May 1, 2024
Updated May 10, 2025
21 minute read
Communication strategy is, at its core, a detailed plan for conveying information effectively to achieve specific goals. It's about more than just talking or sending messages; it's a deliberate and thoughtful process of crafting and delivering information to a particular audience through the most appropriate channels to elicit a desired response or action. Whether for an individual, a small business, a multinational corporation, or even a government, a well-defined communication strategy acts as a roadmap, ensuring that all messaging is consistent, purposeful, and aligned with overarching objectives.
Working in communication strategy can be an engaging and exciting field. Imagine shaping public perception for a major brand, guiding an organization through a challenging crisis, or crafting messages that inspire social change. The field offers the opportunity to be a master storyteller, a keen analyst of human behavior, and a strategic thinker, all rolled into one. It's a career path that demands creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of how messages influence thoughts and actions.
Introduction to Communication Strategy
This section will introduce the fundamental aspects of communication strategy, making it accessible even if you're completely new to the concept. We'll explore what it means, how it has evolved, its importance in various contexts, and some common misunderstandings.
Definition and Core Objectives of Communication Strategy
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Reading list
We've selected 32 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Communication Strategy.
A timeless classic, this book provides fundamental principles for interpersonal communication and building relationships. While not explicitly about strategic communication in a corporate sense, its lessons on understanding and influencing people are universally applicable and foundational for any communication role. is highly accessible and a must-read for developing essential communication skills.
A classic in understanding the psychology behind why people say 'yes,' this book is crucial for anyone developing persuasive communication strategies. It provides foundational knowledge on the principles of influence and can significantly deepen one's understanding of how to craft effective messages that resonate with audiences. is valuable as both a learning resource and a reference.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of communication strategy, covering topics such as communication theory, message design, and media selection. It is written by two leading experts in the field.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of communication strategy, covering topics such as message development, media selection, and evaluation. It is written by a team of leading experts in the field.
This influential book highlights the importance of communicating the purpose behind an initiative to inspire action. It provides a framework for developing compelling messages that resonate with stakeholders and must-read for anyone involved in leadership or strategic communication. The book is accessible and provides a strong foundation for understanding motivational communication.
This popular book explores what makes ideas memorable and impactful, offering valuable insights for crafting effective messages within a communication strategy. While not a traditional textbook, it provides foundational knowledge on message design and highly recommended read for anyone in the field. It is particularly useful for understanding the principles behind successful communication.
Focuses specifically on the role of strategic communication in managing organizational change. It is highly relevant given the course topic includes change management. It provides a deeper understanding of how communication can be used as a strategic tool to navigate transitions and is suitable for those looking to specialize in this area.
Key resource for understanding how digital platforms have transformed marketing and public relations. It provides practical strategies for reaching audiences directly in the digital age, making it highly relevant for contemporary communication strategy. This book is valuable for both students and professionals adapting to the evolving media landscape.
This guide provides a strong foundation in corporate communication, blending theory and practice. It is highly relevant for understanding how communication functions within organizations and is often used in undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on corporate communication strategy. The book helps solidify understanding of key concepts and their application in real-world scenarios.
A widely used textbook, this book covers the basic concepts and theories behind modern public relations practice with real-world examples and case studies. It is excellent for gaining a broad understanding of PR strategy, a key component of communication strategy. The writing is geared towards undergraduates and helps solidify understanding of public relations techniques.
A seminal work in change management, this book outlines an 8-step process for successful organizational change, with communication as a critical component. It is essential reading for understanding the strategic role of communication in large-scale transitions and is often used in business and management programs. The book provides a robust framework for leading change effectively.
This textbook provides a comprehensive look at marketing communications, essential for understanding how communication strategy is applied in a marketing context. It covers both online and offline strategies, customer engagement, and digital technologies, making it highly relevant for contemporary communication strategy. The book is suitable for both students and practitioners and is often used as a core resource.
This toolkit offers practical guidance on developing and implementing public relations strategies. It covers essential steps for strategic communication in a PR context and useful resource for both students and practitioners. The book helps solidify understanding of PR planning and engaging with stakeholders.
This handbook offers a broad collection of essays on various aspects of strategic communication, reflecting the diverse nature of the field. It valuable resource for gaining a deeper understanding of different theoretical perspectives and research areas within strategic communication. is more suitable for graduate-level students and researchers.
Explores the science behind viral trends and how to make content contagious. It offers actionable principles for creating messages and ideas that spread, which is highly relevant for contemporary digital communication strategies. This book valuable read for anyone looking to understand and leverage social transmission.
Focuses specifically on the strategic planning process in public relations. It valuable resource for understanding how to develop and implement strategic communication plans in a PR context. The book is often used in PR programs and provides a clear framework for strategic thinking.
Offers a practical approach to managing everyday communication issues to prevent crises and protect brand reputation. It is highly relevant for contemporary communication strategy, focusing on proactive communication and issue management. The book provides useful scenarios and a sensible approach for practitioners.
Examines how ideas, products, messages, and behaviors spread like viruses. It provides valuable insights into the dynamics of social epidemics, which are highly relevant for understanding how communication campaigns can achieve widespread impact. This book offers a compelling perspective on the virality of communication.
Provides a framework for handling difficult and high-stakes conversations effectively. It is highly relevant for strategic communication, particularly in leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution scenarios. The practical tools offered can significantly improve communication outcomes in challenging situations.
Provides a practical guide to guerrilla marketing for PR, covering topics such as low-cost promotion, social media marketing, and event marketing. It is written by a leading expert in the field.
Provides a practical guide to social media marketing, covering topics such as social media strategy, content marketing, and social media advertising. It is written by a leading expert in the field.
Provides a practical guide to public relations strategies, covering topics such as media relations, crisis communication, and social media management. It is written by three leading experts in the field.
While focusing on interpersonal communication, this book's principles are highly applicable to strategic communication, particularly in leadership and internal communications. It emphasizes the importance of honest and impactful dialogue, which is crucial for building strong relationships and executing strategy. is valuable for developing practical communication skills.
Provides an introduction to the evolution, key concepts, and current debates in strategic communication, particularly within the U.S. government context. It is useful for understanding the theoretical underpinnings and different perspectives within the field. While focusing on a specific context, it offers valuable insights into the nature and challenges of strategic communication.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/v4k42g/communication
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