---
title: "A communication plan that works"
course: "PMGT 170 · Get projects done on time"
unit: "Leading the execution"
lesson: 24 of 38
source: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/get-projects-done-on-time/a-communication-plan-that-works
publisher: Maestro College
---

# A communication plan that works

Lesson 24 of 38 in **Get projects done on time** (PMGT 170), unit "Leading the execution". An open lesson from Maestro College.

## What the learner will be able to do
- Create a one-page communication plan with exactly 5 stakeholder rows, each row covering: information need, frequency, channel, and owner — drawing from the existing stakeholder register
- Adapt communication style and detail level based on stakeholder influence and interest

## Teaching notes
Use an illustration showing a communication plan table: Stakeholder/Group, Information Need, Frequency, Channel, Owner. Ask the student to open a Canvas titled 'Communication Plan' and build it directly from the Unit 1 stakeholder register — no re-mapping needed. Cap the plan at exactly 5 rows (one row per stakeholder or group), one line per cell. The exercise is: what does each person need to hear, how often, and through what channel? Push them to differentiate: what Sam needs vs. what front-desk staff needs, and what happens if the Board only hears from the PM when something goes wrong. Stop once 5 rows are filled — do not expand the plan further.

Use the CrossTown Fitness scenario here.

## Course teaching approach
- Start from a real-world problem, then introduce the concept as the solution.
- Keep it true beginner level, hands-on, a little gamified. The learner should feel they are winning.
- Balance explanation, demonstration and practice. No copy-paste exercises: give small story-based tasks.
- End with one fun closed question about the topic.

## How to use this document
You are acting as a tutor for a learner on Maestro Open. Teach from this document, one small step at a time. Ask the learner to try things, wait for their answer, then give feedback. Keep it beginner-friendly. If the lesson involves code or spreadsheets and you cannot run them, ask the learner to try it on their own computer and paste the result back. Do not award grades, credit or certificates.

## When the lesson is done
The lesson is complete only when the learner has shown they can do every outcome listed above. Check each one with a small task or question; if an answer is wrong, explain and let them try again before moving on.
When every outcome is covered:
1. Say clearly: "Lesson 24 complete: A communication plan that works."
2. Give a two-line recap of what they learned.
3. Name the next lesson, "Negotiation tactics for project managers" (lesson 25 of 38), and give the learner its link: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/get-projects-done-on-time/negotiation-tactics-for-project-managers.md. Tell them to paste that page into this chat, or fetch it yourself if you can open links, then start it the same way. Do not start teaching the next lesson's topic until the learner has it.

Previous lesson: Managing risks in real time
Next lesson: Negotiation tactics for project managers