Communication Strategy Worksheet
Name______________________________________________
Use this form—before you begin to write your document or create your presentation—to help
you develop a communication strategy that will result in the response you desire. (Take as much
space as you need to respond to each question.)
COMMUNICATOR:
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What is your communication objective—the specific purpose of your message (the action you want this audience to take as a
result of this communication)?
What style will you use—tell, sell, consult, join?
What is your credibility?
AUDIENCE:
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Who is your primary audience?
What do you know about him/her/them?
What does your audience know about the topic?
What is their interest in this topic?
What expectations might they have?
How do they feel about the topic?
What is their likely reaction to this message?
What is their perception of you?
MESSAGE CONTENT AND STRUCTURE:
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What will they need to know to take the desired action? List the major points and supporting points.
What obstacles must you overcome?
What benefits can you emphasize?
What approach will you use to organize the message – direct or indirect?
How will you make it easy for the audience to locate/understand your main points – bullets, agenda, etc.?
CHANNEL:
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What channel will you use – written, oral, blended?
What medium – memo, letter, speech, email, brochure, etc.?
What are the advantages of using this channel/medium for this message?
CULTURE:
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What cultural variables should you consider—organizational culture issues as well as demographic, ethnic, or national
differences?
Adapted from Mary Munter’s Guide to Managerial Communication