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


Aids to Communications Planning
In addition to considering messages, target audiences and the variety of communications methods, communications planning should also try to match appropriate communications methods with target audiences. It is then important to assess how to evaluate and monitor the communications effort. The amount of money available for communications will also inevitably influence these decisions.

Communications Matrix
The use of a 'Communications Matrix' provides a quick checklist approach to matching communications methods with target audiences, in order to ensure that all potential mechanisms have been considered and to indicate which method is may be the most appropriate. Matrices can be recommended for their ease of construction and reference. The following matrix has been constructed as an example:

It should be stressed here that although useful as a planning tool, communications matrices have their limits. They cannot easily include information on the resource implications of using specific communication methods, or account for any overlap that can occur in target audiences.


Back to top of page