A communication plan is a map for getting your message across to your audience. The plan is an indispensable tool for marketing, human resources, corporate affairs and public relations management. Investing some time in planning what your approach will be improves your ability to achieve your goals.
Steps
Method 1 of 1: Create Your Communication Plan
Step 1. You need to know why you want to communicate
What do you want to change with your communication?
Step 2. Consider who you want to communicate your message to
Make a list of your possible recipients.
Step 3. What is your audience thinking now about the problem or topic?
How can you find out? Make a list of what you already know and what you need to know.
Step 4. Define the details
What do you want your audience to DO, THINK or KNOW after receiving the communication?
Step 5. Write key messages for each type of recipient
You may need only one message, or you need to consider different messages for different recipients. Always keep the goal of communication in mind.
Step 6. Decide when to send your message
Timing can determine how you will get your message across.
Step 7. Decide how to send your message
If you need to generate awareness, written communication may be sufficient. If the message is complex or controversial, plan more interactive methods as well, including face-to-face communication.
- Who will deliver the message? Who will prepare it?
- What resources do you need?
- How will you check the feedback? How will you know if your recipients have received the message?
- How will you know if the audience understood the message or reacted as expected?
- How could you go on if the need for new communication arises?
Advice
To collect all the information, you can use a table with the following columns:
Public | Objective | Message | Approach | Timing | Delivery | Control / Follow-up | Resources
- Remember that you communicate anyway at all times: make sure that your communication plan is consistent with your usual business.
- Get to know your audience. The more you understand priorities, concerns, problems and context, the more you will be able to send a targeted message.
- His audience. Go where the fish are: If your audience is online, communicate online. If they are in the office next to yours, meet them and talk to them.
- Be clear on why you want to communicate. This is an important step to then understand who, how and when to communicate.
- You need to know your message from start to finish.
- Focus on what your audience is looking for. It helps you define and develop your message.
Warnings
- Be transparent, open and honest in your communications.
- Do not shoot in bursts hoping that one of the many communications will be successful.
- If you're unsure of something, don't pretend - clarify and commit to continue with a later communication.
