This is where we can severely limit the quality of our communication and the chances of success of any negotiation. Northwestern University professor Janice Nadler found that the subtle, rapport-building behavior that we naturally fall into in face-to-face communications generally gets missed when we appear as talking heads on a screen. Her research in conjunction with Michael Morris (Columbia Business School), Terri Kurtzberg (Rutgers Business School) and Leigh Thompson (Northwestern University) showed that spending just five minutes in small talk resulted in negotiations where participants were more cooperative, shared more information, made fewer threats, and developed more trust.
Recently, I was hosting a meeting with a number of attendees. As is typical practice, I saw the early arrivals go to the waiting room until, just before the official start time, I let them into the meeting. I then felt guilty when I compared this to a face-to-face situation. Would I leave early arrivals standing outside until start time? No, that would be rude. I’d invite them in, congratulate them for being early, start making connections. So, now, I remember my manners. I greet arrivals at my online meetings as they arrive, I allow the time needed for small talk. In short, I remember my manners – and make better online connections. So don’t forget your manners to be a good communicator online. For more information you can find business communication in person in print online pdf free.