Lesson 15: Progress Communication and Updates
Date: November 13, 2025
Session Time: 8:00am-12:00pm EST
Duration: 4 hours (including 15-minute exercise)
Key Learning Objective
Developing effective communication skills for presenting project progress to stakeholders, including data analysis, presentation techniques, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Lesson Overview
This session focuses on creating compelling progress reports and presentations that clearly communicate project status, achievements, and next steps to various audiences.
Main Activities (3 hours 45 minutes)
- Progress report writing and formatting
- Data visualization and presentation techniques
- Stakeholder communication strategies
- Presentation skills and public speaking
- Feedback collection and response methods
15-Minute Exercise: Progress Report Creation
Exercise Description
Create a concise progress report for the current project status, including key achievements, challenges, and next steps, using professional communication techniques.
Materials Needed
- Project documentation and progress data
- Progress report template
- Calculator for key metrics
- Camera for current progress photos
- Presentation software or paper
Exercise Steps (15 minutes)
- Data Compilation (4 minutes)
- Gather key progress metrics (completion percentage, timeline status)
- Compile recent achievements and milestones
- Note any challenges or issues encountered
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Calculate budget status and variance
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Report Structure (4 minutes)
- Create executive summary (2-3 sentences)
- List 3 key achievements with supporting data
- Note 1-2 current challenges and status
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Outline next steps and timeline
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Visual Elements (4 minutes)
- Take 2-3 current progress photos
- Create simple progress chart or timeline
- Add before/after comparison if applicable
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Ensure visual elements support key messages
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Communication Planning (3 minutes)
- Identify target audience for the report
- Plan key talking points for presentation
- Prepare for potential questions
- Note any follow-up actions needed
Deliverable
- Concise progress report (1 page)
- Key metrics and achievements summary
- Current challenges and status
- Next steps and timeline
- Supporting photos and visuals
Success Criteria
- Report is clear, concise, and professional
- Data is accurate and well-presented
- Visual elements enhance understanding
- Communication plan addresses audience needs
Integration with Overall Project
This exercise develops professional communication skills essential for project management and teaches how to present complex information clearly to various stakeholders.
Previous Session: Lesson 14: Documentation
Next Session: Lesson 16: Budget Review