What
it is: Develop Communications Strategy
Description
A communications strategy defines a high-level
plan for how members of the project will communicate
during the course of the project.
A general communication strategy is all that is needed. The
more detailed communication plan is completed in the
Plan Stage and includes the details of who, what, when,
where, why and how of the communications.
A good communications strategy addresses the following:
- The objectives of the project communications.
- The key message of the communications.
- The key audiences of the communications.
Rationale/Purpose
Communications start early in a project. Developing
your communication strategy starts the planning to make
sure project communications are efficient and effective.
Who is involved
Project Manager
Project Sponsor
Result
This information is included in a separate section
of your project charter often referred to as:
- Project communication strategy
- Project Communications
How
to: Develop Communications Strategy
Recommended actions and strategies
The table below describes several actions that
you can take to develop a high level communication strategy.
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What to do
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How to do it
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1
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Identify the project’s communication objectives
or purpose
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Answer the following questions:
- Why are you communicating?
- What do you hope to achieve?
- What do you want people to do as a result
of receiving your communications?
Look at the objectives established for this project.
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2
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Develop the key message for the communications
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Is there a succinct message for your project?
Determine
other key communications items targeted for your
key audiences.
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3
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Identify the key audiences for the communication
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Who are the critical audiences that have importance
and influence as it relates to your communication
objectives?
Refer to the roles identified for the
project.
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Templates/Examples: Develop Communication Strategy
Introduction
The table below provides several tools and templates
you can use to help construct a high level communication
strategy.
