Communication Strategy Overview

Communication Strategy

• A blueprint or plan for conveying a message effectively.
• Designed to help people achieve individual or organizational objectives.
• Involves choosing the most effective communication methods and recognizing brand strategies.

Kinds of Communication Strategy

• Verbal Communication:
  • Written: Email, chat, fax, messages, text messages.
  • Oral: Phone calls, video chats, face-to-face conversations.
• Nonverbal Communication:
  • Visual cues like facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and physical distance.
• Visual Communication:
  • Documentation in school and workplace.

Factors in Developing a Communication Strategy

• Objectives:
  • Aligned with individual or organizational goals.
  • Clearly defined objectives for personal presentations or organizational mission and vision.
  • Include general and specific goals for clarity & measurability (e.g., collect $500, get manager's support).
• Audiences:
  • Identify key audience members.
  • Understand their knowledge level, preferences, demographics, and attitudes.
• Messages:
  • Storytelling approach using human interest narratives and imagery.
  • Thesis statement (central idea in a single sentence).
  • Examples: "Investing now saves money," "Website ads boost sales."
• Context:
  • Influences how messages are delivered and received.
  • Consider situation and audience when crafting messages.

Tools and Activities

• Choose the most suitable tools (e.g., tables, diagrams, visuals).

Resources and Time

• Ensure resources are readily available (equipment, materials).
• Adhere to the allotted time.

Evaluation

• Assess the effectiveness of your communication (was the message clear & persuasive).
• Use verbal and/or visual support to clarify claims.
• Employ a variety of supporting materials (definitions, stories, examples, statistics).
• Present visuals purposefully.
• Practice all technology to ensure smooth operation.
• Ensure accurate and appropriate support materials.
• Match materials to the audience and topic.
• Cite the sources of supporting material when necessary.

Verbal Communication

• Definition: Using words, sounds, and language through various channels (face-to-face, phone, online).
• Strategy: Spoken or written communication using language (words, grammar, vocabulary).
• Communication can differ based on the tones and pitches, impacting how the message is interpreted.

Nonverbal Communication

• Definition: Communicating through cues excluding words (body language, gestures, facial expressions).
• Strategy: Emotions & intentions communicated via gestures, expressions, posture, and physical space.
• Importance: Convey emotions more eloquently than words, bridge language divides, and boost interaction.

Visual Communication Aids

• Visual Aids: include diagrams, pictures, slides, and other visual elements to enhance understanding.
• Sign Language: communicate with hearing-impaired individuals.
• Touch Cues: can provide physical cues to visually impaired.
• Body Language Training: improves effectiveness by controlling nonverbal signals.

Importance of Communication Aids

• Reinforce verbal messages.
• Convey emotions better than words alone.
• Bridge language barriers.
• Increase engagement
• Clarity communication.

Explore the essentials of communication strategy through this quiz. Understand various kinds of communication including verbal, nonverbal, and visual methods. Learn how to develop effective communication plans aligned with individual or organizational objectives.