Seven Cs of Effective Communication

The Seven C’s of Effective Communication

These are also called seven principles of communication. These are equally important for oral and written communication if used properly. They bring you the desired purpose or objective. The 7C’s are.

1. Completeness
2. Conciseness
3. Consideration
4. Concreteness
5. Clarity
6. Courtesy
7. Correctness

Each “C” is discussed as below,

Completeness:

It means a message complete in all aspects. There is no questions unanswered for completeness adopt 5w strategy. What, Where, When, Who, Why, How. In replacing a letter all questions asked also provide something additional if necessary.

5W’s :

What à act in /Activity / Job

Where à Place / Venue

When à Time / Date / Day

Who à Person / Doer

Why à Reason / Purpose / Objective

How à Why / Method

Conciseness:

 Conciseness is expressing yourself is fewest possible words without deleting important points. A concise message saves time and expense of both side conciseness can be achieved by adopting the following points.

a)            Avoid wordy expressions.

                e.g. instead of writing “at this time” write now.

b)            Include only relevant information.

c)            Avoid unnecessary repetition.

Consideration:

 It means preparing message keeping receiver in mind.

For Consideration:

a)            Focus on “you” instead of “I” or “we”

b)            Show receiver’s benefit.

c)            Show how your product can fulfill the need of the buyer.

d)            Emphasize positive pleasant facts.

Concreteness:

Communicating concretely means being specific, simple and definite rather than vague and general.

For Concreteness.

a)            Use specific facts and figures.

b)            Use active voice.

c)            Use image building words.

Clarity:

Writing clarity convey the meaning or message in to the receiver’s mind as it is in the sender’s mind.

This can be done by adopting the following points.     

a)            The familiar words.

b)            Make short sentence.

c)            Construct effective and short paragraph.

d)            Insert single idea in a sentence.

Courtesy:

Courtesy means not only to think about the receivers reaction but also his / her feelings. It not only involves usage of polite words and gestures but also pure politeness that grow out of respect and concern for others. The following are suggestions for generating a courteous tone:

a)            Be sincerely tactful, thoughtful and appreciative.

b)            Use expressions that show respect for the others

c)            Choose nondiscriminatory expressions.

d)            Be sincerely Tactful, Thoughtful and Appreciative.

Correctness:

This quality means to correct u se of grammar, spelling an d punctuation. In terms of verbal communication, this refers to accuracy in pronunciation. The term correctness, as applied to business messages also mean three characteristics:

a)            Use the right level of language.

b)            Check the accuracy of figures, facts and words.

c)            Maintain acceptable writing mechanics.

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