All Through Pademic

Edwin T. Yanga

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies are finding a variety of ways to communicate with their customers. Organizations may use tele detailing /telemarketing through email, social media or other third-party functions for video conferencing. Communication could be verbal, written and electronic, such as texts, emails, telephone calls, teleconferencing, voicemails and handwritten notes. For example, since most life sciences companies cannot be person-to-person with their customers, emailing, picking up the telephone or sending a text message can be the next best option. Because these communications may have varying impacts than do traditional face-to-face meetings, it is important for them to be conducted under a company's policies, guidelines and trainings because they are permanent, recorded and easily searchable. No matter the form of communication, whether during our current pandemic state-of-affairs or not, these communications may pose legal, regulatory and compliance risks if the proper precautions are not taken. Below are some guidelines to remember when communicating either externally with customers or internally with employees.

These communication suggestions are not in any special order of importance and can apply in many situations. Have you ever sent an email that was meant to be funny only to have the recipient misunderstand and respond in an unexpected way Imagine a customer misinterpreting a message, passing it along broadly and, particularly in today's sensitive environment, have the message misinterpreted and then results in a negative impact on the organization. Spending extra time to read and re-read written messages before they are sent can help avoid miscommunication. Before sending the message, think it over carefully to confirm it is clear and concise. avoid opinions and assumptions and be cautious of tone. Remember, written communications last forever and can be misunderstood later. Messages should be written clearly and simply and include enough context so they can be understood by both the intended recipients and others who may have access to the communication. W hen reviewing a message for tone, think about our current environment. Is there a chance the communication may seem “out-of-touch” given current social and economic conditions

The author is Teacher

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III at Angeles City High School, SHS, Division of Angeles City