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


The Cost of Communications
All communications projects and initiatives should be carefully costed where possible, taking into account such factors as staff availability, resources needed to undertake the project, materials origination and production, marketing and promotion and project monitoring and evaluation. It is best if costs are defined as precisely and thoroughly as possible - potential funders or sponsors are not impressed by vague figures or 'stabs in the dark'.

The choice of media will influence costs, and it is worth exploring possible free methods of communication, eg. free papers, local TV news, possible web sites, etc. Cost efficiency does not, however, always imply choosing the cheapest method - free newspapers may not be read by your target audience, for example.

Allow for reasonable 'margins of error' in your costings, for there may be a need for contingencies, despite careful planning. There will often be something to pay for that wasn't originally included in the figures.


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