no hello

please don't say just hello in chat

Imagine calling someone on the phone, going "hello!" then putting them on hold... 🤦‍♀️

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Don't do this

# general2 members
K
Keith2:15 PM
hi
T
Tim2:19 PM
...?
K
Keith2:20 PM
what time was that thing again?
T
Tim2:20 PM
oh - 3:30 mate

Note that Keith could have got his answer minutes sooner, and needn't have kept Tim waiting.

People who do this are generally trying to be polite by not jumping right into the request - and that's great! But chat is different.

For most people, typing is much slower than talking. So despite best intentions, you're actually just making the other person wait.

The same goes for:

  • "Hello, are you around?"
  • "hi sophie - quick question."
  • "You got a sec?"
  • "yt?"
  • "ping"

😫 Just ask the question!

✓

Instead, try this

# general2 members
D
Dawn2:15 PM
Hiya! What time was that thing?
T
Tim2:15 PM
hey, 3:30
D
Dawn2:15 PM
Ta - seeya then!
T
Tim2:16 PM
👌 np

If you feel it's a bit brusque to simply say "Hi" and ask the question, you can still preface your message with pleasantries.

For example:

  • "hey man, what's up? also, any idea when that thing's due?"
  • "Hi there! Hope you're well. I'm after the latest deck :)"
  • "hey, if you're not busy, could you help me with this?"

Asking your question upfront also allows for asynchronous communication.

If the other party is away, they can still answer your question instead of staring at a "Hello".

🎉 When done right - everyone's happy!