Informed by decades of agency experience, Bernard Gauthier prepares aspiring public relations students to think strategically as they plan and create campaigns. Strategic Communication in Canada is structured around the two major phases of developing communication strategy. In the first half of the book, readers will be taken through the main phases of conducting a situation analysis – a prerequisite to developing strategy. In part two, readers will move from raw materials to finished, polished strategy. Readers will then use a planning model to help organize knowledge and draw conclusions.
This easy-to-follow text features ten chapters packed with practical advice and study tools such as learning objectives, key terms and concepts, and critical reflection questions. Strategic Communication in Canada is an essential, to-the-point read for students studying public relations and marketing communication; business strategy; and journalism and public affairs.
Introduction: Setting the Stage for Strategic Communication
Planning 1
PART I ANALYZING THE SITUATION
Chapter One: Identifying the Changes You Seek 20 Chapter Two: Identifying the Key Audiences 30 Chapter Three: Assessing Your Communication Resources 46 Chapter Four: Scanning the External Environment 74
PART II DEVELOPING A COMMUNICATION STRATEGY
Chapter Five: From Information to Insight 110 Chapter Six: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Strategy 126 Chapter Seven: Opportunities, Threats, and Strategy 153 Chapter Eight: Presenting the Strategy 167 Chapter Nine: From Strategy to Action Plan 180 Chapter Ten: Evaluating Strategic Communication Campaigns 193
Epilogue: Reflecting on Ethics and Strategic Communication 210
Appendix A: Glossary 212
Appendix B: Case Study 225
Appendix C: Tactic Table Template 240
Index 241
Biography
Bernard Gauthier is a Professor and Program Coordinator of the Bachelor of Public Relations program at Conestoga College, Doon Campus.
“Strategy, public relations, and communications management lie at the core of Bernard Gauthier’s new book about how organizations can use a strategic framework to build lasting, audience-centric campaigns and programs. Gauthier succinctly draws the critical connection between the role of strategic management and public relations/communications management goals and objectives… This is a must-read for both professionals and those entering the practice.”
—Dr. Terence Flynn, Department of Communication Studies and Multimedia, McMaster University
“Using a gardening analogy, this textbook provides a clear and practical process for public relations using proven tools to build strategic communications plans and choose tactics with respect for audiences that maximize success.”
—Karen Dalton, APR, FCPRS (H), Executive Director, Canadian Public Relations Society
Instructor Resources
The Instructor’s Manual for Strategic Communication in Canada includes:
Instructor’s manual
Test bank
PowerPoint slides
Case studies
Contact your rep to view a supplement sample or request a download code.
