To get started, fill out the lead name and date. Then, begin by filling out the expected activities in the main table. Knowing the activities that need to be done will provide the baseline to determine the remaining columns. Some prefer to start by categorizing audiences, or goals, that is a personal choice. Each column aims to answer an aspect of the communication plan, helping to draw a roadmap to success.

               There are three communication plan templates named ‘Communication Plan’, ‘COMM Plan S1’ and ‘COMM Plan S2’ under the same file. It aims to provide options that are better suited for one’s personal needs.

• Activity – Action or steps needed to achieve the desired goal
• Audience – Individual or group of people expected to be engaged in or see the activity.
• Goals – The aim or desired results of the communication activity.
• Tools – What will be used to achieve the activities’ goals.
• Channel – How will the activity be communicated to the audience.
• Resources Available – What resources are available for the activity and where can it be found. Sometimes organizations will have repositories, collaboration tools such as SharePoint or Confluence and many more. This is invaluable at times of work transition, where the new activity owner may not know where to go.
• Timeline – Work cadence or deadline used to track when the activity should be done by.
• Ownership – Person in charge of maintaining or delivering upon the communication plan activity.
• Drop-down cells – The following columns have a drop-down list: Activity, Audience, Tools, Channel, Resources Available, Timeline and Ownership. It is possible to update them by going to the Config worksheet.

               Sometimes a communication plan can be more personal, where some information such as ownership is not needed. That is when the COMM Plan S1 worksheet becomes a better option. Other times, it is preferable to have a short and concise communication plan, which is what the COMM Plan S2 is usually for.