Communication Strategy: 5 Steps to effective communication

Summary

In this video, Catherine Gahu, an entrepreneur with years of experience in research and training, discusses the importance of communication strategy. She outlines a five-step process for developing a successful communication plan: setting clear objectives, identifying the target audience, crafting a persuasive message, selecting the right communication channels, and evaluating effectiveness. Catherine emphasizes how strategic communication enhances focus, clarity, and engagement, ensuring that messages reach the right people at the right time. She concludes by encouraging viewers to improve their own communication strategies for better results in various contexts.

Takeaways

• 😀 A communication strategy is essential for managing interactions and achieving clear communication goals.
• 😀 The primary purpose of a communication strategy is to deliver the right message to the right people at the right time.
• 😀 A communication strategy helps to stay focused on the target audience and objective, ensuring effective message delivery.
• 😀 Clear communication objectives should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
• 😀 Defining your target audience is critical to directing the communication effectively and reaching the right people.
• 😀 Developing a creative message requires considering both the purpose of communication and the needs of the audience.
• 😀 A good message should engage the audience, inspire desire, and prompt action, especially when persuasion is involved.
• 😀 Choosing the right communication channel depends on the audience, objective, and message, such as face-to-face, social media, or email.
• 😀 Multiple communication channels should be used to reinforce the message and increase reach and effectiveness.
• 😀 Evaluation of communication success is essential for determining if objectives have been met and understanding audience reception.
• 😀 The five key steps in developing a communication strategy are: 1) Determine objectives, 2) Define the target audience, 3) Create the message, 4) Select the channels, 5) Evaluate effectiveness.

Q & A

Why is a communication strategy important?

A communication strategy is essential because it helps in effectively conveying information, ensuring that the right message reaches the right audience at the right time. It helps achieve communication goals and objectives in a structured and controlled manner.

What are the five steps in developing a communication strategy?

The five steps are: 1) Determine your objectives, 2) Identify your target audience, 3) Develop a creative message, 4) Select the channels of communication, and 5) Evaluate the effectiveness of the communication.

What is the first step in developing a communication strategy?

The first step is to determine your objectives, which involves clarifying your intent and defining what you want to achieve through communication.

Why is identifying the target audience crucial in a communication strategy?

Identifying the target audience is crucial because it helps tailor the message and delivery methods to those who need to receive the information. It ensures that the communication is relevant and effective for the specific group you want to reach.

How do you develop a creative message for communication?

To develop a creative message, you need to consider the purpose of the communication, the objective, and the target audience. The message should be engaging, compelling, and aligned with what matters to the audience.

What are some common communication objectives?

Common communication objectives include creating awareness, persuading someone to take action, motivating people to change behavior, influencing attitudes, and seeking support for a cause or product.

What factors influence the selection of communication channels?

The selection of communication channels is influenced by the target audience, the message, and the objectives. Factors like reach, frequency, cost-effectiveness, and the nature of the message should all be considered when choosing the appropriate channel.

Why is evaluation important in communication strategy?

Evaluation is important because it helps assess whether the communication objectives were achieved. It also provides feedback on whether the message was understood, accepted, and believed by the audience, which is crucial for improving future communication.

What are some examples of communication channels?

Examples of communication channels include face-to-face communication, telephone, email, social media, radio, TV, public notices, presentations, and meetings (both in-person and online).

How can feedback be used in the evaluation of a communication strategy?

Feedback helps determine if the audience understood the message correctly, if it was accepted, and how it was received. This insight allows for adjustments to future communication efforts to ensure better effectiveness.