Digital Communication Skills You Should Know

Whether you’re messaging your family or participating in a meeting over Zoom, you must have a basic level of digital literacy to use the technology. You don’t have to be a tech wizard to get the most out of your digital tools – a few basic skills can make all the difference when trying to communicate with others.

This article will discuss everything you need to know about digital communication and how you can improve your skills.

Types of digital skills

Digital skills can be hard or soft, and it’s best to have a mixture of the two if you want to communicate effectively.

Hard skills are the essential practical skills that help you navigate social media, use software, and get the most out of video conferencing platforms. Soft skills are less tangible, but you need to learn them if you want to communicate clearly and confidently. These skills include adapting your language to suit an online discussion or learning how to pick up on body language or tone of voice-over video calls.

Digital communication methods

When it comes to digital communication, there’s a whole range of different methods that you can use to connect with others.

Here are some of the primary methods that you should be able to use:

1. Email
2. Instant messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger
3. Documents, such as Word, Google docs, etc.
4. File sharing platforms such as Dropbox and WeTransfer
5. Project platforms such as Google Drive and One Drive
6. Video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Skype
7. Social media
8. Online forums

Tips for improving your digital communication skills

Now that you know some virtual platforms that facilitate digital communication, it’s crucial to ensure your skills are as good as they can be.

Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively when using digital platforms:

Ensure crystal-clear audio quality

A quiet microphone on a Zoom call can make it difficult for people to understand what you’re saying. You don’t want the audio to cut out while you’re in the middle of speaking. Make sure you have a good signal and test the sound quality before entering a meeting room.

Adjust your video quality

It’s also essential for people to be able to see you while you’re talking. Not only will this make the experience more personable, but it will also make it easier for the person you’re talking with to pick up on your body language.

Don’t shy away from visual aids

Communicating through a phone or laptop is different from doing so in person, so try to adapt your approach as much as possible.

You can incorporate visual aids to enhance your communication skills, such as presentation slides that support what you’re saying. This keeps people engaged in what you’re saying – especially when you’re in a meeting or doing a class project – and helps hold the audience’s attention over a more extended period.

Prepare in advance

Successful digital communication can be challenging, so there’s no problem with preparing in advance before you take your next Zoom call.

Ensure your workspace is set up nicely, especially if it’s visible in the background, and check that your Wi-Fi connection is strong enough to handle your call.

You should also be aware of any background noises or visual elements that could distract the people you’re talking to.

Finally, you should ensure that your laptop is charged, that your mobile phone is silenced, and that your microphone and speakers are working correctly.

Advanced digital communication skills that make you more employable

More and more companies are recruiting employees with various digital communication skills.

Most firms prefer candidates with more than the primary digital communication skills – they want you to demonstrate that you have something different and stand out from other potential employees.

Here are some advanced digital communication skills currently in demand and could make you more employable.

Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

Search engine marketing (SEM) is a fast-developing field – ultimately, it’s the art of getting your content to appear to your customers in search engine results.

Executing a good search engine marketing strategy can increase the visibility of your content and generate more web traffic.

Social Media

While it may seem like everyone has a social media profile, not everyone knows how to make an impact and generate sales and revenue by using daily posts.

Implementing social media strategies and targeting the right audience can lead to great success. If you have the insights and experience to do this, companies may be more likely to employ you.

Content marketing

From blog posts and podcasts to videos and social media posts, digital content comes in many different forms.

If you know how to write compelling content, fill it with relevant keywords and engage your target audience, you can generate multiple possibilities for your company. This is a valuable skill to have, no matter the industry that you’re working in.

Mobile marketing

Did you know that most people consume most of their content through their phones?

Transferring your content to a mobile format to make it more accessible and engaging is a vital skill.

Data Analytics

Digital content is not only about words and aesthetics. You must also have a firm grip on the numbers to make substantial progress. Checking analytics, researching keywords, and optimizing campaigns accordingly can make communication more effective, driving higher sales and revenue.

Analytical skills fit in well with SEM. By combining these two skills, you can determine which forms of communication are making an impact and which areas you need to upgrade.

Good digital communications skills are essential to our personal and professional lives – keep working to improve yours!