Be a Good Texter

Tell me how you text and I’ll tell you who you are. Texting has become an integral part of our lives. More than four billions people around the world enjoy sending SMS but many of us never think about ways to optimize this important activity. A few simple steps will allow you to master this new form of communication.

Steps

Using Your Phone Efficiently

1. Know your phone. Mobile phones and tablets have become extremely powerful and convenient but can be tricky to master. Phones sometimes offer different ways of texting. Make sure to read the manual and allow yourself a few hours to explore all the options. Once you’re comfortable with one, train your fingers to type or swipe quicker and think about the position of your hand.
   • Using a mobile phone can trigger several joint problems. Use yours wisely.
2. Organise your contacts. It is important to keep your contacts organised on your phone if you want to find your interlocutors as quickly as possible. Use their full first and last names and try to avoid nicknames.
   • If you have several contacts, use directories and lists. Separating your friends, your family and your colleagues is the best way to be fast and avoid mistakes.
3. Customize your phone. Depending on your phone, the SMS tool might be too basic or totally unreliable. It might be worth installing a new application to make texting far more efficient and user-friendly.
   • There are many applications available online. Try to look for one with a predictive text system to gain time.
   • Applications don’t always support all languages. If you don’t use English, check carefully that your language is included.
   • Some applications use speech recognition to text. This can be useful if you have to text and drive.

Writing Good Texts

1. Make it short. A good text should always be concise. If you cannot convey your message in less than 200 characters, you should probably write an email or call your contact instead.
2. Avoid errors in grammar, punctuation and style. A text is sometimes the first point of contact with a potential employer or someone you like. The best way to make a good first impression is to make sure that your text is mistake-free.
   • Most modern phones and tablets have automatic spelling checkers and dictionaries. They are not always perfect but can still detect most mistakes.
   • if you are unsure about the quality of your text, keep it short and simple.
   • If your phone can access the internet, quickly check a grammatical rule online.
   • Avoid abbreviations as much as you can. They might be useful to save words but will inevitably diminish the overall impact of your text.
3. Be precise and as clear as you can. Before you start writing, think of what your interlocutor will need to know. Think of what you want to say and make it easy for the reader to answer you. If you’re asked a question, offer a clear answer and make sure to use only one text.
   • Try to anticipate a question. If you are asked where to meet, give a precise location and the time of the rendezvous.
   • Make sure that your interlocutor knows who you are. Not everybody has your phone number saved. If you text someone you barely know, identify yourself at the beginning of the message.
4. Use emoticons with care. Smileys and other emoticons are great to encapsulate your mood quickly or make a conversation more dynamic but they should be used properly. Although there are exceptions, moderation is generally advised when using emoticons. Your interlocutor will probably prefer reading your writing than looking at a generic yellow man.
   • If you have any doubt, use emoticons only with family, friends and partner. You might want to avoid emoticons with your boss, colleagues or people you know less.

Managing Your Time And Messages

1. Use time slots to write low-priority texts. Texting is usually fast but answering your phone constantly can disrupt your work or distract you during an activity. It is far more efficient to plan your day in advance and answer your low-priority messages at a predetermined time.
   • If you commute to work, make the most of it! Take this opportunity to answer your contacts. Use a coffee or a lunch break to follow-up.
   • Don't text on the toilet. Half of the 18-29 years old do so but it's unhygienic and risky for your phone.
   • Avoid using your phone in the bed before sleeping. Research shows that using smartphones and tablets is detrimental for your sleep.
2. Read twice urgent messages. High-priority texts are usually written for professional or romantic reasons. Make sure to read your text twice before sending them as you will want to avoid any mistake or confusion. Also make sure to send your high-priority texts to the right interlocutor to avoid embarrassment.
3. Save your messages on your computer. You might want to keep your texts for various reasons. They might contain important information or remind you of a pleasant moment. Most phones allow you to back up your texts on a hard drive or on a USB key. Several applications can also do the same job.

Keeping In Mind The Etiquette Of Texting

1. Don't text while driving or walking. Texting requires your full attention and it is important to keep focused on your initial task. Each day, nine people die in the United States as a result of distracted drivers. Even more people are injured when texting while walking.
   • Use a speech recognition text application if you drive a lot. It will keep you safe.
2. Don't forget the persons around you. Paying more attention to your smartphone than to the people in the same round is both sad and incredibly rude. Warn your friends or family if you have to text and do so when you aren't in the middle of a conversation.
3. Don't use a text to announce important news. There are times in life when calling is better than texting. If you just had a baby or if a member of your family passed away, make sure to call your relatives. Talking is far more personal and effective in extraordinary times.
4. Always stay on the side of the law. Texting is usually fun and rewarding but it can also lead to severe cases of abuse. Remember that your interlocutor deserves to be treated with respect. In several countries, the law has changed to punish text stalkers and cases of harassment by mobile phone.
   • If a text conversation becomes heated, put the phone down and go for a walk. It's sometimes better to let things cool down.
   • A text can be used as evidence in a courtroom.

Related Articles

• Practice Text Etiquette
• Text Someone
• Avoid Conversation on Public Transportation
• Improve Your Friendships

Sources and Citations

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