Communication In Project Management

Many experts agree that the greatest threat to the success of any project is a failure to communicate. Therefore it is important to have a project manager that can handle responsibility but more importantly can communicate efficiently with members of the project team. Many believe that communication is the lifeblood of projects.

Communication is the most important component within any project. The success of most projects whether handled by a dedicated project team or a cross-departmental team, depends upon a set of crucial communication skills and techniques.

The objective in communication is to address the target audience, with a specific message, in a way that they are likely to find acceptable. This can take many forms, including e-mails,

Whether it is to present some important data to your colleagues or lead a boardroom meeting, these skills are vital. We are constantly using words verbally to inform our subordinates of a decision, provide information, and so on. This is done either by phone or face-to-face. The person on the receiving end would also need to exercise much caution to ensure that he/she clearly understands what is being said. This shows therefore that you would need to develop both your listening and speaking skills, as you would have to carry out both roles in the workplace and with different

Meetings – Meetings are one of the most common ways to communicate. Meetings can vary from only one person to thousands based on message and appropriate audience. Meetings are often the best way as you have the use of verbal and non-verbal cues that enhance the communication and help to avoid misinterpretation.

2. Conference Calls– Conference calls are becoming more popular in present time as it does not require the time and expense of travel. Unlike meeting face to face you are dependent on the verbal message as it can be difficult to demonstrate your point without the use of models, reports, drawings etc. Conference calls only require the cost of a phone call and there are many paid and free services that will facilitate use of a conference call line for many people to dial into. It is also a common way for classes to be recorded and replayed when it is convenient for you.

3. Newsletters/ Email/ Posters – This strategy is one way communication and utilizes emailed updates, hard copy brochures, posters, newsletters mailed or emailed. One of the weaknesses is that messages are delivered and you cannot gauge if they were read and understood, deleted as sometimes there is no feedback. That immediate feedback is valuable for strengthening your message and making sure impacts and feedback are quickly