중학교 영어 2 (동아출판 윤정미) 연계 글

Seoyun's group almost failed its science project. On Monday, one member wrote in the group chat, "Can somebody make the poster?" Four people read the message, but nobody answered. By Friday, the group still had no poster.

Problems like this often happen in group chats. When you talk face to face, your friends can hear your voice and see your face. In a chat, however, they see only your words. For this reason, a short message can easily cause a misunderstanding. Here are four tips for clear communication.

First, give each job to one person. A message to "somebody" is a message to everyone, so each member may think that someone else will answer it. If you want Jiho to make the poster, write, "Jiho, can you finish the poster by Wednesday?" When you ask one member to do one job, everyone knows who is responsible.

Second, if you are not sure what a friend means, do not guess. Just ask. For example, a friend writes, "Let's meet later." You can reply, "Could you tell me what time you mean?" Asking takes only a few seconds, but it can prevent a big mistake.

Third, read your message again before you send it. Short answers such as "Fine" or "Whatever" can sound angry, even when you are not angry. Think about how your friends will feel when they read your words. If a message might sound cold, add a kind word or a friendly emoji.

Finally, end every discussion with a short summary. Many teachers tell their students to post the group's decisions in the chat: who will do each job and when it is due. Then anyone who missed the chat can understand what the group decided.

A group chat works well only when its messages are clear. Before you press "Send," ask yourself whether your message is clear, kind, and complete.