Communication is an essential skill for project managers, as they spend 80% of their time communicating. Effective communication requires considering factors like urgency, technology availability, ease of use, and the project environment. Communication techniques may include emails, presentations, meetings, and social media depending on the sensitivity of information and project needs. Developing strong communication competence through clarity, relationships, and leadership is important. Feedback and nonverbal communication such as body language and eye contact also support effective project communication.

1. Project Management
Key Concepts

2. Communication Skills

3. What is it?
Communication is the exchange of information, intended or
involuntary. The information exchanged can be in the form of
ideas, instructions, or emotions.
80% of a Project Manager’s time is spent
communicating, often in tough situations.
It is an essential skill!
Communication Techniques and Methods

4. Factors that can affect the choice of communication include:
Urgency of the need for information
The urgency, frequency, and format of the information to be
communicated may vary from project to project and also within
different phases of a project.
Availability and reliability of technology
The technology that is required for distribution of project
communications artefacts should be compatible, available, and
accessible for all stakeholders throughout the project.
Communication Techniques and Methods

5. Ease of use
The choice of communication technologies should be suitable for
project participants and proper training events should be planned,
where appropriate.
Project environment
Whether the team will meet and operate on a
face-to-face basis or in a virtual environment;
whether they will be located in one or multiple
time zones; whether they will use multiple languages
for communication; and finally, whether there are
any other project environmental factors.
Communication Techniques and Methods

6. Sensitivity and confidentiality of the information
If sensitive or confidential, additional security measures may be
required.
May involve social media policies for employees
to ensure appropriate behaviour, security, and the
protection of proprietary information.
Communication Techniques and Methods

7. Communication skills include:
Communication competence
A combination of tailored communication skills that considers
factors such as clarity of purpose in key messages, effective
relationships and information sharing, and leadership behaviours.
Feedback
Feedback is information about reactions to communications, a
deliverable, or a situation. Feedback supports interactive
communication between the project manager, team and all other
project stakeholders.
Communication Skills

8. Nonverbal
Examples of nonverbal communication include appropriate
body language to transmit meaning through gestures, tone of
voice, and facial expressions. Mirroring and eye contact are
also important techniques.
Presentations
Formal delivery of information and/or documentation such as
progress reports, background information for decision making,
information aimed at increasing support for the project, and
taking the audience type into consideration.
Communication Skills

9. Communications artefacts and methods include:
• Notice boards
• Newsletters/in-house magazines/e-magazines
• Letters to staff/volunteers
• Press releases
• Annual reports
• Emails and intranets
• Web portals and other information repositories
(for pull communication)
Communication Skills

10. Communications artefacts and methods include (cont’d):
• Phone conversations
• Presentations
• Team briefings/group meetings
• Focus groups
• Face-to-face formal or informal meetings between
various stakeholders
• Consultation groups or staff forums
• Social computing technology and media
Communication Skills