 Why 254? Imagine. Good evening to you and thank you so much for sticking to why 254 TV My name is Sheryl blessing and this is the power talk show now this evening. It's the 14th of March Muize Imefika Katikati and so many of us are on our socials because when we're at work when we're going through life We get entertainment through our digital platforms now. I want us to understand when we're on this platforms How can we have etiquette? How do we communicate with each other? How do we share our opinions? How do we interact with our followers and people who we follow? So I want us to have a better understanding of this discussion and joining me live on set is Two experts who have been on digital platforms and their communication experts So we have Chebet Sharers. Who is a digital content creator? Thank you so much Sheryl. Yeah, and this is not even the first time I've been I'm not a guest here. This is home. This is home And that's the goal for power talk. We want to make it home. Thank you so much and right next to Chebet We have the beautiful trophy Kiprono who is a communications expert carry boo Yeah To our rainbow too and we want to have a very interesting conversation How we can better communicate on digital platforms because all age groups is equal to digital platform squeezy It's not just Gen Z or the younger kids or millenials It's every single platform every single generation and we have different platforms that we used to communicate So I want us to understand on this different platforms. How do we practice? Social media etiquette. How do we communicate with each other in a way that is sensitive in a way that? At a common opinion you consider who is receiving the comment on the other side So I want to understand from you. How you communicate what platforms do you use? What platforms are you majorly on and while you're on those platforms? Have you had interactions where someone gave you a comment? That was so rude so uncalled for illy kushtua or while you are delivering How do you communicate? Do you DM your celebs and you just tell them whatever you feel like I want us to get an understanding of where we communicate on the digital platforms So go on our social media platforms, which is at Y to 54 on Instagram on Facebook and on X We have made a post and I want you to comment I am there too. I want you to comment on these platforms and communicate with each other on these platforms And I think to kick start the conversation because Both of you have been in media. You have been practicing communication for a very long time So Chabat, you're a digital content creator So I know you definitely receive a lot of comments. You receive a lot of feedback So first could you tell us how did you get into this space and how are you evolving through this space? Regardless of whatever negative feedback you may get or positive feedback Thank you so much Cheryl and it's a pleasure to be here. You look amazing. Thank you So about social media, I decided to open myself up to the digital space and to just like completely get into Creating content about two years ago like seriously So at that time I think I had about 500 followers or something Then I just decided to first of all move from being a private user into like now my pages open for them all But now that was very scary for me because you see all the things happening on social media You you it's like you're opening yourself up to people you don't know things you don't know So it's it's really crazy. It comes with its own pair of challenges and all the all those things So for me, I've not really received Many negative comments. It's it's always mostly been on the positive side maybe because of my content But I try to also avoid people who are just negative, you know If I find that kind of negative energy either I will block or I will just not engage with such people So because my pages my page is a nice page is a page of nice good vibes and inshallah, you know So I try to really distance myself from people who talk negatively about others You know, they try to bully people. So I really keep away from that, but throughout I'd say The engagement has been nice. It's it's nice to know people to engage with people that you've never met and they always send you Dms or you speak to them about matters in the society about just whatever it could be really I really enjoy that platform when it's used positively And I like how you've said the fact that it was very important for us to note You are private user and you opened yourself up to the public So we are going to get into that later because I know so many people who are in the digital spaces like to maintain their privacy Even as much as they're on the platforms So thank you so much for that and I like the fact that you've also said you've not gotten so much negative feedback That's very good to hear because most people who put themselves out there always always Receive some negative feedback Now trophy you're a communications expert now help us understand who is the communication expert? What do you do? How did you get into this field and Maybe what what are some of the things that you do as a communications expert? Thank you for that question. So as a communication expert my background is in communications And I worked in government for some time until I realized that there's a gap There's a niche when it comes to public speaking when it comes to communication skills It is very important in our society So that is when we decided to co-founder company called the brand experts Kenya where we are trying to teach people on Effective communication skills and public speaking communication is very important