Putting internal comms at the heart of your announcement
Hitting send on the media release and finally getting an announcement live is a major milestone in any communications strategy, but relegating internal comms to an afterthought can be a common misstep.
In our latest Notebook article, we outline how putting internal communications at the heart of your comms plan helps build seamless alignment and maximum impact across your channels - from the inside out.
Why internal communications matter
Wherever possible - even if it's just a short window of time - give your employees a heads-up in internal channels before pushing external communications live.
Creating this space in your comms plan helps:
Build trust: Engaging your employees first demonstrates respect and can build a stronger, more transparent culture.
Create clarity and alignment: Employees who are in the loop and understand the ‘why’ early are far more likely to become advocates for your brand.
Need to announce externally first? Ensure your internal comms pack and Q&A are ready to activate when the public announcement goes live.
The new internal comms: Built for speed, trust, and clarity
Internal communications - done well - can be a powerful force in any organisation.
But like so many aspects of communications, the internal comms landscape is changing at lightspeed.
❌ What's out
Lengthy company updates delivered via cumbersome slide decks with little time for Q&A
Overly scripted talking points for leadership teams
Too-polished, text-heavy all-company emails
Closed-door, distant leadership.
✅ What's working
Town Halls built around conversation and open Q&A
Conversational, authentic tone delivered directly from executives (distil what needs to be communicated - then ditch the script!)
Employee-first timing for announcements wherever possible
Accessible leadership to foster genuine connection, whether in-person or across hybrid teams.
How to build communications from the inside out
Integrated comms planning: Internal rollout plans should be built alongside external strategies - never as an afterthought.
The tight Town Hall: Everyone’s busy, so keep it focused. Try a 15–20 minute briefing, followed by 15 minutes of live Q&A.
Engaging communications: Replace dense memos with short-form copy that cuts straight to the point (no jargon allowed!) Use scannable headings, infographics, and short videos for extra engagement.
Don’t over-polish: In an age of too-perfect (read: boring) comms, authenticity beats perfection. Conversational updates build trust far better than a spotless script.
Need support aligning your communications?
WordLab builds strategic comms packs for leadership teams that help ensure seamless alignment and maximum impact across every channel, from the inside out.
