Seven Cs of Communication

On 10.02.12, In Management, by umar

Seven Cs of Communication are an important tool for effective communication. This communication can be oral or written. Listed below are the seven Cs of communication:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Completeness Correctness Conciseness Courtesy Clarity Consideration Concreteness

Completeness
The communication must be complete. It should convey all facts required by the audience. The sender of the message must take into consideration the receivers mind set and convey the message accordingly. A complete communication has following features:

Provide all information. Wh questions must be answered for this purpose. Answer all questions. (Direct or indirect) Add something extra when required.

Example: If a person wants to buy a laptop but he first asks for information about certain laptops, the company will have to provide the complete information. This information will include all the direct and indirect questions that could come in the customers mind. Wh questions must also be answered. Extra features of laptops can also be mentioned.

Conciseness
Conciseness means wordiness, i.e, communicating what you want to convey in least possible words without forgoing the other Cs of communication. Conciseness is a necessity for effective communication. Concise communication has following features:

Avoid wordy expressions. Stick to purpose. Avoid unnecessary repitition.

Example:

This includes avoiding overdose of language and usage of idioms. That or which clause should not be used. Heres a sentence:

We bought jackets which were made of leather.

This sentence can be written concisely like this:

We bought leather jackets.

Correctness
Correctness in communication implies that there are no grammatical errors in communication. Correct communication has following features

Use the right level of writing. (Formal, Informal, Substandard) Use effective writing mechanisms. (Handwriting, font, format, punctuation, visual aids) Check accuracy of facts.

Example: While communicating at business level, one should know the use of formal language and correct punctuation marks. Do not assume the facts.

Courtesy
Courtesy in message implies the message should show the senders expression as well as should respect the receiver. The sender of the message should be sincerely polite, judicious, reflective and enthusiastic. Courteous message has following features:

Be appreciative. Use expressions that show respect. Use non-discriminatory language.

Example: A person wants to draw out money from the bank but the bank is closed. The manager can either say, The bank is closed. or You can draw the money tomorrow. The second way is more courteous.

To avoid stereotyping, heres an example;

The doctor checked his patients. This sentence can be written as:

The doctor checked the patients.

Clarity
Clarity implies emphasizing on a specific message or goal at a time, rather than trying to achieve too much at once. Clarity in communication has following features:

Use image building words. These words should have sensory appeal. Use of facts and figures. Use of active voice.

Example: Here are some examples that show how simple and clear words can be used instead of difficult words.

After can be used instead of subsequent. Example can be used instead of E.g.

Consideration
Consideration implies stepping into the shoes of others. Effective communication must take the audience into consideration, i.e, the audiences view points, background, mind -set, education level, etc. Make an attempt to envisage your audience, their requirements, emotions as well as problems. Ensure that the self-respect of the audience is maintained and their emotions are not at harm. Modify your words in message to suit the audiences needs while making your message complete. Features of considerate communication are as follows:

Focus on You instead of I and We. (You-Attitude). Show audience benefit. Focus on positive ideas.

Concreteness
Concrete communication implies being particular and clear rather than fuzzy and general. Concreteness strengthens the confidence. Concrete message has following features:

Use proper facts and figures. Use action verbs. Choose familiar words. Choose image building words.