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Why Synchronous and Asynchronous Comms Channels Rule

By Susan Brown Faghani
Manager, Marketing and Sales Communication, L-Soft

In today's digital age, we are confronting a vast and varied communication landscape, with opportunities and challenges for individuals and organizations alike. Diverse communication options – from synchronous (real-time) to asynchronous (deferred) channels – are essential for us as humans to foster dialogue and collaboration.

Why Synchronous and Asynchronous Comms Channels Rule

Let's take a look at the role of diverse communication channels:

1. Synchronous Communication: Tools like video conferencing, live chats and webinars spur our real-time interactions, useful in education, government and military organizations where timely decision-making and interactive learning are essential.

2. Asynchronous Communication: Email discussion forum platforms, like L-Soft's LISTSERV® software, enable us to engage at our own pace, with time for thoughtful discourse to benefit our knowledge sharing, for instance diverse teams, global organizations and remote research and development initiatives.

3. Hybrid Communication: Benefit from the combined strengths of both synchronous and asynchronous communications by sharing knowledge and nurturing collaboration with all types of organizations.

Here are a few examples:

Integrate Multiple Channels: Combine synchronous and asynchronous tools to target our different communication needs. For instance, follow up a live webinar with a topical email discussion thread.
Encourage Inclusivity: Ensure our communication platforms are accessible to all stakeholders, including people with varying levels of digital literacy. Email has a low entry barrier to use, and resources such as adapted reading devices bridge the gap and foster a more inclusive environment.
Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Channels like LISTSERV are ideal to preserve our archived discussions, making it easier to search and reference message history.

Four key ways to get the most out of our digital communications:

Adopt a Multi-Channel Approach: Mix our synchronous and asynchronous communication tools to meet diverse requirements and preferences.
Prioritize Security and Privacy: Ensure that our communication platforms are secure and protect user privacy, essential for building trust. Email groups, forums and blogs hosted on LISTSERV enable you to opt in and opt out easily.
Promote Continuous Learning: Encourage our stakeholders to engage in continuous learning and professional development to stay updated on the latest communication tools and best practices. Discussion groups provide a world of knowledge, community, hope and inspiration.
Foster a Culture of Open Dialogue: Create an environment where open dialogue is encouraged, and diverse perspectives are valued. This can lead to more innovative solutions and stronger community bonds.

By offering a robust communication platform like LISTSERV, our organizations can facilitate discussions, dialogue, knowledge building and information sharing. This not only enhances communications but also contributes to a more informed and engaged society.