Group exercise Get together with at least five colleagues, and write a communication strategy, outlining the step-by-step procedures of doing so and document your outcomes in your workbooks?

Step 1: Define the purpose of the communication strategy
- Identify the goals and objectives of the communication strategy
- Determine the target audience for the communication strategy

Step 2: Conduct a communication audit
- Review current communication channels and methods within the organization
- Identify any gaps or areas for improvement in communication

Step 3: Develop key messages
- Determine the key messages that need to be communicated to achieve the goals and objectives
- Ensure that the key messages are clear, concise, and aligned with the organization's values and goals

Step 4: Identify communication channels
- Determine the most effective communication channels to reach the target audience
- Consider using a mix of channels such as email, social media, intranet, and face-to-face communication

Step 5: Create a communication plan
- Develop a detailed plan outlining the timeline, responsibilities, and resources needed for the communication strategy
- Include a schedule for regular updates and evaluations of the communication strategy

Step 6: Implement the communication strategy
- Distribute key messages through the identified communication channels
- Monitor the effectiveness of the communication strategy and make adjustments as needed

Step 7: Evaluate the outcomes
- Measure the success of the communication strategy against the goals and objectives set in step 1
- Gather feedback from the target audience to assess the impact of the communication strategy

By following these steps and documenting the outcomes in our workbooks, we can ensure that our communication strategy is effective in achieving our goals and objectives.

Group Exercise: Communication Strategy

Participants: A minimum of five colleagues

Materials: Workbooks, pens/pencils, flip chart paper, markers

Procedure:

Step 1: Define Communication Objectives

- Gather input from team members on the purpose of the communication strategy and desired outcomes.
- Clearly articulate the objectives, ensuring they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

Step 2: Identify Target Audience

- Determine who the primary and secondary audiences are for the communication.
- Consider their demographics, interests, and communication preferences.

Step 3: Develop Key Messages

- Craft clear, concise, and engaging messages that will resonate with the target audience.
- Ensure the messages align with the communication objectives and provide value to the audience.

Step 4: Choose Communication Channels

- Select the appropriate communication channels to reach the target audience effectively.
- Consider digital channels (e.g., email, social media, website), print materials, and in-person events.

Step 5: Create Content

- Develop engaging and informative content that supports the key messages.
- Use a variety of formats such as articles, infographics, videos, or presentations.

Step 6: Plan Distribution

- Determine the schedule and frequency for distributing the communication content.
- Consider the optimal time and day for reaching the target audience.

Step 7: Monitor and Evaluate

- Track the performance of the communication strategy using metrics such as reach, engagement, and conversions.
- Gather feedback from the target audience to identify areas for improvement.

Documentation:

Document the outcomes of the exercise in your workbooks, including:

- Communication objectives
- Target audience
- Key messages
- Communication channels
- Content formats
- Distribution plan
- Monitoring and evaluation indicators

Tips:

- Encourage active participation from all team members.
- Use flip chart paper to capture ideas and facilitate brainstorming.
- Break down the process into smaller steps to make it manageable.
- Allow ample time for discussion and consensus building.