Mastering Washington: Essential Tips for Communicators

By Karina Frayter, Corporate Affairs Executive, Page Up member

Communications professionals are increasingly being pulled into Washington-facing work—whether it’s supporting a policy push, shaping a regulatory narrative, or prepping executives for conversations on the Hill. It’s no longer just the government affairs team’s job to handle D.C.; comms now has a seat at the table and a critical role to play.

But effectively engaging with Washington isn’t just about having the right message. It’s about recognizing that D.C. has its own culture, pace, and pressure points—and if you're not well-versed in these nuances, your message can miss the moment or, worse, undermine your credibility.

Here are a few lessons I’ve learned that comms professionals new to public policy work may find valuable when communicating in and around Capitol Hill:

1. Engage Early—and with the Right People

In Washington, information is currency, but only if it reaches the right staff at the right time. Share data after a bill has left the committee, or present a position just before a vote, and you risk being too late—or worse, hurting your credibility.

Communications professionals are used to moving fast. But in D.C., the key is to engage early, before decisions are made and positions harden. Hill staff are constantly triaging. If you want your message to stick, stay attuned to the policy calendar, not just the news cycle.

2. Speak Clearly, Not Cleverly

Congressional staffers are often generalists juggling dozens of complex issues. Avoid jargon, acronyms, and assumptions. Your job is to translate complexity into clarity—something seasoned communicators excel at, once we remember we’re not speaking to our internal teams.

This isn’t about dumbing things down. It’s about making sure your message lands and sticks.

3. Credibility Travels

In D.C., your reputation is your résumé, and you don’t get many chances to recover from a misstep. Show up unprepared, spin, overpromise, or dodge tough questions, and word travels fast.

Whether you're prepping an executive for a congressional hearing, crafting a position statement, or following up after a meeting with Hill staff, be prepared, respect people’s time, understand the process, and stay consistent and transparent. Trust takes time to build, but only a moment to lose.

4. Politics Is Part of the Message

In corporate comms, we’re often trained to stay above the political fray. But in Washington, policy is inseparable from politics. Every Hill staffer works for an elected official whose priorities are shaped by constituents, committee roles, and the next election.

That doesn’t mean you pander; it means you prepare. Understand the Member’s perspective and tailor your message to meet them where they are.

5. Do Your Homework—On People and Process

Before any Hill meeting, know more than just the issue: know its history, key players, and pressure points, including who has supported or opposed it and why.

Learn who truly holds influence, not just people’s titles. Don’t assume committee staff automatically know the details of your matter, nor that personal staff are unfamiliar with it. And never underestimate the knowledge or sway of junior aides. Some of the most important conversations happen with them. Respect their role and come prepared. They’ll listen and remember.

6. Roll With the Chaos, Stick to the Message

Washington runs on its own rhythm. Meetings get bumped, rooms change, people walk in and out. That’s normal. Your job is to be the steady voice in the middle of it.

Train your executives coming to the Hill to expect the unexpected, and don’t let logistical chaos shake your message discipline. When you stay focused and on point, you get closer to advancing your goals.

7. Master the One-Pager

On the Hill, a well-crafted one-pager is an essential messaging tool and a trusted leave-behind. Staff expect to receive clear, concise paper summaries they can refer to and share. A strong one-pager breaks down complex issues with clear headings, key facts, counterarguments, and relevant context like history and stakeholder impact. Bringing a sharp, tailored one-pager ensures your message is understood, remembered, and passed along.

The bottom line:

Washington moves fast and plays by its own rules, but success comes down to one thing: building trust through clear, timely, and respectful communication. When communicators grasp the nuances of the people, politics, and processes that shape policy, they turn noise into influence, becoming invaluable partners to their business and essential to any advocacy effort.

About the author

Karina Frayter is a Page Up member and a strategic communications and corporate affairs executive. She currently leads Corporate Affairs and Marketing for Flix North America, the parent company of Greyhound Lines and FlixBus. Her work focuses on reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and brand strategy. Reporting directly to the CEO, Karina plays a key role in positioning the company as an innovative leader in mobility and transportation.