Strategic Communications Plan

Overview

The ability to effectively communicate is one of the most in-demand and sought after skills in todays workforce. As a business professional, you will be expected to not only communicate in a clear and concise way but to do so strategically. These communication skills are necessary to manage personnel effectively and to drive your organization toward its strategic goals and outcomes. Effective communication starts with planning. By developing a strategic communications plan, you will be more intentional in your messages and the actions you ask of your audience. This plan is the foundation for the other assignments in this course.

Communication Challenge Topics and Sample Student Communicatio

Note: If you choose a scenario that differs from the suggested topics, you must submit a written overview to your professor for approval prior to completing the assigned work. Your overview must explain why the scenario you have chosen is relevant to you professionally.

Instructions

Create a written strategic communications plan for the professional communication challenge or opportunity of your choice. Your plan should include the following components.

1. Description:
   1. What is your challenge or opportunity?
   2. Why is this professionally important to you?
2. Goal:
   1. What goals or outcomes do you want to achieve with this communication?
      1. Is the communication goal clear, concise, and actionable?
3. Audience:
   1. Who is your target audience?
      1. What are the professional positions of the audience members?
      2. What demographic characteristics will the audience comprise?
      3. What is your relationship to the audience?
      4. What background knowledge and expertise does the audience have?
      5. What does the audience know, feel about, and expect concerning this communication?
      6. What preconceptions or biases do you possess that might prevent you from building rapport with your audience?
   2. What information is available about your audience?
      1. What research or sources will you use to obtain information about the audience?
      2. What conclusions have you been able to draw about the audience?
   3. What tone will you use to convey your message?
      1. Is the setting casual or formal?
      2. Is the communication personal or impersonal?
4. Key Message:
   1. What is the primary message you must convey to your audience?
      1. Is the message compelling and memorable?
      2. Is the message clear and concise?
      3. Is the message aligned with your audiences goals and needs?
5. Supporting Points:
   1. What three or four points, reasons, or justifications support your message?
      1. What research or sources will you use to obtain facts and data about your message?
6. Channel Selection:
   1. What communication style will you employ (tell/sell or consult/join) and why?
   2. What channels will you use to deliver your message, and why will they be the most effective?
   3. What purpose is served by each style and channel you have selected?
7. Action Request:
   1. What is your action request?
   2. Is the action request you are making to your audience clear, concise, and easily actionable?

Note: You may create and establish all necessary assumptions needed for the completion of this assignment. The scenario is yours to explain.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards. For assistance and information, please refer to the Strayer Writing Standards link in the left-hand menu of your course. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

• Create a written strategic communications plan for a challenge or opportunity.