating and adapting your strategy as needed.

3 Video conferencing skills

Video conferencing has become a ubiquitous and essential mode of online communication, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you use Zoom, Skype, Teams, or other platforms, you need to know how to communicate effectively, efficiently, and professionally on video. How do you prepare for and participate in online meetings, presentations, interviews, or webinars? How do you deal with technical issues, distractions, or interruptions? How do you convey your personality, emotions, and non-verbal cues on camera? Some of the best practices for video conferencing skills include: testing your equipment and internet connection, choosing a suitable and quiet location, dressing appropriately and professionally, using good lighting and sound quality, making eye contact and smiling, speaking clearly and confidently, listening actively and respectfully, and following up with a summary or action plan.

4 Online collaboration tools

Online collaboration tools are software applications that enable you to work with others on projects, tasks, documents, or other deliverables online. They can help you improve your productivity, efficiency, creativity, and teamwork. However, they can also present some challenges and difficulties for online communication, such as: choosing the right tools for your needs and preferences, learning how to use them effectively and securely, coordinating and synchronizing your work with others, managing your time and deadlines, giving and receiving feedback, and resolving conflicts and misunderstandings. Some of the best practices for online collaboration tools include: setting clear goals and expectations, establishing roles and responsibilities, communicating regularly and transparently, using the features and functions that suit your work style and workflow, respecting diversity and inclusion, and celebrating achievements and successes.

5 Online accessibility and inclusion

Online accessibility and inclusion are principles and practices that ensure that everyone can access, use, and benefit from online communication, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or circumstances. They are not only ethical and legal obligations, but also strategic and competitive advantages. However, they can also pose some challenges and barriers for online communication, such as: understanding and meeting the diverse needs and preferences of your audience, designing and delivering online content that is easy to read, understand, and navigate, using appropriate and respectful language and terminology, providing alternative formats and options for online content, and soliciting and responding to feedback and suggestions. Some of the best practices for online accessibility and inclusion include: following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), using plain language and clear structure, adding captions, transcripts, and descriptions for audio and video content, choosing colors, fonts, and images that are accessible and inclusive, and testing and evaluating your online content for accessibility and inclusion.

6 Online ethics and professionalism

Online ethics and professionalism are the standards and values that guide your online communication behavior and decisions. They reflect your integrity, credibility, and reputation as an online communicator. However, they can also raise some dilemmas and controversies for online communication, such as: respecting intellectual property and avoiding plagiarism, citing and acknowledging your sources and references, protecting your privacy and security online, disclosing any conflicts of interest or biases, being honest and transparent about your identity and affiliations, and adhering to the codes of conduct and policies of your field and organization. Some of the best practices for online ethics and professionalism include: following the principles of honesty, respect, responsibility, fairness, and trustworthiness, checking the accuracy and reliability of your online information, being mindful of the potential consequences of your online communication, seeking consent and permission when needed, reporting and correcting any errors or mistakes, and being accountable for your actions and words online.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?