Virtual Communication Style Preference

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  Which do you prefer to use when there is an urgent need at work?

  • A.
    Email (ex: outlook)
  • B.
    Instant Message (ex: skype messenger)
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call (ex: zoom) 
• 2.
  Which do prefer to use when a group decision at work needs to be made?

  • A.
    Email
  • B.
    Instant Message
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call
• 3.
  Which do you prefer to communicate when giving or receiving constructive feedback at work?

  • A.
    Email
  • B.
    Instant Message
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call
• 4.
  Which do you prefer when receiving praise from a boss or colleague?

  • A.
    Email
  • B.
    Instant Message
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call
• 5.
  Which is your preference for team communication (more than 3 people) at work?

  • A.
    Email
  • B.
    Instant Message
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call
• 6.
  Which do you prefer when catching up with a close friend?

  • A.
    Email
  • B.
    Instant Message (ex: GroupMe)
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call (ex:FaceTime) 
• 7.
  Which do you prefer when talking to  family?

  • A.
    Email
  • B.
    Instant Message
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call
• 8.
  Which do you prefer for personal communications after a busy day at work?

  • A.
    Email
  • B.
    Instant Message
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call
• 9.
  Which do you prefer to use on the weekends?

  • A.
    Email
  • B.
    Instant Message
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call
• 10.
  Which do you prefer for group communications outside of work?

  • A.
    Email
  • B.
    Instant Message 
  • C.
    Text Message
  • D.
    Phone Call
  • E.
    Video Call

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  Instant Messaging at Work

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  For work conversations you prefer business instant messaging platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack. You can have one-on-one conversations, group chats that are by invitation only, and public conversations with anyone who wants to join them. When used appropriately, team chat apps are among the best productivity tools because they make conversations easier to track, improve teamwork, and help maintain company culture. Secondly, most discussions occur on an opt-in basis. You can join conversations that are applicable to you, and you're equally welcome to skip anything irrelevant. If you're needed, someone can put an @ sign before your name to flag you. That's much clearer than being CCed on an email when you have no idea what your role in the conversation should be. Some things to keep in mind about instant messaging platforms at work: IM threads can get long very quickly, consider if the topic would be better for a group meeting for more efficiency. For sensitive conversations, you may consider reaching out to someone via phone instead of discussing in front of a larger group.
• 2.
  Instant Messaging for Personal Communications 

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  For social conversations you prefer group messaging platforms such as GroupMe or Whats’App. These apps help you stay connected with your family/friends/socialgroups who want to do both group text messaging and even video calling. It can be a useful tool for groups spread across different cities who want to connect frequently and have open dialogues. The mute functions on these apps allow you to disengage and reengage when you are ready without ever missing out on the conversation. Some things to keep in mind about IM for personal conversations: Like texts, IM platforms do not provide non-verbal social cues such as tone or body language that video or phone conversations allow. For sensitive conversations, you may consider reaching out to someone via phone or text instead of discussing in front of a larger group.
• 3.
  Text Messages for Work

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  For work communications you prefer text messages. Text can be quickly sent and responded to without the burdens of sending meeting invites or drafting a professional email. Texting is great for quick questions, it’s like popping into someone’s office with a question versus having a formal conversation about a business issue. Some things to keep in mind about texting at work: Text messages tend to carry a heavier sense of urgency than an email or instant message -- whether that's the intent or not. While you might be comfortable texting in your personal life, not everyone is open to using it for workplace communications. Make sure to check to see if your company has an official policy on texting. Use texts only when someone has given you the okay to text their personal phone. Use texts for very short and quick communications. Texting at all hours can also violate an employee's personal time and lead to burnout.
• 4.
  Text Messages for Personal Communications

