ABSTRACT
Project managers use text-based communication tools most of the time. Text is best suited for providing background information, narrating stories, explaining processes, providing step-by-step procedures for tasks, writing memos, and compiling reports. Tables, graphs, and/or diagrams are often included as a supplement or attachment to reports, plans, memos, and presentations. Šis chapter lists and explains a variety of tools owned by project managers. Šey are discussed from the point of view of their contents, their relationship with each other, and the purpose they serve for the project. Sometimes people cannot distinguish or differentiate among the various tools and they often become confused about the document/tool by looking at the contents of these documents, such as the project management plan, project charter, Statement of Work (SOW), and project initiation document, and they assume that these documents are one and the same. However, there are big differences among these tools. Šis chapter explains those differences and also gives an idea about the timing when they are prepared and updated within a project life cycle. Most organizations have templates for these plans, reports, and other types of documents. Project managers need to use those templates and, if required, can make suitable modifications to meet the needs and expectations of the project and the stakeholders. Some tools provide an opportunity for a freestyle writing. Emails and presentations, most often, do not have any templates, so project managers are free to format them the way they want. Emails are the lifeline of business
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communication these days, so one must be aware of email etiquette and practice it appropriately to become a more effective communicator and a better professional.
