Governance

By Prof. Kellen Kiambati

The world has become interconnected making digital communication an integral part of everybody’ s day-to-day lives. From digital communication channels such as email and instant messaging to social media platforms and video conferencing, digital offers unprecedented opportunities for connecting with others, sharing information, and collaborating on various tasks. That said though, effective communication is not just typing out a message or sending an email, it entails understanding and navigating the nuanced aspects that shape online interactions. It takes special strategies to deal with the intricacies of digital communications.

Tone and Language: The greatest challenge in digital communication is to accurately convey tone and emotion accurately. The nature of face-to-face communications is that it allows nonverbal cues such as facial expressions and tone of voice to be teased out. It goes without saying that choosing the right language and tone is crucial to ensure that messages are interpreted as intended. It matters then that as we use emoticons, emojis, and punctuation, we should be careful and judicious to avoid misinterpretation.

Contextual: Context is important in communication and this holds true for digital interactions as well. Without the context provided by physical surroundings or nonverbal cues, messages in digital communication can be easily misinterpreted. Providing sufficient context, background information, or references can help ensure clarity and facilitate understanding in online conversations.

Timing and Responsiveness: Today’ s world expect quick and fast-paced responses and delayed responses are usually perceived as disinterest or lack of professionalism. It calls for being very prompt and responsive in digital communication in order to maintain effective dialogue and build trust with others.

Visual Communication: Visuals add depth, context, emotion to message and as such images, videos, emojis, and GIFs can enhance digital communication. Despite that, it is important to use them carefully so as not to annoy participants. It calls for being keenly aware of contexts and diverse audiences as well as generally accepted preferences.

Privacy and Security: With the cyber security threats and breaches of data, it is important to safeguard sensitive information and using secure channels for communication calling for individuals to adhere to best practices for protecting privacy in all digital interactions.

Cultural Sensitivity: Communication norms and expectations can, and significantly do influence digital communication calling for cultural sensitivity if effective communication is to be achieved. It is therefore necessary to understand and respect cultural differences while at the same time fostering inclusive and respectful interactions.

Accessibility: People with disabilities are likely to have difficulties accessing digital content and actively participating. This calls for digital communication channels with accessibility in mind.

In conclusion, mastering the nuances of digital communication is essential for effective and meaningful interactions in the online world.

Prof. Kellen Kiambati holds a BA- HRM from Kenyatta University, MBA from the Kenya Methodist University and a PhD in Business Administration with a focus in Strategic Management from JKUAT. She is a member of the Institute of Human Resource Management of Kenya. She can be reached via: Kellenkiambati @ gmail. com.

68 MAL63 / 24 ISSUE