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Communications Competencies

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) divides the communications competencies into three categories: communication skills, management skills and knowledge skills.
by Diane Ell Communications Manager, SaskCulture
In this Section
The Communication Plan Determining Goals and Objectives Defining Key Messages Defining Target Audiences Project Management for Communications Areas of Communication Strategy Communication Tools Evaluation of Communications Communications Competencies Managing the Non-Profit Communications Function Anti-Spam Legislation

Communication competencies refer to the mix of skills, knowledge and experience that is needed to work in the areas of communication. Whether you are working directly in a communication position, or are supporting the area of communications, there are certain skills and abilities that will assist in achieving successful communication outcomes. The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) divides the communications competencies into three categories: communication skills, management skills and knowledge skills.

Communication Skills

  • Writing and Editing
  • Research
  • Presentations and Public Speaking
  • Graphic Design
  • Publication Production
  • Web site and Social Media
  • Advertising

Management Skills

  • Ethics
  • Communication Planning
  • Crisis Communication
  • Publication Management
  • Database and Distribution
  • Project Tracking
  • Time Management
  • Vendor Management
  • Budgeting
  • Staffing

Knowledge Skills

  • Marketing & Communication
  • Corporate Reputation - Brand management
  • Internal Communication - Employee Communication
  • Public Relations - Media relations, Issue management, Crisis communication, community relations, investor relations, government relations, labour relations
  • Consulting

When developing job descriptions or looking for consultants, organizations can keep these competencies in mind.

Last Updated: January 24, 2023 Resources Disclaimer

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The Communication Plan
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Determining Goals and Objectives
Goals and objectives should be developed to state what communications can do to support your business or organizational objectives.
Defining Key Messages
Communication involves sharing a message which will get your target audience to think, feel or act.
Defining Target Audiences
One message does not fit all, so determine your tools based on what would best appeal to or persuade that audience segment.
Project Management for Communications
Most communication plans require some form of project management.
Areas of Communication Strategy
Larger organizations that have a variety of target groups with different needs may have a number of strategies in motion at once.
Communication Tools
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Evaluation of Communications
Evaluation is an important way to find mistakes and improve your communication efforts into the future.
Communications Competencies
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) divides the communications competencies into three categories: communication skills, management skills and knowledge skills.
Managing the Non-Profit Communications Function
Managing the communication function involves planning, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining channels of communication within an organization, and between organizations.
Anti-Spam Legislation
If your organization uses email as part of its promotions, you need to be aware of Canadian Anti-Spam Law (CASL).