Know your audience
It is imperative to understand your audience so you can strategize the best way to deliver a message. Does the communication apply to leaders of the organization, all employees or a certain department? Do they all speak the same language or will the message need to be translated? Is the audience resistant or accepting of change? Once you know these answers, you will be able to more effectively draft the message.
Identify supporters and opponents
There are going to be people who have strong reactions, both positive and negative, to some messages. Identify those people in advance to execute the communication using the right language via the proper channels. The supporters can help others positively interpret the message while the opponents will likely need extra attention and details. Preparing for these reactions will lend time to the creation of supporting materials.
Align with external communications
A consistent message is key. Internal and external communication managers must be aligned when publishing information. Organize weekly meetings to review content, discuss crossovers and schedule simultaneous releases of important announcements. Maintain this relationship by sharing relevant content received internally with your external counterparts and request they do the same.
Empower others
Let others contribute to the communication cycle. Create processes and invest in programs for people to share information. Build brand aligned templates for announcements, emails and slide decks. Provide trainings on brand guidelines and channel governance. Be clear about when company news can be shared publicly, and have a protocol in place if something goes awry. Save approved materials in an easily accessible location and promote it.
Make it fun
Internal communications provides opportunities to connect with people in each segment of the business. Build relationships, continue to learn, and work to gain the trust of your key stakeholders and collaborators. Be innovative when drafting messages, be an advocate for those who are overlooked, and advise leaders to be more accessible in their communications. Be mindful of messages that command a more serious tone but remember that the message and the messenger are independent of one another so always be fair and when possible, optimistic.