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| Communication etiquette | ||
| Written by Rachel | ||
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Simplicity, brevity & courtesy
When it comes to communication, we like to think in terms of speed.
An e-mail should be quick and easy to write, and equally quick to read. This is
in everyone's interest.
Getting to the point immediately, but politely, is also advantageous.
E-mail please
People sometimes approach me after class to tell me about a
forthcoming absence. Or they send a text message or communicate via
Messenger or WhatsApp. Should I be checking multiple communication
platforms?
Keep it simple please. Just send an e-mail.
9-5 Monday - Friday
I have a full-time day job. 5 days a week. So, this means that I tend
to skim-read Newcastle Tai Chi e-mails and reply at speed.
Lengthy, personal, complicated e-mails get shelved. They're not something I
can read expediently. Short, simple, to the point and friendly?
Perfect!
Missing lessons
Long-term students have got e-mails down to a fine art. This
example/model is used by most long-term students:
Subject: TAI CHI - missing class tonight
Content:
Hi Rachel,
I will not be attending class this evening.
See you next week.
Regards,
Brian
See how simple this is?
There's nothing superfluous at all. It took 20 seconds to write and says all
that is necessary. It is even polite...
We don't need to know why people aren't attending classes. No reason is
required. A detailed e-mail just takes longer to write and therefore longer
to read.
Chinese courtesy
The aim with communicating is to be polite and appropriate e.g.
signing your e-mail, "Cheers"
isn't appropriate. We're a tai chi school not a pub.
Privacy...
Why don't we want to know your reasons? Simple. Privacy. You
are not accountable to Newcastle Tai
Chi.
Equally, we don't want to hear about your medical condition, holidays,
social life, work, family or lifestyle problems. All we need to know is that
you are not attending. The 'why?' is not relevant to us.
Having boundaries benefits everyone.
Booking a workshop
Workshop e-mails are similar to the model
above:
You e-mail to express an interest in specific dates
We confirm that those dates are available and request payment
The fee is due within 24 hours of the session being confirmed
(Please don't forward your fee until the booking/availability has been
confirmed).
Cancelling a workshop
If you are unable to attend a workshop, please let us know in advance
(if possible). No reason required. That way, we can offer your place to somebody else.
Medical issues
People sometimes want to share things with us, especially the details
of medical problems. Please don't do this. That information is personal,
confidential and we need to maintain boundaries.
Please remember that we are not
medical professionals. Your doctor is the
person to speak with, not your tai chi teacher.
If the medical problem means that you cannot attend classes, then it's just
a 'missing lesson' e-mail.
Biomechanical
If a medical problem directly affects your ability to perform the exercises
e.g. an injury, then briefly summarise what
considerations may need to be taken into account (e.g. a tai chi student
may ask to join the health group for a couple of weeks).
You may have all sorts of wonderful ideas, what you
consider to be valuable contributions and insights, your own personal take on
matters. Nobody cares. Quite the opposite.
The fastest way to alienate yourself
in a dojo is to make known these ideas or to volunteer your suggestions on how
training might be better or more effective.
(Dave Lowry)
Further reading
•
Funky talk
•
Attitude & etiquette
•
Terms of membership
Page created
11 March 1995
Last updated
8 November 2016
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