Discord - this is where we communicate.pdf

Discord - this is where we communicate 10/8/2024 Discord - this is where we communicate Introduction Course Objectives This course aims to equip you with the skills to:...

Discord - this is where we communicate 10/8/2024 Discord - this is where we communicate Introduction Course Objectives This course aims to equip you with the skills to: Navigate Discord confidently Communicate effectively with your team. Implement best practices for respectful and inclusive interactions. Let’s get started on mastering Discord together! 1 - Getting Started What is Discord? Discord is where we mainly communicate. It's a fun and efficient communication tool that helps our team to collaborate in real-time. With channels, direct messages, and threads, it keeps conversations organized and easy to follow. Basic Navigation When you first log in, you’ll see the user interface. It’s pretty straightforward! On the left, you have the channel list On the center, you’ll find the message area. On the upper right, you can access active threads and pinned messages. Plus, there’s a handy search option that lets you find messages by user, date, or channel—super useful when you're looking for that one important conversation! 1/12 2 - Features Channels Next up are channels. Think of them as organized spaces for different topics. All channels are organized into folders. Direct Messaging Now let’s move on to direct messaging. This feature allows you to send private messages to individuals or groups. It’s a great way to have one-on-one conversations without cluttering the main channels. Tagging When you want to talk to a specific person, tag them! If you don’t, they might miss your message since it won’t pop up for them.  You can tag people You can tag teams Remember, when you don't tag, no one can hear you. Threads One of the great features Discord offers is the ability to use threads. Threads allow you to keep conversations organized without cluttering the main channel. When someone posts a message that sparks discussion, you can reply in a thread, keeping all related comments together. This way, you won’t have to scroll through endless messages to find what you’re looking for! Search Next up is the search. Discord has a powerful search feature that lets you quickly find past messages, files, or even specific users. Just click on the search bar and type in keywords, usernames, or phrases. This is super handy when you need to reference something from earlier or locate a specific document shared in a channel. Notifications Now let’s discuss notifications. Staying updated is crucial, and Discord allows you to customize your notification settings for each channel. You can choose to be notified for all messages, only mentions, or even mute channels that aren’t relevant to you at the moment. This way, you can focus on what matters most without being overwhelmed by constant pings. File Sharing Discord also makes file sharing easy! You can upload documents, images, and other files directly within text channels or DMs. If there’s something important that everyone needs access to, consider pinning it in the channel for quick reference. 3 - Effective Message So what makes an effective message? it has to be: "CCC" - Clear, Complete, Correct Clear Your message should be clear. This means using simple words and also making sure your thoughts are well- constructed. Instead of just saying Try saying: “The design parameters need to be adjusted to align with the project specifications,” “We need to change the design to meet the project requirements.” Complete This means giving all the info someone needs so they don’t have to ask for more details. Think about what the other person needs to know to fully understand your message.  Instead of just saying Try saying: “Can you upload the file on Gdrive?” “Hi Eugene, can you send me the final design file for the project by Friday? I need it for our presentation. Here's the link: https://drive.google.com/drive/” "Hi Dary, can we hop on a quick all regarding the teams' access in Monday? We need this ASAP as "Hi Dary? Question" we are having challenges with access and restrictions. Thank you!" "Hi Abi, I have an error with my JO PP1234, the order detail column is not working as expected. Here's a screenshot" "Hi Abi, I have an error with my Job Order PP1234" Correct This means avoiding assumptions and ensuring clarity in your messages. Don’t leave room for vague information— always clarify your points. If there’s something you’re unsure about, ASK QUESTIONS instead of assuming everyone knows what you mean. "Investing just a little extra time can save you a lot of hassle down the road!" Spending 10 seconds to write a poor message - might cause you hours (or even days) to correct an error. While spending extra 60 seconds to write an effective message will ensure a smooth communication. So before you send that message, ask yourself: Is it Clear? is it Complete? is it Correct? 4 - Etiquette In this module, we’re diving into the essential etiquette for using Discord effectively. Good communication habits can make a world of difference in how we interact with each other. Stay on Topic Keep discussions relevant to the chat's purpose to maintain focus and efficiency. Use Mentions Mindfully When you use the “@” symbol to tag someone, it sends them a notification. While this is a great way to grab someone’s attention, it’s important to be mindful of how often you use it. Only mention someone if you genuinely need them to take action or respond. Overusing mentions can clutter their notifications and become annoying. For example, if you're working on a project that involves a specific design for an order, instead of tagging the entire design team, tag only the artist responsible for that design. This way, only the relevant person receives a notification and can provide the clarification you need. This approach respects everyone’s time and keeps conversations focused and efficient. It’s all about being intentional with your mentions to foster better communication! Avoid Spamming Next, let’s discuss spamming. Sending multiple short messages in quick succession can be disruptive. Instead of bombarding someone with “Hey, are you there?” followed by “Please help!” try to consolidate your thoughts into one clear message. For example, say, “Hey, I’m looking for this article in the regulations. Can you point me in the right direction?” This approach is much more respectful and effective. Acknowledge Messages and Requests When someone messages you, it’s good practice to acknowledge it—even if you can’t respond immediately. A simple “Got it! I’ll get back to you later” lets the other person know you’re not ignoring them. This small gesture can help maintain open lines of communication and reduce any feelings of being overlooked. Let them know you received their message.  And update them with the status of their request. Criticism and Feedback Now, let’s talk about feedback. If you need to give constructive criticism, always do it privately rather than in a public channel. Public criticism can be embarrassing and may lead to misunderstandings. Instead, reach out directly and provide your feedback in a respectful manner. Be Mindful of Tone Remember that online communication lacks the non-verbal cues we rely on in face-to-face conversations—like tone of voice or body language. This means your messages can easily be misinterpreted. Before sending a message, take a moment to consider how it might come across to others. Using emojis or tonal indicators can help convey your intent more clearly. Redirecting If a team member tags you in a message that doesn’t seem relevant, first check in with them to clarify. Ask why they tagged you. If it turns out it’s not relevant, kindly let them know and guide them to the right person. This helps clear things up quickly and fosters teamwork! Inclusivity and Respect Lastly, inclusivity is key! Be respectful of everyone’s background and experiences. If someone posts something that seems off or offensive, approach the situation with understanding rather than jumping to conclusions. It’s important to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Conclusion In conclusion, effective communication on Discord can significantly improve our collaboration and teamwork. By applying the skills and practices covered in this course, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the platform confidently and contribute positively to our digital workspace.Thank you for participating in this course! Let’s continue to leverage Discord as a powerful tool for communication and connection in our team. Happy chatting