The Art of Charm

Ping & Persuade: How to Win in the Era of Always-On Communication | Andrew Brodsky

Apr 21, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Brodsky, a management professor at UT Austin and author of 'Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication,' shares insights on mastering digital communication. He unveils the PING Framework for effective interaction in an always-on world. Topics include reclaiming productivity from Zoom fatigue, creating communication boundaries, and why Gen Z finds the thumbs-up emoji problematic. Andrew also highlights the importance of rekindling relationships and the unexpected benefits of asking for advice in professional settings.

01:08:14

Episode guests

Andrew Brodsky

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The PING Framework emphasizes Perspective, Initiative, Nonverbal cues, and Goals to enhance virtual communication effectiveness.

Establishing communication boundaries is vital to combat feelings of being 'always on' and to improve overall productivity.

Reconnecting with colleagues through simple outreach can strengthen relationships and is often received positively, contrary to common assumptions.

Deep dives

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Intro

2min

Navigating Virtual Communication and Affordable Connectivity

4min

Navigating Modern Communication

12min

Unlocking the X Factor

7min

Mastering Communication in a Digital Age

15min

Unlocking Social Intelligence for Success

8min

Mastering Outreach: The Art of Connection

8min

Enhancing Requests Through Perspective-Taking in Communication

2min

Building Bridges: Communication in Relationships

6min

10.

Reviving Workplace Culture in a Virtual World

6min

In a world where remote work, Slack threads, and Zoom fatigue dominate, The Art of Charm welcomes Andrew Brodsky, management professor at UT Austin and author of Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication.

This episode is a masterclass in how to reclaim productivity, enhance visibility, and communicate strategically in a virtual-first world. Andrew introduces the PING Framework — a practical toolkit for navigating digital communication with precision, warmth, and power.

If you're feeling drained by back-to-back video calls, unclear on how to network virtually, or unsure how to make your contributions seen and respected — this episode offers the clarity you've been craving.

What to Listen For

[00:00:00] The one question almost no one asks that instantly improves meetings

[00:04:39] Media richness, cue variety, and why Zoom still feels awkward

[00:11:43] Introducing the PING Framework: Perspective, Initiative, Nonverbal, Goals

[00:16:44] How to create communication boundaries and stop feeling “always on”

[00:25:43] Generational differences and why Gen Z hates the thumbs-up emoji

[00:29:05] The visibility trap of remote work and how to build presence

[00:35:25] Cold messaging: why successful people are more likely to respond than you think

[00:44:03] Why asking for advice increases perceived competence — not weakness

[00:48:54] How to rekindle faded relationships without making it weird

[00:53:47] Bringing back the “virtual water cooler”

[00:57:53] Mimicry and digital nonverbal cues that build instant trust

Episode Takeaways:

Stop defaulting to email or video — ask how people prefer to communicate. It’s a subtle power move that builds trust fast.
Productivity ≠ Visibility. If no one knows what you’re doing, it doesn’t count.
The people you look up to are getting fewer cold messages than you think. Stand out with brevity, specificity, and a simple ask.
Remote communication is not inferior — it’s different. Use the PING Framework (Perspective, Initiative, Nonverbal, Goals) to choose the best format for your message.
Want better work-life balance? Define communication norms with your team.
A thoughtful reconnection text can mean more than you think.

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