Writing a Communication Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide and Template. Tailored for International (Marine) Science Organisations

Abstract

During the Ocean Communicators United meeting focussing on communication strategies, it was noted that most organisations did not make their communication strategies public, and that it was quite difficult to find information on creating communication strategies that was relevant for marine science organisations. It was therefore decided that it would be useful to create a template for communication strategies tailored specifically to (marine) science organisations, and also for the members of the group to share their own communication strategies, where applicable, and if their organisations agreed. A small working group was formed to take on this task, and the following guide was written. It is intended to be adapted and applied by a wide range of users, whether they have a communications background or a scientific background. It can be used to write a communication strategy for an international organisation, programme or project, a research institution, an educational venue, or even a specific product or service. We hope that it will be a useful resource for Ocean Communicators around the world.