Start a Chat (Send an Instant Message)

The procedure for starting a chat is very similar to making a call.

To send an IM (start a chat), follow these steps:

1.	Select a Skype Name in your Contacts List and then click the Chat icon in the Skype main window (see Figure 4-18). Figure 4-18. Contact with Chat icon (Mac users: Select a Skype Name, and click the Send IM icon.)
2.	Right-click a Skype Name in your Contacts List, and choose Start Chat from the context menu (see Figure 4-19). Figure 4-19 . Contact with Chat menu (Mac users: Control-click the Skype Name, and choose Send Instant Message from the context menu.)
3.	Double-click the Skype Name in your Contacts List (if you have set your Skype preferences to initiate an instant IM versus start a call).