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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Resources from this Episode
Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication
Andrew Brodsky’s website
Ping Group’s website
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