Social Media is for the Birds: Tweeting in Business Communication

A recent article featured at The Source Weekly reported on the effects of Twitter – not only on how people communicate in business, but also on the people doing the communicating. Diana Adams, an Atlanta-based computer consultant, takes her phone to bed and wakes several times throughout the night to check her Twitter stream and respond to messages. 

At one point, NPR's senior strategist for social media, Andy Carvin, was spending 18 to 20 hours a day on Twitter. The profound effect that Twitter has had on its users is undeniable, but what has that effect been on the communication itself?

Paying Attention

There are two main aspects of Twitter and Tweets that set the social media platform apart. First, there is the 140 character limit. This limit is the apple of brevity and creativity’s eye, challenging users to compose their messages within that framework. 

However, many people have expressed the notion that Twitter has shortened our collective attention spans. Adams admitted she now only thinks in Tweets, “So, if someone is talking to me for more than a minute, I just stop paying attention.” The idea of ADD on the rise may just have a lot to do with the technology that is changing our behaviors.

 Second, Twitter is also set apart by both the real time participation of its users, and the constant stream of Tweets. Twitter users can dip into a never-ending stream of information and be in constant contact with followers 24 hours a day. Other social media platforms just don’t deliver the same volume or pace of interaction.

Tips for Tweets

Because of these unique aspects, Twitter can be an extremely effective tool in business communication. However, there are several things to keep in mind when Tweeting:

• Make it meaningful. Before you post that Tweet, think about what you are trying to communicate and what you hope to achieve by communicating it. Twitter users often have to sift through a lot of dross to find something worthwhile. Make sure whatever it is you are adding to the conversation enhances meaning as well.
• Be clear. Without the benefits of nonverbal communication, such as tone of voice and body language, it’s all too easy to be misunderstood. Make sure your Tweets are easy to follow that your messages send the right intent.  
• Avoid Web slang. The use of Web slang in business communication appears unprofessional, and while the 140 character limit does make it tempting to use common Web slang, such as “ur” for “you are,” for the sake of brevity, it’s best to resist that temptation.
• Use proper grammar and spelling. Because space is very limited, making a good impression within that small space is critical. Be sure to proofread any and all Tweets to avoid embarrassing errors.

How Tweet It Is

 Do you use Twitter in your business? If so, what has your experience been? How has Twitter affected your business communication? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.