Developing a Stakeholder Communication Plan for Consulting Projects

Effective communication is vital in consulting projects to ensure all stakeholders are informed and aligned. This guide helps in creating a comprehensive stakeholder communication plan.

What Is a Stakeholder Communication Plan?

A stakeholder communication plan outlines:

Key stakeholders involved in the project
Information they need at different stages
Communication schedule throughout the project lifecycle
Preferred communication methods (meetings, emails, etc.)

The objective is to maintain transparency and manage expectations effectively.

When to Draft Your Plan

Draft the communication plan during the project initiation phase. It should accompany:

Project charter and objectives
Scope and deliverables documentation
Initial risk assessments

This allows ample time for review and integration into the project management plan.

Components of a Strong Plan

Use the standard template to include:

Stakeholder groups and roles
Communication milestones aligned with project phases
Key messages and delivery channels per milestone
Feedback mechanisms and responses

Attach drafts of potential communication materials for review.

Assistance and Resources

For help, contact the Project Communications Office at project-communications@company.com. They offer guidance to ensure effective communication strategies.