What’s a project communication plan?

Project Communication Plan

Project communication plan is part of project management as a whole. It defines how the information is disseminated among the team and to the stakeholders. In short, for every project to be successful, we need to communicate effectively.  We have given below a template that can be used as a tool.

No communication means No Progress.  The communication is the link between the team members. Project progress, risk, issues and requirements need to be communicated between the team for the project to move on.

Communication is a two way street.  Just giving instructions to the team and not listening to their concern is not going to help the project move on. 

In a project plan, communication plan is an important part.  How it is communicated and when it’s communicated has to be spelled out in a document. This will set the expectation for the team.  The plan will make sure the Project Manager communicates effectively and efficiently to the team members, sponsors, all stakeholders, cross functional team members etc.

It is a guideline how the exchange of information happens among team members.  It will specify who is responsible to communicate the specific information and who needs to receive them.  Information sharing is necessary and highly recommended for all the team members.

Important Project Communication Tools

The following methods and tools can be used to communicate among team members

1. Email
2. Team Meetings
   • In- person
   • Conference Call
   • Instant Messaging
   • WhatsApp Chat
   • Phone
   • Video Seminars
3. Broadcast by
   • Email
   • Notice Board
   • Companywide newsletter
4. Status Reports
5. Online Forum
6. Snail Mail

Template for the communication plan table is given below: