We’re living in a time when technology has made communication faster, easier, and more accessible than ever before. We can message, call, ping, tag, or sync in seconds. And yet, in most organizations, we still hear the same things: “I didn’t know,” “I missed that update,” or “We’re not aligned.”

In my experience, the issue is rarely the absence of information. It’s that communication is happening—just not landing.

Every generation seems nostalgic for the tool that came before. Email felt too slow, until instant messaging flooded our day. Video calls closed the distance but made it harder to focus. We’ve added formats, but not always clarity.

Over the years, I’ve found that connection doesn’t come from the channel. It comes from how you use it. These are three principles I’ve relied on to keep communication meaningful across teams:

1. Adjust the style

Know who you’re speaking to—and how they process information. If you use the right tool with the wrong tone or structure, your message can feel off, no matter how relevant it is. Great communication starts with knowing your audience.

2. Keep it brief

Remember when Mark Twain said, ““I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” That’s because clarity takes effort. When information is dense, fragmented, or over explained, it gets ignored. Focus on what matters most—and say it with intention. Brevity builds trust.

3. Choose the right channel

Not everything needs a meeting. Not everything works in a slide deck. Sometimes an email is better left unsent. Misalignment often isn’t about what was said, but how and where it was delivered. Use the channel that respects the message—and the person receiving it.

These ideas aren’t complicated. But they’ve helped me communicate more clearly—especially across complex teams, fast-moving projects, and digital-first environments.

Technology gives us reach. But connection? That still depends on how well we listen, shape, and deliver what we say.