Communications Plans are generally composed of the following:
Plan purpose and approach – an overall summary that details the steps to be taken to implement the plan (e.g., team meetings). In this section, change makers should also include their thoughts on why the communication plan exists. This is to ensure that they understand the importance of keeping all stakeholders in the change program informed of the status.
Communication goals and objectives – In this section, change makers should outline the goals to be accomplished through communicating. Generally, these goals involve inculcating knowledge about the change to those affected by it and creating conversations surrounding the change with the hope that those affected by the change will offer their feedback. However, these goals depend on the change program being implemented.
Communication roles – These determine who will be responsible for communicating what information and to whom.
Communication tools and methods – In this section, change holders should delineate what methods of communication will be used. Some examples include: formal or informal meetings, newsletters, web pages, or presentations. It is advisable to use a variety of tools, and critical to choose communication methods that are easily understood.
High level communication messages – This is a more detailed description of the communication messages to be relayed. These descriptions include the subject and purpose of the message, the tool used to communicate it, how often it will be communicated, and to and by whom it will be presented.