The Importance of Plan for Effective Communication - Literature review Example

Without a good communication plan, the organization usually has miscommunication problems. Booher (2007) argued that there are eight salient features in an effective communication plan, namely: (1) Identification of intentions, (2) Addresses, (3) Message, (4) Resources, (5) Attention to detail, (6) Channelizing the message, (7) Media representatives and (8) Check and balance measures. Identifying one's intentions in a way to ensure “what one has to say goes along with what one wants to accomplish in the communication plan” (Booher, 2007; p.11). After this, one should identify the message addressees.

When the audience is known, it becomes a little easier when planning a communication plan this is because different audiences require different messages. The next thing to consider is the message, where one should check on the content in regard to the audience, the ambiance one wants to create for the audience, the language which should match that of the audience and lastly the channel to be used in the communication which should be placed where the audience is likely to come across it (Booher, 2007; p.19). A good communication plan will take into consideration the resources to be used which should be reasonable.

If one is going to spend money or any other form of resource, one should ensure that the plan will be worth the expense. The fifth thing is that one must always be ready for any mistake that should occur which could cost in a plan for effective communication (Booher 31). What follows is the creation of media representatives to help in conveying the messages. Of importance is also preparation of a plan of action that entails spreading of the message. The last thing to do is to gauge the plan so that one can make changes as they arise.

In this way, miscommunication will be addressed. In essence, in order to avoid miscommunication from arising in an organization, it is important to ensure that all features of an effective communication plan are present.