because you're only as good as you communicate That is why we decided to start this and try and narrow that gap And that's really I like that, you know No one will think you need to learn about communication skills because it's gonna communicate And that's the assumption that most people have they do not understand that there's a Difference, good a professional communication inter-personal communication and different ways of you Communicating to different people now. This is a funny thing that I read on X the other day a Gen Z intern a liquid via what's up? So she she sent a I'm you know, I can't do this anymore. I'm stepping down call you later XO XO that was it. So trophy from your perspective Being especially in in a professional corporate world. How would you view things like that because that happens a lot with the new Generation that's coming up. How would you view such kind of communication? How would it be received by the boss of the intern who was doing that? You know one thing that people don't seem to understand is that what you post online is a direct reflection of you There's very little chance that I'm going to meet you in person So what I see online is what I perceive you to be and when it comes to communication We do have a saying that says speak without being offensive listen without being defensive and always leave your opponent with dignity Now Gen Z is more the more They're very outspoken and everything However communication is very important because you need to use tact and diplomacy So the right way is just to actually quit this right at the formal text a formal email Don't quit on what just don't quit don't ban bridges. That's basically it don't ban bridges And now that you've said that I wonder how do you classify the different platforms? Because clearly you've said write an email or send some formal communication So is what's up considered informal? What platforms are more formal and what will do you classify as informal platforms? Emails we consider emails and direct messages to be more formal and these are things that keep changing over over time But what's up is more informal because sometimes you'd find someone sending you some emojis with a message and then your exo exo That is that can easily be misinterpreted when it comes to acronyms They're very different according to each and every country. It is like the word lol. Hey in Kenya. What does lol mean laughing out loud? Elsewhere it means lots of love so you can easily misinterpret it In fact when you mentioned quitting and exo ex exo exo in one sentence. I was like Jesus Christ Don't do that. Just stick to formality. It doesn't hurt Yeah, I like that because you know so many people would not think too much about that especially with the new Generations that are coming up who've grown Knowing this digital platforms. I'd probably assume see what's up is formal because if they have the business aspect Bonam for a secret formal and I like the way you've said some phrases as well that we use because it's common for the Gen Z to abbreviate so many words But when you're communicating with someone who's probably of a different generation, they may miss the point Now Chebet could you just tell us what platforms you majorly on which do you use for your casual posts? And which do you do more professional posts on? Okay, so for me I have Because I'm in the digital space. There's very rarely that one is professional And so all of them will represent like she said who I am you will just get me Throughout so I'd say Facebook a little bit But mostly Instagram and then just venturing into tiktok for the last I think I ever saw but mostly Instagram That's where I share my content. I Do everything that I relate to do as a content creator. Yeah, that's the space that I have found that I love and yes, I love to do my things there nice and trophy brought an aspect of DMing direct messaging being a means of formal communication Now I want to find out from you if someone DMed you a Fan or someone who wants to do partnership with you. Would you take that as formal communication? Yes, I would because here like she said I think the the point here is not to use in formal language as long as you're using formal language that I think if you used any platform it would still make sense because like she said I will not be able to meet you in person But if you're you know your message is straight up. Hey, I would like to work with you blah blah blah Here are my details. You see that's already business in action. So yeah, we are which it's just that we're transacting in a different way We're just not doing it Maybe officially formally or in person, but it's still you see now That's I think that's the best way one of the best ways to use Social media. So it's the way you communicate. Yes, it's not where you communicate Yes, and I think that's a very important point to note because some people will will say no You have to I've seen so many people who have the emails on their bio in on the Instagram platform And whenever you DM them, they tell you know, you have to write me an email. You have to email me You have to communicate this formally when that could be a formal platform of communication as long as you've used the right Language. Yes. Now, let's catch to that up with the right language, especially with focus on the professional aspect How do I communicate to my boss that I want to quit? I am unhappy with the the job conditions It's not it's not giving The youth like to say it's not giving like I do not want this trophy. How do I communicate that formally? Maybe I'm in a work situation. That's toxic or I'm not happy I'm not pleased by