The strategy of creating a publicly-friendly strategic plan focuses on transforming an internal document into one suitable for public communication. This involves simplifying the language and presentation. For example, complex jargon is replaced with clear, simple language, and visuals like infographics are used to convey data effectively. Testing the draft on an unfamiliar group ensures comprehensibility.
Next, the plan emphasizes key themes and messages by condensing the document into 3-5 main points that align with public interest. This can be done by highlighting outcomes and societal benefits rather than intricate processes and utilizing case studies for illustration.
Enhancing engagement and accessibility is crucial. This strategy includes offering multimedia elements like videos, ensuring compatibility with print and digital platforms, and engaging audiences through webinars or collaborations with influencers. Public feedback is Solicited to refine and optimize the document for broader consumption and understanding.
The strategies
⛳️ Strategy 1: Simplify language and presentation
- Review the internal plan to identify complex language and jargon
- Rewrite sections using simple, clear language suitable for a general audience
- Summarise key points of each section to make them more digestible
- Use bullet points or numbered lists for clarity
- Incorporate visuals such as charts and infographics to convey data
- Include a glossary of terms that may still require explanation
- Test the revised plan on a group unfamiliar with the content to gauge understandability
- Iterate the document based on feedback received from the test group
- Ensure a consistent tone that aligns with public expectations
- Proofread the final version for language errors and clarity
⛳️ Strategy 2: Focus on key themes and messages
- Identify the main themes of the internal strategic plan
- Select 3-5 key messages that resonate with the public interest
- Create a concise summary or executive overview based on these themes
- Highlight outcomes and impacts rather than processes
- Relate the strategic goals to common societal benefits or values
- Ensure alignment between the plan's messages and the organisational vision
- Simplify technical details while maintaining the core message
- Incorporate case studies or examples that illustrate the themes
- Develop a FAQ section addressing potential public concerns or queries
- Consult key stakeholders to validate the chosen themes and messages
⛳️ Strategy 3: Enhance engagement and accessibility
- Create an engaging title and introduction to capture interest
- Integrate multimedia elements like videos or podcasts to appeal to different audiences
- Make the plan accessible in both print and digital formats
- Consider accessibility options such as large print or screen reader compatibility
- Distribute on multiple platforms, including social media and the corporate website
- Solicit feedback from the audience to improve the plan's relevance
- Organise webinars or public briefings to present the plan and allow for Q&A
- Collaborate with influencers or public figures to endorse the plan
- Offer downloadable versions or summaries for easy sharing
- Monitor engagement metrics to assess public interest and understanding
Bringing accountability to your strategy
It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to stick to it. We hope that the examples above will help you get started with your own strategy, but we also know that it's easy to get lost in the day-to-day effort.
That's why we built Tability: to help you track your progress, keep your team aligned, and make sure you're always moving in the right direction.
Give it a try and see how it can help you bring accountability to your strategy.
