The 7 Cs of communication are a set of principles that can help individuals communicate effectively. They are:

1. Clear: The message should be clear and easily understandable to the receiver.

2. Concise: The message should be brief and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details.

3. Complete: The message should include all the necessary information that the receiver needs.

4. Concrete: The message should be specific and factual, avoiding vague or abstract language.

5. Correct: The message should be accurate, grammatically correct and free from errors.

6. Coherent: The message should be logically connected and easy to follow.

7. Courteous: The message should be respectful, polite and considerate of the receiver's feelings and perspective.

1. Clear

When we say that a message should be clear, we mean that it should be easily understood by the receiver. In other words, it should be free from ambiguity, confusion, or any form of complexity that could prevent the receiver from understanding its meaning.

Here are some ways to ensure clarity in communication:

1. Use simple and familiar words: The choice of words can make a big difference in how well the message is understood. Using complex or technical terms may confuse the receiver, especially if they are not familiar with them. Therefore, it is important to use simple and familiar words that are easily understandable to the receiver.

Example: Instead of saying, "The software utilizes a neural network algorithm for processing data," you could say, "The program uses a special method to process information."

2. Avoid jargon or technical terms: Jargon or technical terms are words or expressions that are specific to a particular field or industry. While they may be easily understood by people in that field, they may be unfamiliar or confusing to those outside it. Therefore, it is important to avoid jargon or technical terms when communicating with people who are not familiar with them.

Example: Instead of saying, "The ROI of our SEM campaign was impressive," you could say, "Our advertising on search engines was very successful."

3. Be specific and focused: A clear message should be specific and focused on the main point. It should not be too general or vague, as this could lead to confusion or misunderstanding.

Example: Instead of saying, "We need to improve sales," you could say, "We need to increase our sales by 10% in the next quarter."

4. Use examples or analogies: Providing examples or analogies can help clarify a message and make it more understandable to the receiver.

Example: Instead of saying, "We need to optimize our website's user experience," you could say, "We need to make our website easy to navigate, like a well-organized store where customers can easily find what they're looking for."

In summary, a clear message is one that is easily understandable, free from ambiguity or complexity, and focused on the main point. By using simple and familiar words, avoiding jargon or technical terms, being specific and focused, and using examples or analogies, you can ensure that your message is clear and easily understood by the receiver.

2. Concise

When we say that a message should be concise, we mean that it should be brief and to the point, without including unnecessary details that could make the message lengthy and confusing. Here are some ways to ensure conciseness in communication:

1. Focus on the main point: A concise message should focus on the main point and avoid unnecessary details or information. This means that the message should be clear and straightforward, and the main idea should be conveyed in a direct manner.

Example: Instead of saying, "I'm sorry I'm late, but the traffic was terrible, and I had to take a detour because there was an accident on the highway," you could say, "Sorry for being late due to traffic."

2. Use short and simple sentences: A concise message should be easy to understand and follow. Using short and simple sentences can help make the message more concise and straightforward.

Example: Instead of saying, "In spite of the fact that we have had some difficulties in meeting the project deadline due to unforeseen circumstances, I think we should be able to complete it by next week," you could say, "We'll finish the project by next week despite some delays."

3. Avoid unnecessary repetition: Repetition of words or phrases can make a message sound repetitive and redundant, which can cause confusion and distract the receiver from the main point. Therefore, it is important to avoid unnecessary repetition in a concise message.

Example: Instead of saying, "I'm sorry for being late, but I was late because of the traffic," you could say, "Sorry for being late due to traffic."

4. Remove unnecessary information: A concise message should only include relevant information that is necessary to convey the main idea. Unnecessary information can make the message long and confusing, so it is important to remove it.

Example: Instead of saying, "The meeting was scheduled for 2 PM, but I had to postpone it to 3 PM because I had a doctor's appointment at 1 PM, and it took longer than expected," you could say, "The meeting is at 3 PM due to a doctor's appointment."

In summary, a concise message is brief and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details that can make the message lengthy and confusing. By focusing on the main point, using short and simple sentences, avoiding unnecessary repetition, and removing unnecessary information, you can ensure that your message is concise and easily understood by the receiver.

