I’ve been the “voice of PASS” for the last 20+ years and I’ve learned a thing or two about communicating in today’s dynamic business environment. We have hundreds of communication tools at our disposal that are invaluable for connecting teams and customers. Much like a great chef does not solely rely on their whisk to prepare a delectable chocolate souffle, effective communication requires the right tools AND a thoughtful strategy.
Effective communication involves delivering a message clearly, with a positive attitude, and listening to gain meaning so the communicator feels heard and understood.
To communicate effectively, start by being clear and concise. Know your audience and what you would like to convey and what you would like the listener to take away from the conversation.
When writing, effective communication requires that you are mindful of nonverbal communication and how that will come across to the reader. You can’t rely on a reader seeing your facial expressions or gestures so choose your words carefully and read your message out loud to see how it sounds when you speak the words.
When speaking, watch your tone. In general, it’s not always what you say but how you say it that can determine the outcome of a conversation. In written communications, be sure to read your communication several times before sending it – does it reflect the tone you intended?
Always practice active listening when speaking with someone. No one likes to have a conversation with someone who is constantly scanning the room to see who else is in the room. Without active listening, you don’t always hear the words being spoken or grasp the message.
Lastly, use the right medium or platform to communicate. Ask yourself: Should this be an in-person meeting, a phone call, a video chat, or an email? Ask yourself how you would want to be communicated with if the tables were turned and you were receiving the information.
At PASS, our message is clear: we are committed to keeping PACs on track through purposeful communication, supported by modern tools and a strategy grounded in trust, precision, and progress.
The PASS team recognizes that effective communication is fundamental to our mission. For over 40 years, we’ve leveraged the latest in communication and information technologies to support our clients and enhance collaboration within our team. Our commitment to clarity and innovation allows us to deliver high-quality, error-free services—guided by federal and state regulations and rooted in industry best practices.