This document provides an overview of communications planning and how to write an effective communications plan. It discusses the 7 key sections of a communications plan: 1) objectives, 2) audience, 3) key messages, 4) tools and activities, 5) potential challenges, 6) timeline, and 7) feedback. It also provides two example scenarios and outlines how each of the 7 sections could be addressed for an effective communications plan in those situations.