3. Complete

When we say that a message should be complete, we mean that it should include all the necessary information that the receiver needs to understand the message fully. A complete message should provide enough context and details to help the receiver make informed decisions or take appropriate actions based on the message. Here are some ways to ensure completeness in communication:

1. Provide relevant details: A complete message should provide all the relevant details that the receiver needs to know. This includes information about the subject matter, the purpose of the message, and any other relevant details that are necessary for the receiver to understand the message fully.

Example: If you're sending an email to a colleague about a project, you should include all the relevant details, such as the project timeline, the scope of work, the budget, and any other details that are necessary for the receiver to understand the message fully.

2. Use clear language: A complete message should use clear and simple language that is easy to understand. Avoid using technical jargon or complex terms that could confuse the receiver.

Example: Instead of using technical terms like "SEO" or "PPC" in a message, you could use more straightforward terms like "search engine optimization" or "pay-per-click advertising."

3. Provide additional resources: A complete message should provide additional resources, such as links or attachments, that the receiver can use to get more information about the subject matter if needed.

Example: If you're sending a message about a new product launch, you could include a link to the product website or an attachment with product specifications, images, and pricing details.

4. Ask for clarification: A complete message should encourage the receiver to ask for clarification if they have any questions or need more information. This helps ensure that the receiver fully understands the message.

Example: In a message, you could say, "Please let me know if you have any questions or need more information about this topic."

In summary, a complete message should provide all the necessary information that the receiver needs to understand the message fully. By providing relevant details, using clear language, providing additional resources, and encouraging the receiver to ask for clarification if needed, you can ensure that your message is complete and easily understood by the receiver.

4. Concrete

When we say that a message should be concrete, we mean that it should be specific and factual, avoiding vague or abstract language that could be confusing or open to interpretation. A concrete message should provide clear and specific details that are based on facts and evidence, making it more reliable and trustworthy. Here are some ways to ensure concreteness in communication:

1. Use specific details: A concrete message should use specific details that provide clear and concise information about the subject matter. Specific details help to create a clear picture in the receiver's mind, making it easier for them to understand the message.

Example: Instead of saying, "We need to improve our sales," you could say, "We need to increase our sales by 10% in the next quarter."

2. Use facts and evidence: A concrete message should be based on facts and evidence rather than personal opinions or assumptions. This makes the message more reliable and trustworthy, as it is supported by verifiable information.

Example: Instead of saying, "Our product is the best on the market," you could say, "Our product has been rated the best by several independent review websites."

3. Avoid vague or abstract language: A concrete message should avoid vague or abstract language that could be open to interpretation or misunderstanding. This means that the message should be clear and straightforward, avoiding unnecessary complexity or ambiguity.

Example: Instead of saying, "We need to increase brand awareness," you could say, "We need to increase our social media followers and website traffic to improve brand awareness."

4. Provide specific examples: A concrete message should provide specific examples that illustrate the point being made. Specific examples help to make the message more relatable and easier to understand.

Example: Instead of saying, "We need to improve customer satisfaction," you could say, "We received several complaints about the customer service department last month, and we need to address these issues to improve customer satisfaction."

In summary, a concrete message should be specific and factual, avoiding vague or abstract language that could be confusing or open to interpretation. By using specific details, facts and evidence, avoiding vague or abstract language, and providing specific examples, you can ensure that your message is concrete and easily understood by the receiver.

5. Correct

When we say that a message should be correct, we mean that it should be accurate, grammatically correct, and free from errors. A correct message should be reliable and trustworthy, and it should convey the intended meaning without any confusion or misunderstanding. Here are some ways to ensure correctness in communication:

1. Use accurate information: A correct message should use accurate information that is supported by facts and evidence. This means that the information should be verifiable and reliable, and it should be presented in a way that is consistent with the truth.

Example: Instead of saying, "Our product is 100% effective," you could say, "Our product has been shown to be effective in 9 out of 10 cases, according to clinical trials."

2. Use correct grammar and spelling: A correct message should use correct grammar and spelling, as errors in grammar or spelling can undermine the credibility of the message. This means that the message should be proofread and edited before it is sent to the receiver.

Example: Instead of saying, "I has a meeting at 2 PM," you could say, "I have a meeting at 2 PM."

3. Use appropriate tone and style: A correct message should use an appropriate tone and style that is consistent with the message's purpose and audience. This means that the message should be written in a way that is respectful, professional, and appropriate for the context.

