Don't forget to WAIT

Why Am I Talking?..

"WAIT"

You might have come across this acronym at a coaching or training session. It is basically a reminder that we don't always talk because we have something which needs saying. Instead it may be to fill a silence, to seek attention or for any number of other reasons.

WAIT is also a prompt to stop talking sometimes and actually listen to what others are saying.

It is a good concept for the spoken word, but it should also apply to social media with one small alteration:

"why am I typing?"

We have all seen that tweet or blog comment which makes our blood boil and seems to demand a reaction. For me it tends to be poorly informed lawyers writing about social media.

The gut feeling can be right as Jason Fried and David Hansson point out in their excellent book Rework - sometimes "picking a fight" is a good approach (at least online):-

"being the anti-______ is a great way to differentiate yourself and attract followers."

Often though, the best it will achieve is a flame war which drives up your blood pressure and alienates your followers. At worst, you may find an ill considered comment comes back to haunt you with professional consequences, a defamation claim or even criminal proceedings (as covered here by Jack of Kent).

Listening is also just as relevant to social media. I don't know if there is an ideal ratio, but it is difficult to over-listen. It isn't much fun following someone who just broadcasts their own opinions and doesn't listen to or engage with others.

So in social media (just like in real life) it can pay to think WAIT...