Slack and Chat Message Etiquette: How to Write Clear Work Messages

Chat is fast, which makes it easy to be unclear.

Direct answer

Write chat messages that can be answered without a back-and-forth: include context, your question or request and any deadline. Use threads, mention people only when needed and respect working hours and time zones.

Do this

• "Hi Sam, could you review the draft in the shared folder by 3pm? I need to send it to the client at 4."

Not this

• "Hi" and then waiting.
• "Quick question?" with no question.

Good habits

1. Use threads.
2. Use channels, not DMs, for shared information.
3. Mention only the people who need to act.
4. Avoid long messages. Move complex topics to a call or document.
5. Be kind in tone, since text lacks voice.

Where Teyro fits

Teyro's Clear Writing at Work course turns this into short lessons you can play in a few minutes a day. It has 50 lessons, and you can start free.

The bottom line

One message, one clear ask.

More guides

• Email Subject Lines That Get Opened
• How to Create a Writing Style Guide for Your Team
• Proofreading Checklist
• Email etiquette at work
• Concise writing tips
• Clear Writing at Work course