Simple Tips for Texting with Class

Texting is a fantastic form of communication.  "With it you can get a message to someone without causing their phone to ring at an inopportune time, ask a friend a question and let them respond at their leisure, or just shout out a quick greeting to someone without making a big deal about it." 

However that being said, there are a few text-message etiquette tips to keep in mind, especially when sending a text message in public or on behalf of your organization.

1) Don’t Text When You Wouldn’t Call
Would you call a friend to chat while in the middle of the  night, at a meeting or on a date?  If the answer is no, then you shouldn’t be texting, either.

2) Be Careful What You Text
“Don’t text-message anything confidential, private, or potentially embarrassing.”  There is always the possibility that people can see what you are typing, especially when sitting in rows of chairs.  In some cases, sending inappropriate content is even subject to criminal charges.  A great rule is simply not to text anything that you wouldn't want your mother to see.

3) “Remember, No One Can Judge Your Tone on a Text”
…especially people who you’ve only recently met or don't see often.  They don’t know you, or your tone as well as the people you see every day.  Also, try not to overanalyze a text, don’t read too much into them.  A lot can be missed in conversations via text.   If you ever have something really important to communicate, do it the old fashioned way, in person.

4) Don’t Always Expect an Immediate Response
Remember, it’s possible the person you are texting is unavailable and won’t be able to immediately respond.  Though texting can frequently glean instant information, don't be upset if it doesn't.  The person you're texting may not be near their phone, or could be in a location that it is inappropriate for them to respond to you.

One last note!  Those of us that are responsible for the social correspondence of an organization should never text a response to a social engagement that wasn't sent to you via text to begin with.  Don't text business matters, sad news or anything that is time critical.  Thank you notes and RSVPs should always be responded to in a matter comparative to the original event.

Do you have texting tips or questions?  Leave a comment and let us know how you get it done!




Adapted from The Date Report and Emily Post

Image Source: designmom.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Write On: Condolences and Get Well Cards

Though it is a sensitive subject for greetings and correspondence, we in Masonic Orders are frequently called upon to write messages of condolence and well wishes when something unpleasant has happened to those amongst our fraternity.  It often falls to the scribe, sweetheart or recorder to compose a friendly message of encouragement.



• A “Get Well” card is most often sent to the recipient’s home, unless they are going to be in the hospital for an extended period.  If someone is ill, make sure to verify the nature of their illness before sending a “Get Well” card.  If  the illness is incurable or terminal, such a card is highly inappropriate.

• A card which states “Thinking of You” is always a good choice when you are not entirely sure what the recipients condition is as well as when you know that it is terminal.   If you or your Chapter  are fairly close to the recipient of the well wishes is appropriate to ask if there is something you can do to help, even suggesting something specific, such as "Please let us know if we can help babysitting."

• When writing on behalf of an organization be sure to make it clear that is the case.  Using a phrase such as "The DeMolay Chapter keeps you in it's thoughts and prayers" signing your note with the Order's name beneath yours.

• Leave the humorous “Get Well” cards for personal friends and family.  In a business context, it is neither appropriate nor worth the risk of causing offense.

• Take the time to hand-sign and address the card. Printed mailing labels make the card look impersonal and that's not what well wishes should be.

• Even if the card has a pre-printed message inside, take the time to write a quick sentence by hand for a more personal and considerate touch.


Adapted from Cards Direct Card Etiquette
Image Source: stampwithheather.typepad.com via Hilary on Pinterest

Write On: Birthday Greetings

As young ladies with social obligations we are often called upon to write correspondence to our friends and sisters throughout the Masonic community, as well as those people we know outside of the community.  Correspondence is important to us because it let's people know that even though we may be apart in miles, or though it's be a while since we've seen each other that they are still in our thoughts.  Besides, everybody loves it when they get something in the mail that's not a bill!

One of the most common forms of correspondence that people are participating in today is the birthday greeting.  Sending a timely and personalized birthday card through the post (good ole snail mail) is a great way to let somebody know you care.


How To Write Birthday Greetings:

• Compliment the recipient’s best qualities. Take advantage of the opportunity to say why you admire the recipient: “I’m so lucky to have such a charming, supportive, who is always there for me” or “I’m so proud of you for all you have accomplished this year.”


• Turn a birthday card into a thank-you note. Tell someone how much they meane to you and how they have made a difference to your life.


