7 Cs of Effective

Communication

Introduction
For transmitting effective written or oral messages,
certain principles must be followed.
These principles tells us how your message
becomes effective for your target group, are
commonly known as 7 Cs of effective
communication.

1.Completeness
Every communication must be complete and

adequate.
Incomplete messages keep the receiver guessing,
create misunderstanding and delay actions.
Every person should, therefore, be provided with
all the required facts and figures.
For example, when factory supervisor instructs
workers to produce, he must specify the exact
size, shape, quality and cost of the product. Any
assumptions behind the messages should also be
clarified.

2. Conciseness
In business communication, you

should be brief and be able to say

whatever you have to say in fewest
possible words
Benefits of Conciseness
1. A concise message saves time and

expense for both sender and receiver.

2. Conciseness contributes to emphasis; by
eliminating unnecessary words, you let
important ideas stand out.

How to achieve the conciseness?

Avoid wordy
expression
For e.g. instead of using due to the fact you can just use because.

Include only relevant

material
For e.g. if your customer requested for name of clients of the company in
reply you should simply provide list of client, rather then providing all detail
of clients.
Avoid unnecessary
repetition
Some time repetition is necessary for focusing some special issue.
But when the same thing is said without two or three reasons than it
become boring.

3. Clarity
Clarity means getting your message across so

the receiver will understand what you are

trying to convey.
You want that person to interpret your words
with the same meaning you have in mind.
We should always choose precise words.
Always choose familiar and easy words
Construct effective sentences and

paragraphs.

4. Correctness
The term correctness as applied to business

messages means right level of language and

accuracy of facts, figures and words.
If the information is not correctly conveyed,
the sender will lose credibility.
Transmission of incorrect information to
outsiders will spoil the public image of the
firm.
To convey correct messages, grammatical
errors should also be avoided.
You should not transmit any message unless
you are absolutely sure of its correctness.

5. Consideration
Consideration means To consider the

receivers Interest/Intention.
It is very important in effective
communication while writing a message
you should always keep in mind your
target group.

Three Specific Ways to Indicate Consideration

Example:
- (I attitude)We are going to
extend our shop closing
timing from 7.00 pm to
8.30pm.
-(You attitude)You will be
able to shop evening with
the extended hours.

6. Courtesy
Knowing your audience allows you to use

statements of courtesy; be aware of your

message receiver.
Courtesy stems from sincere you-attitude.
It is not merely politeness with mechanical
insertions of "please's" and "thank-you'd.
Tactless communication

Tactful communication

Stupid letter; I cant understand

I should understand it, as there is no

confusing word in this letter, could
you please explain it once again ..?

Its your fault, you did not properly

read my latest FAX

Sometimes my wording is not precise;

let me try again

7. Concreteness
It means that message should be specific

instead of general.
Misunderstanding of words creates problems
for both parties (sender and receiver).
When you talk to your client always use facts
and figures instead of generic or irrelevant
information.