What is Strategic Communication?
Strategic communication involves distributing a message to a target audience in order to achieve a particular outcome.
In our readings and discussion in this module, we will consider how a strategic approach can be beneficial to PR practitioners developing communication campaigns. We'll also look at the first stage of a strategic process, assessing:
The problem
The target audience
Communication resources that are available to PR practitioners (see the section below on communication theories, one type of resource that can serve as a helpful guide during the planning stage)
Relevant conditions that could impact the plan: Social, political, and/or economic
Strategic Communication
Full Answer Section
Second, strategic communication is more audience-focused. Strategic communicators take the time to understand the needs and wants of their target audience. They tailor their messages to the audience's interests and concerns. Third, strategic communication is more measurable. Strategic communicators track the results of their campaigns so that they can see what is working and what is not. This information can then be used to improve future campaigns. The benefits of strategic communication are many. It can help organizations to:- Build relationships with their stakeholders
- Increase brand awareness
- Generate leads
- Drive sales
- Improve customer satisfaction
- Manage crises
- Enhance employee morale
- Theories of persuasion: These theories focus on how people are persuaded to change their beliefs or behaviors.
- Theories of audience analysis: These theories help communicators to understand the needs and wants of their target audience.
- Theories of channel selection: These theories help communicators to select the most effective channels for reaching their target audience.
- Theories of message design: These theories help communicators to create messages that are clear, concise, and persuasive.
Sample Answer
Strategic communication is the process of planning, developing, and executing a communication campaign in order to achieve a specific goal. It is a systematic approach to communication that takes into account the needs of the target audience, the message that needs to be communicated, and the channels that will be used to communicate the message.
Strategic communication is different from other types of communication in a few key ways. First, it is more intentional and goal-oriented. Strategic communicators don't just send out messages hoping that someone will hear them. They carefully plan their communication campaigns in order to achieve a specific outcome.