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Effective Communications for Project Managers


Stakeholders becoming disconnected from projects can lead to cost overruns, schedule delays, poor quality, lack of scope management, and rework – and these problems often result from poor communication. Utilizing effective communication skills, tools, and techniques to set and maintain expectations with all stakeholders provides a cohesive project environment and a better chance for success. Participants will learn how to improve project communications through a combination of role-play, lecture, and exercises, as well as how to develop and implement a comprehensive communications management plan. These skills can help you become a more effective communicator while improving the likelihood of success for your projects.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the key foundational elements of communications management and communications models (e.g. Linear; Interactive; and Transactional) that may be applicable to a project
  • Explain the role of and components of a Communications Management Plan on a project, as well as the project manager’s role in managing project communications
  • Conduct a stakeholder analysis
  • Create a Responsibility Assignment Matrix
  • Describe the types of status reporting required for projects
  • Explain the importance of capturing lessons learned and conducting a project close-out review
  • Apply common tools and techniques to manage project communications, including negotiation and conflict
    • management and resolution

    Course Content


    Lesson 1. Foundational Elements of Communications<

  • Defining communication methods and terms
  • Communication models
  • Guidelines for effective communications
  • Describing the project manager’s role in managing project communications

    • Lesson 2.Plan Communications Management
  • Identifying and assessing project stakeholders and leveraging common tools and techniques (e.g. Responsibility Matrix)
  • Identifying organization and project communication channels
  • Utilizing cultural capabilities to plan communications
  • Developing the communications infrastructure checklist
  • Developing the Communications Management Plan

    • Lesson 3.Manage Communications
  • Calculating the number of lines of communications on a project team
  • Defining the kick-off meetings (i.e. internal and external)
  • Defining meeting guidelines
  • Conducting project status reviews
  • Developing project status reports specific to the audience
  • Gathering, consolidating and developing performance reporting data
  • Creating and distributing project information

    • Lesson 4.Control Communications
  • Monitoring and controlling communications throughout the project lifecycle
  • Managing and resolving conflict and applying successful negotiating techniques
  • Updating the Project Management Plan