Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Andrew Brodsky on Mastering Successful Virtual Communication

Mar 20, 2025

Andrew Brodsky, a professor at the University of Texas and author of *Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication*, shares insights on enhancing virtual communication. He discusses his journey, inspired by personal challenges, and introduces the PING framework—Perspective Taking, Initiative, Nonverbal Cues, and Goals. Andrew offers practical advice on managing Zoom fatigue, balancing camera use during calls, and understanding the impact of AI on human interactions. His emphasis on mindfulness in communication helps improve both productivity and relationships.

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ANECDOTE

Leukemia and Virtual Communication

Andrew Brodsky's interest in virtual communication stemmed from his teenage leukemia diagnosis.
Isolation during treatment sparked his research into better long-distance communication.

INSIGHT

The Rise of Virtual Communication

Regardless of work location, everyone is now a virtual communicator.
Even in-office communication utilizes digital tools, changing interaction dynamics.

INSIGHT

Communication Richness

Communication modes are categorized by synchronicity (real-time) and cue variety (nonverbal cues).
Small differences in these categories significantly impact communication richness and effectiveness.

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In this episode, Andrew Brodsky, author of Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication, explores how virtual communication can be improved for both productivity and relationship-building. Andrew, a professor at the University of Texas and expert on virtual communication, discusses his research and personal journey in understanding how we interact online.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• The Importance of Virtual Communication: Andrew shares how his personal experiences, including battling leukemia, sparked his interest in virtual communication, leading him to research and write about it.

• The PING Framework: We break down the PING acronym—Perspective Taking, Initiative, Nonverbal Cues, and Goals—and how each element helps improve virtual interactions.

• Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Communication: Understanding the differences between real-time and delayed communication and how each affects our interactions.

• Dealing with Zoom Fatigue and Camera Etiquette: Andrew offers advice on when to turn your camera on or off during video calls, balancing engagement and avoiding burnout.

• Perspective Taking and Miscommunication: Why it’s crucial to be mindful of how others interpret virtual communication, from tone to response time.

• Strategic Use of AI: While AI can be helpful, Andrew cautions against over-relying on it for personal interactions and suggests ways to use it effectively for low-stakes communication.

Key and Peele - Texting Confusion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF5FWbl1NVk

Andrew provides a thoughtful approach to navigating virtual spaces, ensuring we don’t just communicate more efficiently but also build meaningful connections, whether with colleagues, clients, or friends.

Learn more about Andrew and his work at PingGroup.org and find Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication wherever books are sold.

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