CCP Communication Strategies & Planning 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a communication plan targets multiple stakeholder groups, the recommended approach for messaging is to:
- Use identical messages to ensure consistency
- Develop one core message with tailored framing for each audience (Correct answer)
- Avoid sharing information with lower-priority stakeholders
- Create entirely separate campaigns with no shared themes
Correct answer: Develop one core message with tailored framing for each audience
A single core message maintains consistency while audience-specific framing ensures relevance and resonance for each group.
Question 2: In the RACE model of public relations planning, what does the 'E' stand for?
- Execution
- Evaluation (Correct answer)
- Engagement
- Escalation
Correct answer: Evaluation
In RACE (Research, Action planning, Communication, Evaluation), 'E' represents Evaluation of outcomes against objectives.
Question 3: A communicator is planning a campaign with a six-month timeline. Which tool is most useful for mapping deliverables, milestones, and responsible parties?
- Stakeholder matrix
- Gantt chart (Correct answer)
- SWOT analysis
- Message architecture
Correct answer: Gantt chart
A Gantt chart visually maps tasks, timelines, milestones, and ownership across a project's duration.
Question 4: Which communication planning principle suggests that messages should be repeated across multiple channels to maximize retention?
- Information saturation
- Redundancy principle (Correct answer)
- Channel neutrality
- Message singularity
Correct answer: Redundancy principle
The redundancy principle holds that repeating messages across different channels reinforces retention and reaches diverse audience segments.
Question 5: An organization's communication strategy should be directly derived from its:
- Annual marketing budget
- Organizational mission, vision, and business goals (Correct answer)
- Number of available communication channels
- Social media follower count
Correct answer: Organizational mission, vision, and business goals
Communication strategy must align with and support the organization's overarching mission, vision, and strategic business objectives.
Question 6: In crisis communication planning, a 'holding statement' is best described as:
- A legal disclaimer issued after a settlement
- A brief, factual response issued while full information is being gathered (Correct answer)
- A detailed explanation of the root cause of a crisis
- A final statement closing the communication response
Correct answer: A brief, factual response issued while full information is being gathered
A holding statement acknowledges a situation and demonstrates responsiveness before complete information is available.
Question 7: When selecting channels for a strategic communication plan, the primary consideration should be:
- The lowest-cost channels available
- Where and how the target audience prefers to receive information (Correct answer)
- The channels most familiar to the communication team
- Channels with the highest total audience reach
Correct answer: Where and how the target audience prefers to receive information
Channel selection should be driven by audience media habits and preferences to maximize message reception and engagement.
CCP Communication Strategies & Planning 3
When a communication plan targets multiple stakeholder groups, the recommended approach for messaging is to: