Communication Strategy Overview

Communication Strategy

• A blueprint or plan for conveying a message, helping people communicate more effectively and achieve individual or organizational goals.
• It involves choosing the most effective communication methods and recognizing the importance of brand strategies.

Kinds of Communication Strategies

• Verbal Communication:
  • Written communication includes email, chat, fax, messages, and text.
  • Oral communication involves phone calls, video chats, and face-to-face conversations.
• Nonverbal Communication:
  • Visual cues like facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and physical distance between communicators.
• Visual Communication:
  • Providing documentation in various settings, such as schools and workplaces.

Factors in Developing a Communication Strategy

• Objectives:

  • Align with personal or organizational plans (vision, mission, goals).
  • Clear and specific objectives are essential; vague objectives are counterproductive.
  • Examples: Specific objectives for a meeting might include collecting a certain amount of donations or gaining manager support for an idea.

• Audience:

  • Understand the target audience to achieve personal or organizational goals.
  • Questions to ask include: who are the key audience members? What do they know or want to know? What are their preferences and characteristics?

• Messages:

  • Focus on storytelling and engaging narratives to create human interest stories and impactful imagery.
  • A thesis statement clearly encapsulates the main argument.
  • Example: "Investing in new systems will save money in the long run" or "Advertising on our website will boost sales".

• Context:

  • Context influences the message and delivery style.
  • Example: The tone and delivery of a budget presentation will vary drastically if delivered after a financial loss compared to a regular presentation.

Tools and Activities

• Identify the appropriate tools to communicate effectively.
• Examples: visual materials (tables, diagrams, graphs, charts, objects, photographs, videos, posters), and other tools for communication.

Resources and Time

• Ensure resources are available and consider the allotted time for the communication strategy.
• Check equipment (e.g. computers, projectors) to ensure it functions correctly.
• Allocate sufficient time for communication strategy.

Evaluation

• Assess the effectiveness of the plan by answering questions.
• Did each point or claim have verbal/visual support?
• Were supporting materials clear and persuasive?
• Appropriate use of verbal support (definitions, examples, stories, statistics) enhances presentation impact.
• Visual aids (charts, graphs, photos) should be clear and engaging, and visuals should only be displayed when relevant.
• Practice using any necessary technology.
• Present accurate and appropriate materials.
• Cite supporting materials and cite sources appropriately.

Verbal Communication

• Definition: Exchange of information, ideas, thoughts, or messages verbally, through spoken or written language.
• Types:
  • Face-to-face conversations.
  • Phone calls.
  • Online platforms.
  • Formal or informal.

Nonverbal Communication

• Definition: Communication using unspoken cues and methods.
• Types:
  • Body Language: Cues conveyed by posture, gestures, expressions, and body position.
  • Facial Expressions: Communicate emotions (happiness, sadness, anger, surprise).
  • Gestures: Emphasize or illustrate points.
  • Posture: Shows confidence, openness, or nervousness.
  • Physical Space: Use of personal space to convey relationships and social cues.
  • Silence: Can be powerful to highlight points, or allow time for thought.
  • Eye Contact: Shows attentiveness, interest, or dominance.

Nonverbal Communication Aids

• Visual Aids: Images, graphs, charts.
• Sign Language: A visual form of communication used by hearing-impaired individuals.
• Touch Cues: Gentle touches for those with visual impairments.
• Body Language Training: Develop awareness and control of nonverbal cues for effectively conveying emotions and intentions.

Verbal Communication Aids

• Tone of Voice: Convey emotions and attitudes.
• Pitch: Regulates tone, emphasizing points.
• Volume: Adjust for importance.
• Pace: Controls speed.
• Pauses: Creates emphasis or drama.
• Pronunciation: Clear and accurate articulation.
• Language: Choice of words, vocabulary, and grammar.

Visual Communication Aids

• Graphics and Charts: Illustrate relationships between different quantities.
• Maps: Show geographical areas of relevance.
• Visual Aids: (Tables, posters, multimedia, presentations, videos, handouts, slides).

Technology Based Communication

• Tools like smartphones, computers, or specialized software enhance communication.
• Strategies like simple language, clear ideas, and appropriate images improve communication effectiveness.
• Tools like video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative tools facilitate clearer and more efficient communication.

This quiz explores the essential elements of communication strategies, including different types such as verbal, nonverbal, and visual communication. Understand how to develop effective communication plans that align with personal or organizational objectives. Test your knowledge of the factors that contribute to successful communication methods.