• Focus on the year ahead and what you hope it brings: joy, success, a new job, celebrations, possibilities. Look forward to something the two of you have planned or the next time you will bee them. 


• Don’t assume people are thrilled about a birthday. Some folks aren’t. And if age is an issue, don’t point out the number in the card. Emphasize the person, not the milestone.

At A loss For Words?

If you are at a complete loss as to what you should write inside of a birthday card, why not add a few simple quotes from others to your knowledge base.  However use caution when sending "canned" messages as you wouldn't want to use the same quote year after year.

• "The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age." ~ Lucille Ball
• "All the world is a Birthday Cake, so take a piece, juts not too much." ~ George Harrison
• "Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again." ~ Menachem Mendel Schneerson
• "God gave us the gift of life; It is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well." ~ Voltaire
• "If you survive long enough, you're revered - rather like an old building." ~ Katherine Hepburn
• Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time." ~ Jean Paul Richter
• I think, at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity." ~ Elenor Roosevelt

We adapted these tips from Real Simple
Source: shop.banquetworkshop.com via Patty on Pinterest

Thank You Notes

Since we were little kids our Mom always harped on us to write a thank you note to grandma and grandpa when we got a gift.  As a young lady out in society it becomes even more important to say thank you for the opportunities and kindnesses that are presented to you. 

When respresenting an organization  (perhaps as an elected officer) it's even more important to send a note in order to maintain a good relationship with the community you are part of. 

It doesn't matter if we've received a personal kindness, or are responding on behalf of an organization a thank you note is a simple way to let others know that it has not been forgotten.

When to Write a Thank You Note:

• Any time you have reiceved a gift be it goods or monetary.
• Any time someone has hosted you in their "home"or at their Lodge/Bethel/Chapter/Assembly.
• Any time someone has done something special for you.

Do:

• Do send your note as quickly as possible, but remember it's never to late to let someone know they are appreciated. 
• Do write your note on nice stationary or pick up a simple card. 
• Do make sure that if you need to send a note on behalf of an organization, that the person assigned get all of the relevant information (name, address, why the card is being sent) to write the note and knows what time period it is expected to be sent in.

Don't:

• Don't even think about not sending a handwritten note, even if you have said thank you in person.
• Don't use "fill in the blank" thank you notes, they're tacky and don't express the correct sentiment of care and appreciation.
• Don't email, facebook, or tweet your thank you note. Take the time to write a thank-you note with pen and paper.  After all they took time for you.  An immediate e-mail can let the person know that a gift has been received, and saying thank you in person is always a good choice, but a thank-you note shows your appreciation and respect.

Are you need some help getting started writing your thank you note?  Check out Thank-You-Notes.com for ideas to craft lovely letters of thanks to all the people in your life that have helped along the way.

What Does RSVP mean?

"RSVP" is shorthand for the French “Répondez, s’il vous plaît.”

More plainly in English, it asks that you “Please reply” to the invitation you have received.

It's been our recent experience that even when a response is asked for, hosts often don't receive them even when they've gone to the trouble of including a response card.  This trend means either a growing rudeness amongst our culture, or people have simple forgotten what their social responsibility is as an invitee.  We would like to think that people simple no longer understand what it means.

This little code "RSVP" has been used on formal invitations for long time and it lets you know that your hosts want to know if you will be attending the event. 

It's important for your host to know if they can expect you at the event because it gives them an idea on how many people to plan for when it comes to seating, food, beverages, and favors.  

When one receives an invitation, whether as an single guest or as part of a group, it is the responsibility of those invited to let their host know if they will attend.   A prompt Reply, within a day or two of receiving an invitation is the most courteous action that you can take.  The Emily Post Institute offers us ideas for several ways that you can send your RSVP:

• If an RSVP is requested and no response card has been sent: a handwritten response to the host at the return address on the envelope is appropriate.
• If a Response Card is provided: fill in and reply by the date indicated and return in the enclosed envelope.
• RSVP with phone number: Place a telephone call and make sure to speak in person with your host.  Answering machines can be unreliable, do not simply leave a message.
• RSVP with email: you may accept or decline electronically.
• Regrets only: this means that you need only reply if you cannot attend. If your host doesn’t hear from you they are expecting you to be there.
• No reply requested?  It is always the polite choice to let someone know your intentions.  A phone call to let your host know you are looking forward to coming is sufficient.

So next time you, or your group is invited somewhere, be sure to look for that little "RSVP" on the invitation and give the favor of a reply to your host.