the working conditions and I wanted to express that without Offending as you said communicate without offending Your your the recipient how do I do that in a way that is me formal, but to me may explain Kenyan I feel How do I do that? That's an interesting question. Now one thing about working in any kind of organization emotional intelligence is very important Don't send that email that text when you're angry come down. They now learn corporate jargon I understand. I am I apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for understanding, you know Even KPSC kick out a steamer tonight. Thank you for understanding. Who has understood. Did you? That is what is now what you call corporate jargon We send it to Nemeacha and you know one thing people don't realize There's even some time to text or call your colleagues before 8 in the morning and after 8 p.m Unless it's an emergency unless someone has your kidney please text. Yeah, don't call someone at 9 Someone's like what's going on 9 p.m. They can either to etiquette. You know what you mentioned about social etiquette. We call them an etiquette Yeah, just these and it's hate I didn't think just First of all know that the person on the other end penguin in old school a lot of people are old school Actually people in the workforce most of them are old school and a lot of times when we get clients coming to other like But me I'm always direct and straightforward. Yeah But what has it helped you with you need to learn how things work Just learn what we call emotional intelligence and corporate jargon how to say dear so-and-so. I know it's exhausting I know you're using so many words, but that is how we are going to perceive you Okay, and it got high and then the worst is when someone says hi, and then you're like, okay, hi How are you? I'm fine So you're like wait now. Where is this message going? Any a lot of people don't have the seven seas of communication ensure message is complete high Chabet I'm writing to inquire about one two three. Could you please direct me? Oh, this is a hi hi. Hi. Hi It's so funny, but I was having that conversation with a colleague earlier today Cuz nearly when I want me I don't have time for this hi hi. How are you? How are you? Get to the point just say hi How are you if I respond? Give me the complete thing if you can't do that make a call in the appropriate time and Watch you begin by saying the tone and the mood that you in is very important Because right now I may be frustrated I may be angry and when I want something in this in that heat of the moment I may want it in a negative way because I also have to understand the person who's receiving this I may have a cool tone, but they may receive it as ever. This is harsh because you've delivered it Nika money Vita, so it's very important as you've said to understand that you're communicating with someone of a particular age group or Of a particular personality exactly and what your words appropriately after they will go there will relax But now I'm wondering cuz I want to a hi hi, but do I go to see that guy? Now when you're a mess Emma Me go to if you're such a do and they call you at 10 p.m. They call you five times and they wonder why you're not picking up What what do we do and it's npm? You're like Lord have mercy And you know you have to be caches you still have to be like, okay. I'm sorry How do I get that one bit? Well, I'm pretty sure With every Gen Z there is that one situation in here will equal now a couple customer a For my mental health. I'm going I have to live Was there any work situation where you felt like you weren't pleased by the working conditions and you had to live? If so to only only talk edge only one being person only to my what's up Okay, so my exo exo. How did you tell them? I'm sorry, but I no longer wish to work with this company First of all, I am not Gen Z. I'm very proud to be a millennial Very proud. I miss Gen Z by two years, but I'm a very proud millennial First of all, I've never had to quit work like that but Obviously all of us have been in very unpleasant situations maybe at work or where you used to work obviously So like trophy said I'd like to add something on to it. It's not just Gen Z to the old school people. What are what are they called? What are they called? Exactly the boomers and the exas know it's also them to us because they don't understand us, you know If there was if there wasn't that gap, then maybe we would we wouldn't have as many Corporate issues as we do because you go to work and then you want to follow all these things you've learnt all the corporate jaggon But just because you're coming from a different younger generation There's just this thing of you're so bubbly and you're all over the place at work Yeah, and the boomers just can't stand that they just they just wish they could box you and be quiet and just But you know this. Yeah, we cannot we cannot we can't Progress like that. We have to open up space for okay. These are young people. They're so bubbly. They're so all this and that Can we make space for them if they say if you come in and I say maybe I'm handling communications in this company Then I start giving advice on how we should do Instagram or how we should do content That's not the time for me to be told. Ah, you know like you are shut down before you even start Oh people don't want to take advice or we say we're no longer doing cameras If you have an iPhone or good phones, we can go that way So I find that very frustrating especially from the older generation to us. I think that can be It's always a point of clashing when it comes to yeah So I like the fact that you brought