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.