Bridging the Gap Between Policy and People
Digging into what’s said, what’s heard and what’s true: Between the Lines features conversations with Steve Lombardo and leading voices in the industry.
In this episode, Steve sits down with Alex Schriver, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), to discuss what drew him to D.C. and how communicators can turn policy-driven asks into meaningful storytelling.
Three takeaways you need to know from their conversation:
- Localize and humanize advocacy efforts.
Effective communicators ground their messages in real, authentic stories. In a time of skepticism, it’s essential to use tailored, local experiences and trusted voices to make what your organization has to say relatable. By focusing on human perspectives, communicators can help bridge the gap between what an organization does and why it matters to their audience. - Stay true to your strategy.
In today’s ever-shifting political and regulatory landscape, it's important to establish and stay focused on your strategy while being adaptable and flexible with the tactics used to reach your goal. Successful communicators come to the table with a wide variety of tools to deploy. - See beyond the story being told.
There are two sides to every story — someone is pushing out a message while someone else is trying to change it. It’s essential to understand the motivations and tactics that shape how information is shared and perceived. By recognizing those influences, communicators promote transparency, maintain balance and strengthen credibility across every channel.
Adfero POV
When communicating on complex policy or scientific issues, it’s essential to use storytelling and trusted voices to get your message across clearly and effectively. By connecting policy to people, communicators can build understanding and create a lasting impact.
Connect with Alex Schriver
To learn more about Alex Schriver, follow him on LinkedIn and learn more about PhRMA’s mission.
About Between the Lines
Hosted by Steve Lombardo, Between the Lines is a series that explores the space between what’s said, what’s heard, and what’s actually true in communications. Each episode features candid conversations with leading voices in the industry on how media is evolving and what lessons can be learned from the front lines of communications.
