Webex offers straightforward ways to collaborate with your team by sending group messages, often referred to as "spaces." You can easily initiate a new group conversation from scratch or expand an existing one-on-one chat to include more participants.
Initiating a New Group Message (Space) in Webex
To start a fresh conversation with multiple people, you'll create a dedicated group space. This is ideal for new projects, team announcements, or discussions that involve several colleagues.
Step-by-Step for a New Space
Follow these steps to set up a new group message:
- Open Webex and Find "Send a message": Launch your Webex application. In the app header or navigation panel, locate and click the "Send a message" button. This is your gateway to starting new communications.
- Choose "Create a Space": From the options presented, select to "Create a Space" (the exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Webex version).
- Add Participants: Begin typing the names or email addresses of everyone you want to include in this group message. Webex will suggest contacts as you type.
- Name Your Space: Provide a clear, descriptive name for your group space. A good name helps everyone understand the purpose of the conversation at a glance (e.g., "Q3 Marketing Campaign," "Project Alpha Team," "IT Support Chat").
- Create and Begin Messaging: Once you've added all participants and named the space, click "Create" or "Send" to launch your new group message and start collaborating immediately.
Expanding a Direct Message into a Group Chat
If you're already having a one-on-one chat and realize you need to bring in additional team members, Webex allows you to effortlessly transform that direct message into a group space.
Converting a 1:1 Conversation
Here's how to turn an individual chat into a group message:
- Go to the Direct Message Space: Navigate to the existing direct message conversation you wish to expand.
- Click "Create a new message with...": At the very top of the direct message space, look for an option that says "Create a new message with [person's name] and others." This button is designed to seamlessly transition your private chat into a collaborative group.
- Add Additional Members: A new prompt will appear, allowing you to add more individuals by typing their names or email addresses.
- Rename the New Group (Optional): While Webex might suggest a name, it's highly recommended to rename this newly created group space to better reflect its purpose now that it includes more people. This helps to avoid confusion.
- Confirm Creation: Confirm your selections to establish the new group chat. The original direct message with the initial person will remain separate and unaffected.
Advantages of Using Webex Group Spaces
Webex group messages are more than just simple chats; they are robust collaboration hubs:
- Persistent Communication: All messages, shared files, and meeting details are saved within the space, providing a complete historical record for all members.
- Rich Collaboration Tools: Directly within your group space, you can easily share files, conduct whiteboarding sessions, launch impromptu video calls, and schedule meetings.
- Organized Conversations: Create separate spaces for different projects, departments, or topics to keep discussions focused and easy to find.
- Seamless Integration: Webex integrates with various other applications and services, enhancing workflow efficiency and centralizing communication.
Best Practices for Group Messaging
To maximize the effectiveness of your group messages in Webex:
- Define Purpose: Clearly communicate the objective of each group space to its members.
- Use @Mentions: To draw attention to specific individuals, use the "@" symbol followed by their name. This sends them a notification.
- Keep it Concise: Aim for clear and brief messages to respect everyone's time and keep conversations flowing efficiently.
- Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of different time zones and work schedules when posting important messages or initiating calls.
Learn More
For additional details, troubleshooting, and advanced features of Webex, you can visit the Cisco Webex Help Center.
