Communications Essentials for Committee Leaders

Communications Today
The external environment is changing

• Complexity is the new norm

Channels are diversifying

• Pick the main channel that works for your audience
• Communicate consistently and regularly through that channel 
• Caveat: To reach a wider audience, multi-channel communications may be necessary.

Speed

• Information loses its value quickly

Keep it simple

• Messages are easier and quicker to digest

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Identify your Stakeholders, Plans, Calendars, and Campaigns  
Who are you talking to?
•Identify the stakeholders for your message; your audience includes those you want to reach and those impacted by your message

Preparation is more than half the battle
•Plan how your communication is going to happen

Calendar
•Have a schedule for preparation, execution and follow-up
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Campaigns
•How can your messages integrate and mutually reinforce for impact?


DO's and DON'TS

DO…

• …confirm why, what and how you will communicate
• …you meet ACCJ guidelines?
• …check the resources available at the ACCJ
• …double-check plans, schedule & preparations
• …double-check sign-offs
• …use spell-check
• …double-check settings & distribution / mail lists
• …be ready in case it doesn’t go to plan

DON'T

• …neglect to coordinate your message with other stakeholders
• …delay in engaging when it’s critical or time-sensitive
• …forget to review your message (four-eyes)
• …assume everyone got the message just because you sent the email
• …think that by deleting a post on social media it disappears forever
• …forget to follow-up 

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