How can you communicate effectively on mobile?

1 Choose the right tool

The first step to communicate effectively on mobile is to choose the right tool for the purpose and audience of your message. Depending on the urgency, complexity, and tone of your communication, you may opt for different tools, such as email, chat, video call, voice message, or social media. For example, if you need to share a detailed report with your boss, you may use email, but if you want to get a quick feedback from your colleague, you may use chat. Similarly, if you want to convey emotion or nuance, you may prefer video call or voice message, but if you want to reach a wider audience or build your brand, you may use social media.

2 Adapt your style

The second step to communicate effectively on mobile is to adapt your style to the tool and the situation. Mobile communication often requires you to be concise, clear, and courteous, as you have limited time and space to convey your message. You also need to be aware of the tone, etiquette, and expectations of each tool and each recipient. For example, if you are writing an email, you may use a formal greeting, a clear subject line, and a polite sign-off, but if you are chatting with a friend, you may use emojis, abbreviations, and slang. Likewise, if you are making a video call, you may dress appropriately, find a quiet and well-lit place, and mute yourself when not speaking, but if you are sending a voice message, you may speak naturally, pause between sentences, and repeat important points.

3 Check your message

The third step to communicate effectively on mobile is to check your message before you send or say it. Mobile communication can be prone to errors, misunderstandings, and misinterpretations, as you may have typos, autocorrects, or background noises that affect your message. You also need to consider the context, timing, and sensitivity of your message, as you may not know how the other person will receive or react to it. For example, if you are sending an email, you may proofread it for spelling, grammar, and clarity, but if you are making a phone call, you may confirm the identity, availability, and consent of the other person. Likewise, if you are posting on social media, you may review your content, hashtags, and tags, but if you are leaving a voice message, you may state your name, purpose, and callback number.

4 Listen and respond

The fourth step to communicate effectively on mobile is to listen and respond to the other person's message. Mobile communication is not a one-way street, but a two-way interaction that requires you to pay attention, show interest, and provide feedback. You also need to be respectful, empathetic, and supportive of the other person's feelings, opinions, and needs. For example, if you are receiving an email, you may acknowledge it, answer the questions, and follow up on the actions, but if you are receiving a chat, you may reply promptly, use emojis, and ask questions. Similarly, if you are receiving a video call, you may make eye contact, nod, and smile, but if you are receiving a voice message, you may listen carefully, take notes, and call back.

5 Manage your time

The fifth step to communicate effectively on mobile is to manage your time and availability for mobile communication. Mobile communication can be convenient and flexible, but it can also be distracting and overwhelming, as you may have multiple tools, messages, and notifications that demand your attention. You need to balance your mobile communication with your other tasks, priorities, and responsibilities, and set boundaries and expectations for yourself and others. For example, if you are working on a project, you may turn off your notifications, set your status to busy, and schedule your communication for later, but if you are on a break, you may check your messages, update your status, and communicate with others. Likewise, if you are communicating with someone, you may inform them of your availability, respect their time, and end the conversation politely.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth step to communicate effectively on mobile is to learn and improve your mobile communication skills and habits. Mobile communication is constantly evolving and changing, as new devices, platforms, and channels emerge and influence the way we communicate. You need to keep up with the trends, best practices, and feedback, and adapt your mobile communication accordingly. You also need to evaluate your mobile communication performance and outcomes, and identify your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you are using a new tool, you may research its features, benefits, and drawbacks, and try it out with someone you trust, but if you are using an old tool, you may review its usage, results, and feedback, and make changes if needed. Likewise, if you are communicating with someone, you may ask for their opinion, suggestions, and preferences, and incorporate them into your mobile communication.

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?