This lesson introduces the research section of the communications plan. You will learn what to include in the research section of the plan.

This video goes over some of the research methods you might want to use in more detail. You will learn about using primary research methods and secondary sources.

This article provides further explanation of the research methods introduced in the lecture.

This lecture describes what to include in the analysis section of your plan. You will learn about SWOT analysis, strategy, key messages, and objectives.

Understanding your audience is the foundation of your communications plan. This lesson walks you through a method for getting to better understand your audience. There is also a downloadable example and template.

The programs I am using for this demonstration are free collaboration tools Google Jamboard and Google Docs.

SWOT Analysis Exercise

Draw two intersecting lines on a page, separating an area into four quadrants like the chart on the right.

Brainstorm the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to your plan or project.

Try to come up with as many as possible for each area. List the current strengths and weaknesses of your project, and then list any potential and or emerging opportunities and threats.

This analysis challenges you to think about your current position and where to focus your energy going forward with your communication plan.

If you are having trouble developing your strategy, this lecture will help you to write one that makes sense for your plan.

Develop your strategy with these tips and suggestions.

In this activity, I walk you through a process to help you to create and define goals, objectives, and strategies for your plan.

The programs I am using for this demonstration are free collaboration tools Google Jamboard and Google Docs.

Your analysis section does not have to contain everything we have discussed, but it should provide an overview of your overall strategic direction. The analysis section contains your proposed solution to the problem or challenge you hope to address through your communications.

Try on your own, or use this template and examples to give you ideas.

This lesson introduces the communications section of the plan. You will learn what elements to include in the communications section.

This video further explains how to use channels and tactics, and expands on the different types of media channels. You will learn how to choose effective channels for your plan.

Use this template to help plan tactics for your campaign.

Use this worksheet to assess which channels you have available to engage your audiences through.

DCAP is a principle for communicating in crisis situations. Sometimes referred to as just the "CAP" principle, DCAP stands for:

- Disclosure

- Concern

- Action

- Perspective

Learn about how to apply DCAP in this lecture.

This video explains the evaluation step of RACE planning. You will learn about the importance of the evaluation section and what to include in your evaluation plan.

This article further explains how to integrate evaluation throughout your plan and provides guidance on how to focus your efforts and tools to use.

Thank you for taking our course, good luck with your communications plans and campaigns!

Not all communications plans are the same. Throughout the course, we discussed how communications plans can be tailored to your specific situation or organization's needs. Here is an additional template of a different style of plan to give you inspiration, and a worksheet template you can use to better understand your brand, audiences, and the value of your channels.