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  For personal conversations you mostly prefer the intimacy and speed of one-on-one text dialogue with the advantage of having a conversation being readable at the viewer’s convenience, likewise you are able to respond as you are available. You are not alone given more than 77 billion text messages are sent per day globally. Texting can be both intimate as it reaches you immediately while also allowing you to view and reply to message at your own convenience. Texting in the 2020 era allows conversation enhancers such as emojis that can add excitement and emotion to a conversation. Some things to keep in mind about texting: Texts do not provide non-verbal social cues such as tone or body language that video or phone conversations allow. Text messages are usually written quickly so the content may contain typos and be otherwise ambiguous. As a result, a text message can be easily misunderstood by the recipient. Unlike emails, some recipients may feel texts need an immediate response so it can add pressure to continuously monitor tests and engage immediately in conversation. Remember, it is okay for others to not respond to text right away, they may be away from their phone or taking a temporary technology break.
• 5.
  Phone Calls at Work

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  You prefer phone calls for work communication. Phone calls are good for quick questions as they do not require setting up technology. Phone calls also have less technology glitches which can allow parties to more quickly get to the meat of a conversations. They can also feel more intimate for one-on-one conversations. Some things to keep in mind about work phone calls: Catching someone via phone when they are available can be challenging. No one likes phone tag. It’s best to call when you have confirmation the person has time to talk. For group meetings, consider video conferencing as a more interactive option.
• 6.
  Phone Calls for Personal Communication

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  You prefer phone calls for personal conversations. Phone calls can seem more intimate and less like work during social distancing. You do not have to worry about look for phone calls which can allow you to focus more on the conversation. Some things to keep in mind about personal phone calls: Catching someone via phone when they are available can be challenging. No one likes phone tag. It’s best to call when you have confirmation the person has time to talk. For group conversations, consider video conferencing as a more interactive option.
• 7.
  Video Calls for Personal Communication

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  With social distancing we have seen an increase in video calls used outside of the workplace. Apps like Facetime and Skype are joined by even more interactive apps like Houseparty or Netflix Party that allow multiple people to do fun activities beyond just staring at each other on the screen. Some things to keep in mind about personal video calls: Beware of video fatigue, especially during social distancing when many people are inundated with video calls for work. Have a plan for group calls, try fun games such as “name that song” or trivia that can be fun for all ages. Switch it up, try apps outside of the ones used for your work meetings that have activities and will make your experience feel less like another work meeting.
• 8.
  Video Calls for Work

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  Your preference at work is to video conference. Video conferencing restores many visual cues that are necessary in long-distance communication. 70% of communication is non-verbal and video conferencing helps with this. Though video conferencing is not a full replacement of in-person time, it does help teams feel connected while not in the same physical location. Some things to keep in mind about video calls at work: On average leaders spend more than 23 hours a week in meetings which can be overwhelming. Consider if a meeting is truly needed or if the information can be disseminated via email? Beware of video fatigue, especially during social distancing when many people are inundated with video calls for work. Some people may not feel comfortable sharing their video during calls, its good to set expectations for team call etiquette upfront.
• 9.
  Emails at Work

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  For work communications you prefer emails. Emails are regarded as standard business communication today and are useful for sending and receiving messages and attachments. They can be stored safely and are easy to organize and reference in the future. Emails are most useful when you need to get an important message. Email is faster than phone calls and you can send attachments to help clarify your message. An email is convenient for all, it can be sent quickly and be reviewed when the recipient is ready. Some things to keep in mind about work emails: Beware of email burnout, The average worker spends 28% of their work week on email, more than 11 hours a week. Consider calling if you need a super-fast response as emails can sit in someone’s inbox for days without attention. Tone is not best conveyed via email and emails can be easily forward so think twice about emailing about sensitive topics. Some topics are better for live conversations.
• 10.
  Emails for Personal Communication

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  Your preference for email in your personal life is like 25% of Americans that first check their personal email while still in bed, 42% check while getting ready or eating breakfast. Most people use personal email when sending longer messages than you would include in a text or when large amounts of information. Some things to keep in mind about personal emails: Email is the first to be ignored when people want to unplug from technology. If you need an urgent response consider calling or texting. Beware of large email volume from the constant subscription emails people get daily from stores, blogs, etc. Your email may be inadvertently overlooked. Tone is not best conveyed via email and emails can be easily forward so think twice about emailing about sensitive topics. Some topics are better for live conversations.