The #1 mistake people make when texting

‘The difference between someone saying: ‘Funny!’ and ‘funny.’ “It’s interesting in how it can be interpreted,” Senning says.

When it comes to exclamation marks, you can’t overdo it.

Periods can add a tone of hostility to SMS. You don’t need to end “one- or two-word responses” with a period, Senning says.

If you want to get the message across that a problem is really serious, use a period, he says.

Another tool you may want to use sparingly is humour, as tone, something that cannot be conveyed through text, is crucial to interpreting it correctly.

“It’s really hard to write funny,” Senning says.

Before sending a joke via text message, Sinning suggests asking yourself, “Are these relationships established enough or do I need to know them well for them to work?”

However, exclamation marks can be used quite freely.

“It’s worth knowing that people use exclamation marks and emojis more freely in texts,” says Sinning. “It’s a way to show enthusiasm and not indicate an overly enthusiastic interpretation. It can be used to adjust the tone to the positive side.”

Do you want to be a successful and confident communicator? Take the new CNBC online course Be an Effective Communicator: Mastering Public Speaking. We’ll teach you how to speak clearly and confidently, calm your nerves, what to say and what not to say, and body language techniques to make a great first impression. Register today and use code EARLYBIRD for an introductory 30% discount through July 10, 2024.

Plus, Sign up for the CNBC Make It newsletter For tips and tricks for success in business, money and life.