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Communication strategy planning

Build effective communication plans that support organizational goals

Strong communication doesn’t happen by chance. Organizations need clear, structured plans that align messaging, audiences, and channels with their overall mission and objectives.

In this course, you’ll learn how to design, implement, and evaluate strategic communication plans that improve clarity, consistency, and impact across an organization. It’s especially valuable for professionals working outside traditional communications or public relations roles who are responsible for internal or external messaging.

Topics

  • The fundamentals of building and implementing a strategic communications plan
  • Defining the steps required in the strategic communications planning process
  • The importance of positioning, messaging, and branding 
  • Linking a communications plan to your organization’s mission and vision

Why strategic communication skills matter

Clear, consistent communication is essential to how organizations operate, engage stakeholders, and achieve their goals. Professionals who can translate strategy into actionable communication plans are valuable across all sectors.

This course helps you move from reactive communication to structured, strategic planning.

Western Digital BadgeEarn a Western Digital Badge 

Recognizing your learning achievement when you complete this micro-credential. 

 

Develop practical skills in strategic communication planning:

  • Build a strategic communication plan
  • Learn the core steps involved in designing and implementing an effective plan.
  • Align communication with organizational goals
  • Connect messaging and activities to mission, vision, and business priorities.
  • Define positioning and messaging
  • Develop clear, consistent messaging that supports audience understanding.
  • Apply branding principles in communication
  • Ensure messaging reflects and reinforces organizational identity.
  • Implement and evaluate communication activities
  • Measure effectiveness and adjust plans based on outcomes and feedback.

  • Professionals responsible for communication in any role
  • Managers and team leads supporting organizational messaging
  • Individuals working outside of communications or PR who need structured planning skills
  • Anyone looking to build foundational strategic communication capability

Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance

This course is eligible for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) micro-credential funding. Find out if you are eligible.

Online Session Sample

EquivalencyView additional details, including learning outcomes, goals and evaluation breakdown.

 

Come prepared to share your experiences, opinions and perspectives with the class.

All that is required is a strong desire to succeed and a willingness to learn and apply yourself.

Career Stats 

for Communications, Public Relations and Marketing professionals

Certificates

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Register - Select a section to enroll in

Type
In class
Dates
Nov 16, 2026 to Dec 11, 2026
Schedule
View Details
Total Hours
12.0
Format
Online: with real-time learning  
Fee
Course Fee $550.00
Western Employee $550.00 Click here to get more information
Potential Discount
Instructors

What to Expect

This is an interactive course; you will engage online with your class and instructor through our online learning management system. You will be required to participate in group work. Plan to log into your course regularly throughout the week.

Real-time Learning

There are four live Zoom sessions scheduled for this course.

November 17  - 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
November 24 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
December 1 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET
December 8 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET

Completion Requirements

This is a graded course where a complete or incomplete will be issued. Evaluation will be based on participation and completion of course activities. You must attend at least three of the four scheduled live Zoom sessions.

Textbook

No textbook required.

Required