The Badge Archive

Interview about Email Communication

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Cadette Netiquette badge requirements.

Items Needed:

  • Guest speaker who will talk about the positive and negative consequences of email communication
  • Pens or pencils
  • Ruled or plain paper (one per scout)
  • Laptop or tablet (optional, for scouts who prefer using them)

Instructions:

  1. Introduce the guest speaker.
  2. Speaker asks scouts: “Why is netiquette important?” Discuss their answers briefly.
  3. Speaker explains key points about online communication:
    • It’s different from in-person or phone conversations because you can’t see or hear emotions.
    • Posts or messages don’t fully disappear and can be saved or shared by others.
  4. Speaker asks scouts what they think an “oops” moment (a negative online interaction) and a “wow” moment (a positive online interaction) are.
  5. Scouts write “Netiquette Tips” at the top of their paper.
  6. Speaker shares examples of “oops” and “wow” email moments from their experience, explaining the outcomes and lessons learned.
  7. Encourage scouts to ask questions. If needed, guide the discussion with questions like:
    • “What do you do to avoid ‘oops’ moments?”
    • “How can you create ‘wow’ moments?”
    • “If an ‘oops’ moment happens, how can it be turned into a ‘wow’ moment?”
  8. Wrap up by having scouts write a few tips based on what they’ve learned on their Netiquette Tip sheet.

Guest Speaker Instructions

Guest Speaker Guide: Positive and Negative Consequences of Email Communication

Purpose: Help scouts understand how email communication can impact relationships, work, and everyday interactions, highlighting both challenges and benefits.

Key Topics to Cover:

  1. Positive Consequences:
    • Share an example of a well-written email that built strong connections or helped resolve a problem.
    • Discuss how thoughtful emails can create “Wow” moments, such as expressing gratitude, collaborating effectively, or delivering encouraging messages.
  2. Negative Consequences:
    • Share a story about how poorly timed, unclear, or angry emails caused misunderstandings, hurt feelings, or conflicts.
    • Emphasize the importance of proofreading, tone, and timing to avoid creating “Oops” moments.

Advice for an Engaging Talk:

  • Use Relatable Examples: Talk about real-life scenarios scouts might encounter, such as emailing teachers, friends, or for group projects.
  • Focus on Solutions: Share tips to craft clear, kind, and effective emails (e.g., pause before sending when emotional, and re-read for clarity).
  • Encourage Interaction: Invite scouts to ask questions and share their experiences with email communication.
  • Provide Actionable Tips: Offer easy-to-follow suggestions, such as using a friendly tone, adding subject lines, and avoiding rushed messages.

Suggested Discussion Questions:

  • “What do you recommend for young people writing an email to someone they don’t know well?”
  • “If someone sends an email they regret, what can they do to repair the situation?”
  • “What’s the best way to respond to an unclear or upsetting email?”
  • “How can scouts use email to create ‘Wow’ moments and avoid ‘Oops’ ones?”
Tia Kennard