that up because that is an issue. It is a big big issue Yes, because I took your to Camino Quay even when the baby boomers were getting into the job market They were considered younger work. I like it. This generation is different from the ones who were there before Yes, and there was a need to just to integrate not to song a parmoja I understand that that perspective very clearly because so many times they tell you we want fresh ideas We want new ideas. Okay, let's do some fresh ideas. They're like And you wonder now what do you expect because if we do how if I go according to your plan It's going to be the same result But if you're unwilling to listen to my ideas, then we cannot move forward and I like the aspect that you Because I when you're better than a millennial, so we need Gen Z's I've at least to a better different perspective. I need you as a Gen Z. Tell me We should quit job now. How did you go about it? Did you go and what's up? Did you write an email? Did you just drop the the work a la phone and disappear to go on a show? Let me know on our socials at five to five four So I think now that we've clarified how you should communicate. There's a need for understanding on both parts recipient Because otherwise But let's say let's assume I have used the corporate jargon. I have been sensitive But when I'm a poker I may some have in a summer trophy. How do we how do we? I personally deal with that. Let's say I write to my producer and I tell him I wish we'd go in this direction instead of what we are doing But then we are so many comma direction is nanda in a sumbo idea. I go high Bambi. Well, I'm a bow I reckon Asia. How do I do that? Because if the interpretation is not how I communicated and they give me a negative response based on that How can I communicate that because as you've said on as your in-person communication? You can get the tone the facial expression the mood but through the phone. It's very hard to pick up all those They're the cues that we have of communication. I Love what you bet said about the older guys They don't want to adapt to the younger guys and I think because they don't understand that change is constant Very constant change is very constant. Now. I think the problem people have with Gen Z's is lack of courtesy More of courtesy and then there's something we call the unwritten rules of corporate Imagine no one will tell you these things. You'll just go into a workplace and you're like, why am I missing something? So it's just off here. Why? The old way so one thing I always say it isn't pleasant but speak the language of the organization when it comes to Interpersonal not intra interpersonal communication speak the language of the organization and then do it all it's about getting what you want Not get not being right. You have to let go of that idea of being right get what you want You want to scale the corporate ladder good speak the language of the people you can be as intelligent and as clever as you want But you have to speak their language because the older guys would think you are a threat They're written rules of corporate At the same time they're guys want to bring out their ideas, you know, they are full of ideas So it's a very delicate balance. All I can say is for the younger guys just observe more say less and for the older guys Just accept change. It's constant Change is constant. That's very true. I like the fact that you've given advice to both parts Cuz when you're young, this is maybe your first job. You're so excited You want everyone to understand what your vision is Like And you really can't do that in a day So it's going to take some time and it's very important for you to understand the company that you've just gotten into Absolutely, how do they do things? What is the branding? How do they communicate? And then it's easier for you to bring up your ideas because then you get less shut down Once you've understood this is the brand. This is the image. This is the idea that they have As well as how we can give me what accept change because you can't just tell someone bring fresh ideas But every time we bring an idea even when it aligns with the vision What you say it is true the thing is a lot of Gen Z's how do you could read the room? You know when you read the room when you go into an organization It doesn't work like that. They will tell you directly. Yeah Similarly, you have to understand like read the room. I say my Friday is casual Just because you are told to do casual learn how to read the room have that capability of emotional intelligence Shikanisha shikanisha and then always read between the lines the things that you're not being told so that you can blend easily Everywhere because you cannot change the status quo. Unfortunately, imagine you can't after when I reformist ideas We say may we are changing this company two years Imagine you can't and you will always hit dead ends. You'll be like Frustrated what's up? It's because you're trying to go against the status quo and you just need to accept in that moment So, thank you. I think that's a wonderful start to the conversation And I hope you're taking note of this idea. So when we get back I want us to get into the interperson on because you can do social media You can do a major and you can watch back at home That's a county and be a kid you can book a visa social media We're not really coming to collect says in a mini or when you go in X. So you read something You need to gani it frustrates you on social media Go on our social platforms at Y to 5 for on Facebook Instagram and X and when we get back We're going to get into the interpersonal aspect of social communication