In Google Chat, you can send a direct message to individuals or groups. Direct messages are private conversations between you and other people. Once you create a direct message, you can't add people, so the conversation remains private.
1. Click the Gmail icon in the the applications tab of the TC Portal.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/008/879/401/original/e9ca7a19-c301-4b29-9563-2b797d4aaf2a.png)
2. Under Chat, click name.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/761/711/original/cc6dd117-7249-4b3e-8256-4dcc983f89aa.png)
5. If the name isn’t found in the Chat, click New Chat.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/761/717/original/fdb727de-b4fb-4718-b37c-10d6bad78063.png)
6. Type in the name of the person you want to chat with.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/761/719/original/11ed9518-9717-4ab4-85dc-aebcc136d8dd.png)
7. Enter a name or email address. Suggestions appear as you enter text.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/003/994/287/original/918a1664-d6ce-4439-b27b-4d134b5d5b1d.png)
8. To send a direct message to someone outside of TC, enter their full email address.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/761/721/original/67b10da5-20a3-4f84-b5d5-cd40ac3f3f45.png)
9. Select the person that you want to message.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/761/723/original/5a544a8c-16b9-48ba-8fa0-441b407b10ba.png)
10. Enter a message and click Send.
![](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/761/725/original/dcc66ec1-ab9f-4148-b83f-1093c2948c2d.png)