no hello

Please don't say just hello in chat

Imagine calling someone on the phone, saying "hello!" and immediately putting them on hold.

K
Keith 2:15 PM
hi
Y
You 2:19 PM
hello?
K
Keith 2:20 PM
what time was that meeting again?
Y
You 2:20 PM
3:30

Keith could have received his answer 5 minutes sooner. Instead, you had to wait for him to type out his question. In async communication, this wastes time for both parties.

D
Dawn 2:15 PM
Hey! What time was that meeting?
Y
You 2:15 PM
3:30

Much better. Dawn asked her question immediately, and you could respond right away—even if you were away from your desk.

Don't say

  • "Hello"
  • "Hi Taufeeq, quick question"
  • "You got a sec?"
  • "ping"

Instead say

  • "Hey! When's the deadline for X?"
  • "Hi, hope you're well. Could you send me the latest report?"
  • "Quick question - what's the login for Y?"

Inspired by nohello.net