Ragan Communications

09/09/2025

Next week, join us for The Communications Boot Camp—a dynamic, one-day virtual event on September 18 (11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET). Designed in rapid-fire, 15-minute learning vignettes, this boot camp delivers fast, actionable insights—from mastering AI with a human touch to leading through change, building trust, and measuring what matters.

Expect powerful, real world guidance from industry leaders and practical strategies you can use immediately—whether you're advising the C-suite, managing communications channels, or aligning team culture. Plus, you'll earn a Ragan Certificate of Learning and gain on-demand access to recordings and materials for a full year.

Spaces are limited, and the date is almost here. Register today to elevate your communications game this fall.

Learn more and secure your spot: https://link.ragan.com/4mS7Eut

09/09/2025

Communicators, we want to hear from YOU!

Take a few minutes to share your insights in our new survey with PoliteMail https://link.ragan.com/4n71mqU.

Your feedback will help shape upcoming research, resources, and events for the comms community. Don’t miss the chance to make your voice count and receive the final report.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

09/09/2025

What’s shaping the future of internal comms?

Discover insights from The 2025 State of Internal Communications & Intranet Technology, created in partnership with Simpplr.

Get the full report for FREE:

The 2025 State of Internal Communications and Intranet Technology Internal communications has changed. No longer just a support function, IC is now a key strategic driver of culture, engagement and business performance. But not all organizations see the same results. According to new research, the d...

09/09/2025

Join us November 12–14 in Austin for the Future of Communications Conference, where the heart of emerging strategies meets the soul of a city built on creativity and culture.

Beyond forward-thinking sessions and actionable insights, attending this conference offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Austin’s renowned energy. Stroll South Congress Avenue for boutique shopping and street-side murals. Cool off in the year round Barton Springs Pool or walk the scenic trail around Lady Bird Lake. Experience live music at venues rooted in ATX’s identity—music truly is the city’s lifeblood. And don’t miss the spectacle of the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset, when nearly 1.5 million bats emerge to fly over the city—a uniquely Austin moment.

Pair inspiration for your career with a taste of a destination celebrated for innovation, culture, and community.

Learn more and register: https://link.ragan.com/4g8lKoX

09/09/2025

Quiana Pinckney, Senior Vice President of Communications for Comcast’s largest division, reminds us that strategic communication is as much about people as it is about purpose. Early in her career, she moved fast—but left colleagues behind. A mentor’s pointed question—“Is this the kind of leader you want to be?”—prompted a pivotal shift. Today, she knows that moving at the pace of business only matters if your team comes along with you.

She champions bold, authentic storytelling rooted in empathy and audience insight. Storytelling, she says, should always begin with understanding: “What does the audience care about? Can they see themselves in the story?”

As communicators, our role is to shape narratives—not just deliver them—with intention and inclusivity. That’s how we elevate comms from function to leadership.

Read the full article:

Plus, key tips on integrating PR and internal comms.

09/09/2025

In an era where every word counts, clarity isn't just valuable—it’s vital. In Ragan’s latest piece, Sherrie Voss Matthews, Senior Director of Communications at Washington University in St. Louis, emphasizes the power of precision: making communications “short, sweet and to the point”—especially during crises such as the spring tornado that hit St. Louis.

Her team’s approach—collaboratively editing each other’s work to ensure accuracy, urgency, and tone—highlights that effective communication isn’t only about brevity but also about empathy and collaboration.
Another insight from the article: AI can serve as a useful assistant—particularly for generating headlines or simplifying jargon—but it’s no substitute for craft. As Voss Matthews puts it: “This is an assistance tool… not the magic wand to solve all your problems”.

This level of intentional writing is not optional—it's strategic. When we refine our words, we elevate our influence.

The best comms writing is direct and gets the message across clearly.

09/08/2025

The Writing Certificate Course kicks off this Wednesday.

Don’t miss your chance to learn proven techniques that will make your writing clearer, stronger, and more impactful.

Reserve your spot now:

Kill the Clichés. Shape Your Voice. Command attention. Incite action. Register for this dynamic three-part certificate series to refine core writing competencies, unlock critical AI editing skills, and become a faster, more creative and persuasive writer.

09/08/2025

Ragan’s Internal Communications Conference returns October 14–16 at Microsoft HQ in Seattle. Join top communicators to explore AI in content, people-data insights, generational engagement, mixternal messaging, and leadership lessons from brands like Microsoft, the Seattle Kraken, and more.

Discounted pricing ends this Friday, Sept. 12 — secure your spot today.

https://link.ragan.com/3I5gXYY

09/08/2025

At Ragan’s Employee Experience Conference, Farnaz Khadem, VP of University Communications at Stanford, shared a powerful lesson: “Your number one job with your leaders is to educate your bosses.”

Communicators aren’t just message deliverers—we’re interpreters, ensuring leadership voices resonate authentically across diverse audiences. By guiding leaders to communicate with clarity and authenticity, we elevate the role of comms from function to strategic capability.

Read more here:

Communicators can help top brass understand the context and impact of their messages.

09/08/2025

In a fast evolving field like generative AI, clarity is essential. Ragan’s latest piece, “Foundational Generative AI Glossary,” does precisely that—offering communicators a vital resource to ground their understanding in a landscape brimming with technical complexity.

By unwrapping key terms—such as “agentic capabilities” and the broad umbrella of “artificial intelligence”—this glossary serves as a strategic toolkit for communicators striving to lead through clarity, not jargon.

Why it matters:
• Empowers communicators: Whether crafting content, advising leadership, or guiding policy, a firm grasp of AI terminology enables more strategic conversations.
• Helps navigate risk and opportunity: Understanding foundational terms isn’t just academic—it’s the first step in shaping responsible, outcome-driven AI implementation in organizations.

As communicators, our role continues to evolve—now at the crossroads of innovation and interpretation. Investing in this shared vocabulary ensures we don’t just keep pace—but lead the conversation.

Make sure you understand these AI basics.

09/07/2025

AI Mastery Starts This November

The upcoming AI Certificate Course from Ragan will teach you how to turn tools like ChatGPT‑5, Claude, Gemini and Copilot into prized teammates.

Learn to craft AI‑first content, automate tasks with lightweight “agents,” and track ROI with clarity.

Enroll now: https://hubs.ly/Q03FmyYl0

09/07/2025

When AI enters the conversation, comms must center humanity—not just efficiency.

Salesforce’s CEO openly described recent layoffs and AI adoption as “exciting,” following a 4,000-job reduction driven by automation. It’s a vivid reminder: AI may boost efficiency, but the narrative must account for its human impact.

Meanwhile, Airtable’s leader urged employees to designate time for AI “play” — fostering exploration, not fear. It’s a progressive model that reframes our approach to innovation.

Takeaway for communicators: Leading with empathy—acknowledging disruption, encouraging experimentation—is just as vital as celebrating technological progress. It’s not about replacing the person behind the process, but empowering them to work alongside smarter tools.

Plus, the key factor in successful hybrid work.