10 Best Practices For IM

Most of us will be very familiar with chatting online. But strangely some people don’t have any rules or lines to cross when chatting, especially with people they have never met in real life. So let’s see what are the best practices to engage in when chatting!

1. Introduce Yourself
   Always say hello before getting stuck into a conversation. It’s good manners.
2. Ask If They Have Any Time
   If you need to talk about something in particular, or even just have a casual chat, then ask the person if they have time available to talk.
3. Just Say Something
   What point is there in starting a chat with someone without actually having anything to talk with them about? Do your research! Prepare a map of your conversation in your mind so you know where you are going. This makes it easier for you to guide the conversation.
4. Be Polite
   It’s a good idea to be polite at all times, especially if you are just getting to know the person. Spoken word and plain text are 2 different things because the person may not be familiar with your personality quirks. So keep it all above board to avoid embarrassment!
5. Avoid Sarcasm
   I am sarcastic and all my friends and relatives know it. So when I say something sarcastically, they know that I do not mean it. But your online friends probably won’t know about your personality caveats and may take offense if you are sarcastic during your chats.
6. Keep An Eye On The Time
   You’re probably a busy person, and more than likely so will the person you are chatting with. So don’t waste time beating about the bush. Politely get your point across, make your proposition and leave it at that.
7. Use Emoticons
   Get yourself into the habbit of using smileys and other emoticons. These are great ways of demonstrating your emotions to whoever you are chatting with and will brighten up your conversation.
8. Accustom Yourself With Acronyms
   Some people who are used to chatting online will use acronyms such as LOL (Laugh Out Load) or IMO (In My Opinion) during their chats with you. To keep the conversation flowing it is best that you understand at least the most commonly used acronyms. It’ll save you from having to ask what they mean!
9. Say Thanks
   Remember, even though you are actually very thankful the person sitting on the other side of the world chatting will not know about it as they cannot see or hear you. If you want to let them know you appreciate something, do as your mum tells you and say thank you!
10. End Your Chat On A Positive Note
    No matter who you are talking to, always try to end your chat in a positive manner. Express your gratitude that they have taken the time to talk with you. This will get your relationship off to a better start.

This list isn’t entirely definitive, but it’s full of helpful tips. If you have any more advice for instant messaging, please feel free to leave them in the comments.