1. Setting Communications Objectives, 2. Key Messages, 3. Target Audiences
4. Communications Methods, 5. Aids to Communications Planning
6. Cost of Communications, 7. Monitoring and Evaluation, 8. Case Studies


Communications Methods
Methods of communication can (and often should) be used in conjunction with each other to achieve the desired result. For example, flyers, posters and press advertising may be needed to publicise an event.

Care should taken to ensure that the method of communication is appropriate, both to our target audience and to the messages we wish to convey. How you send messages is as important as what we say ¹ the public image of the Partnership will be influenced by this.

The following methods or mechanisms could all be used:
Media releases
Articles/Features
Newsletters
Posters
Flyers
Competitions
TV and Radio Interviews/Programmes
Advertising/Direct Marketing
Internet - websites, automatic e-mail responses
Recorded answerphone messages
Training initiatives
Demonstrations
Public Workshops
Seminars and Conferences
Exhibitions
Endorsements by high profile organisations, celebrities, role models
Peer pressure

Events - consider whether you wish your audience to be passive spectators or involved participants. Often the opportunity to do, rather than simply see, makes an event more appealing, and can generate more fun and involvement. Participative events require careful planning however, to ensure that a positive experience is created and delivered.


Back to top of page