How to use Slack

Introduction to Slack

In this section, Kevin introduces Slack and shares its origin story.

What is Slack?

• Stuart Butterfield developed Slack while working on a game called Glitch.

• The existing communication tools were insufficient for their development needs.

• Although the game didn't succeed, the tool they created became known as Slack.

• Slack is a messaging app that brings all communications into one place.

Differences between Email and Slack

• Email sorts conversations by arrival time in the inbox, while Slack orders them by channel, conversation, or topic.

• Email conversations are limited to initial participants, but in Slack, you can drop into relevant conversations.

• Popularized this form of communication and has competitors like Microsoft Teams and Cisco WebEx Teams.

Getting Started with Slack

This section explains how to get started with using Slack.

How to Get Slack

• Open your web browser and go to slack.com.

• Click on "Try for Free" or "Get Started" in the top right corner of the main page.

• Choose between creating a new workspace or joining an existing one.

Accessing Slack

• You can access Slack through the web browser, desktop app (Windows/Mac), or mobile app (iPhone/Android).

Navigating the Main Interface

This section provides an overview of the main interface of Slack.

Workspace Name and Inviting People

• The top left corner displays your workspace name. Clicking on it allows you to invite more people to join your workspace.

Channels for Communication and Collaboration

• Channels help organize conversations and topics within Slack.

• Conversations are organized by channels rather than dates like emails.

• Different channels can be created for different teams or topics.

Creating and Using Channels

This section explains the concept of channels in Slack.

Organizing Conversations with Channels

• Channels help organize conversations and topics within Slack.

• Different channels can be created for different teams or topics.

• Users can quickly catch up on conversations by jumping into specific channels.

Overall, this transcript provides an introduction to Slack, its origin story, the differences between email and Slack, how to get started with using Slack, navigating the main interface, and creating and using channels for communication and collaboration.

Understanding Public and Private Channels

In this section, the speaker explains the concept of public and private channels in Slack.

Creating Channels

• Public channels are for general conversations, while private channels are for confidential discussions.

• To create a new channel, click on "add a channel" or the plus icon next to channels.

• Channels can be set as public (everyone has access) or private (specific individuals have access).

Managing Channels

• Star a channel to prioritize it and have it appear separately.

• Set notification settings for specific channels, such as being notified about all conversations or only when mentioned (@).

• Mute or leave a channel if it is not of interest.

• Additional options include renaming, archiving, deleting, and sharing channels.

Staying on Top of Channels

This section covers tools available in Slack to stay updated with different channels.

Channel Management

• Star important channels to elevate them to a separate category.

• Set notification preferences for each channel based on personal interest.

• Mute or leave uninteresting channels.

• Additional options include renaming, archiving, deleting, and sharing channels.

Direct Messages in Slack

The speaker discusses direct messages and how they function in Slack.

Direct Conversations

• Direct messages allow one-on-one conversations with specific individuals.

• Multiple people can be added to a direct message conversation.

Messaging Capabilities in Slack

This section explores the messaging features available within Slack.

Chatting in Channels

• Messages can be sent within specific channels for conversations and information sharing.

Message Options

• Hovering over a message reveals additional options:

• Add reactions (e.g., thumbs up) to show appreciation.

• Reply to a thread to keep conversations connected.

• Share messages with others.

• Save messages for future reference or use as a to-do list.

• Set reminders for important messages.

• Pin messages to the top of channels for visibility.

• Edit or delete messages as needed.

Advanced Messaging Features

This section covers advanced messaging features in Slack.

Additional Message Actions

• More actions can be accessed through the "more actions" menu at the end of a message.

• Set reminders about specific messages.

• Pin important messages to the top of channels.

• Edit or delete messages when necessary.

Using @mentions and commands in Slack

In this section, the speaker discusses how to use @mentions and commands in Slack for effective communication.

Notifying a specific person with @mention

• By using the @ symbol followed by a person's name, you can notify them about a message.

• This triggers a notification for that person, drawing their attention to the message.

Utilizing rich commands with forward slash (/)

• Typing a forward slash (/) in Slack reveals various commands that can be used.

• These commands enhance the user experience and make engagement quicker and easier.

Formatting tools and code snippets

• Standard formatting tools like bold, italics, and strikethrough are available below the text field.

• Developers can insert code or code snippets within messages.

Shortcuts and posting options in Slack

This section explores shortcuts and different posting options available in Slack.

Accessing shortcuts on the left-hand side

• Shortcuts provide quick access to features such as creating reminders, starting calls, or making posts.

Differentiating between messages and posts

• Posts are more formal types of writing compared to regular channel messages.

Customizing formatting tools on the right-hand side

• The formatting tools on the right-hand side can be hidden or shown based on preference.

Discoverable @mention option

• The @mention capability is also accessible through an option on the right-hand side.

Attaching files to messages

• Users can attach files by clicking on "attach file" option.

• This allows sharing files from their computer within channels or direct messages.

Preferences - Sidebar and Theme

In this section, the speaker discusses the preferences in Slack related to the sidebar and theme customization.

Setting up the Sidebar

• The sidebar appears on the left-hand side of Slack.

• You can configure it to show all your direct messages, @mentions, and saved items.

• Access these settings by going to Preferences > Sidebar.

Customizing the Theme

• You can set a dark theme or choose from various other themes available in Slack.

• This allows you to personalize your Slack experience.

• To customize the theme, go to Preferences > Theme.

Integrating Apps with Slack

This section focuses on integrating apps with Slack for enhanced functionality.

Accessing Apps

• On the left-hand side of Slack, click on "Apps" in the quick action list.

• If you don't see apps listed, click on "More" and then select "Apps."

• You can also add apps to the top level by going to Preferences and adding them.

App Integration Options

• Search for specific apps or browse through categories to find suitable integrations.

• Slack offers a wide range of app integrations, making it highly versatile.

• Popular integrations include Twitter for displaying tweets in channels and Trello/Asana for creating tasks within Slack.

Real-time Communication - Voice and Video Calls

This section explores real-time communication options such as voice and video calls within Slack.

Initiating a Call

• Navigate to Direct Messages and select a conversation partner (e.g., Megan).

• Click on the call icon located in the top right-hand corner of the interface.

Call Features

• During a call, you can control your microphone, video, and screen sharing options.

• Reactions can be sent during the call.

• Hang up when the call is finished.

Slack on Different Platforms

This section discusses using Slack on various platforms, including web, desktop, and mobile.

Web Interface

• The previous sections covered functionality within the web interface of Slack.

• You can access Slack through a web browser with similar features.

Desktop Client

• The desktop client offers additional flexibility in terms of notifications and other settings.

• It provides a more customized experience compared to the web interface.

Mobile App

• Slack is also available as a mobile app for seamless communication across devices.

• Conversations, files, and direct messages are synchronized between different platforms.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The speaker concludes by summarizing how to get started with Slack and encourages viewers to engage further.

Summary of Using Slack

• The video provided an overview of getting started with Slack's standard functionality.

• Additional features are available in the web interface, desktop client, and mobile app versions of Slack.

Call to Action

• If viewers found the video helpful in learning how to use Slack, they are encouraged to give it a thumbs up.

• Subscribing ensures receiving notifications for future content related to Slack or other topics.