Speaking That Connects’ primary mission is to promote speaking that creates a connection between the speaker and listener. As times change, the ways we connect with people become more numerous and diverse. With social media, for example, we need to consider a couple of questions: Are the connections being managed appropriately? And how are they best controlled? These are particularly relevant in professional and academic circles.
In Oklahoma, teachers at several Tulsa area schools have begun using various forms of social media to communicate with their students. Their approaches include creating Facebook pages for individual classes, using Twitter accounts to remind students of impending assignments, creating YouTube videos of lectures, and allowing students to text in answers to questions posed in the classroom. But since social media is often used for casual interaction, it is important for educators to know where to draw the line between acceptable and unacceptable use. This article highlights some of the policies currently in place.
Social media can be a great way to connect with clients, both current and prospective, but it can pose a number of risks. When you have an active online presence, it is tempting to blur the lines between the personal and public aspects of your life. But anything posted online can potentially be viewed by anyone. So think of your online interactions in much the same way as you would a performance or a public presentation, and always keep your audience in mind.
Your communication style at the office does not always translate well to those unfamiliar with your business culture. So think twice before sharing an office joke online. If your reputation depends on professionalism, keep the casual chat to a minimum, even on personal pages. Learn from the teachers mentioned in the article, and keep a strict focus on your objective to avoid hurting your career.
