Living in the digital era leaves us with no choice but to communicate digitally. For those who are just beginning to learn about physical communication—such as interpreting body language, gestures, and posture—encountering a situation where these skills are not used is increasingly common. This situation compels us to learn both traditional and digital forms of communication.
Today, I'd like to discuss communication platforms and explore their suitable uses. There are four main channels I'd like to focus on:
Email
LinkedIn
Instagram
Direct Messages (DMs)
There's a common belief that some platforms are informal while others are formal. However, the formality of communication depends more on your relationship with the recipient rather than the platform itself. The primary consideration for choosing a platform is when you need to provide detailed explanations, attach evidence or documents, or share links—where email is typically more appropriate. LinkedIn, known for professional networking, serves occupational purposes. Both Instagram and DMs can accommodate both formal and informal communication, but they tend to convey shorter messages without attachments.
Understanding the appropriate use of each communication platform can enhance your effectiveness in digital interactions. By mastering both traditional and digital communication styles, you can navigate various professional and personal contexts with confidence, ensuring your messages are clear, relevant, and impactful.
Nice one!