Example: Instead of using slang or informal language in a professional email, you could use more formal language and tone that is appropriate for the context.

4. Check for accuracy and completeness: A correct message should be checked for accuracy and completeness, to ensure that all the necessary information is included and that there are no errors or omissions.

Example: Before sending an email, you could review the message to make sure that all the relevant information is included, and that there are no errors or omissions.

In summary, a correct message should be accurate, grammatically correct, and free from errors. By using accurate information, correct grammar and spelling, appropriate tone and style, and checking for accuracy and completeness, you can ensure that your message is correct and trustworthy.

6. Coherent

When we say that a message should be coherent, we mean that it should be logically connected and easy to follow. A coherent message should be structured in a way that makes sense to the receiver and is easy to understand. The message should be well-organized and structured so that the receiver can follow the logic and reasoning behind it. Here are some ways to ensure coherence in communication:

1. Organize the message: A coherent message should be organized in a way that makes sense to the receiver. This means that the message should have a clear and logical structure, with each point building on the previous one.

Example: Instead of presenting random ideas, you could structure your message in a way that flows logically, such as "Problem, Cause, Solution, and Action Plan."

2. Use transition words: A coherent message should use transition words or phrases that help to connect different ideas and make the message flow smoothly. Transition words help to signal the relationship between different parts of the message.

Example: Using words like "therefore," "in addition," "however," and "consequently" can help to signal the relationship between different parts of the message.

3. Use headings and subheadings: A coherent message can be made more easy to follow by using headings and subheadings that break down the message into smaller, more manageable parts. This helps the receiver to understand the message better and also makes it more visually appealing.

Example: In a long email, you could use headings and subheadings to break down the message into different sections, such as "Introduction," "Background," "Recommendations," and "Conclusion."

4. Use examples and illustrations: A coherent message can be made more understandable by using examples and illustrations that help to clarify complex or abstract ideas. Examples and illustrations make the message more relatable and help the receiver to follow the message's logic.

Example: Using graphs, charts, or diagrams can help to illustrate complex data and make it more understandable to the receiver.

In summary, a coherent message should be logically connected and easy to follow. By organizing the message, using transition words, headings and subheadings, and examples and illustrations, you can ensure that your message is coherent and easily understandable to the receiver.

7. Courteous

When we say that a message should be courteous, we mean that it should be respectful, polite, and considerate of the receiver's feelings and perspective. A courteous message should be written in a way that shows respect for the receiver, acknowledges their feelings and perspective, and is free from any rude or offensive language. Here are some ways to ensure courteousness in communication:

1. Use a friendly tone: A courteous message should use a friendly and positive tone that conveys a sense of warmth and approachability. This helps to establish a rapport with the receiver and makes the message more engaging.

Example: Instead of using a cold or formal tone, you could use a more friendly and welcoming tone that invites conversation.

2. Acknowledge the receiver's perspective: A courteous message should acknowledge the receiver's perspective and show that their thoughts and feelings are valued. This helps to create a sense of empathy and understanding between the sender and the receiver.

Example: Instead of dismissing the receiver's concerns, you could acknowledge their perspective and show that you understand where they are coming from.

3. Avoid offensive language: A courteous message should be free from any rude or offensive language that could be perceived as disrespectful or insulting. This means that the message should be written in a way that is sensitive to the receiver's feelings and avoids any language that could be considered offensive.

Example: Instead of using derogatory terms or making personal attacks, you could use more respectful and neutral language that focuses on the message's content.

4. Say "please" and "thank you": A courteous message should include polite expressions such as "please" and "thank you" that show respect and appreciation for the receiver. This helps to create a positive and friendly atmosphere.

Example: Instead of making demands, you could use polite expressions such as "Please let me know your thoughts" or "Thank you for your time and consideration."

In summary, a courteous message should be respectful, polite, and considerate of the receiver's feelings and perspective. By using a friendly tone, acknowledging the receiver's perspective, avoiding offensive language, and using polite expressions such as "please" and "thank you," you can ensure that your message is courteous and respectful to the receiver.

Share your understanding in the Comment Section

You need to send an email to your boss to request time off for a family emergency. Your boss is known for being very busy and only skims through emails.

  1. Which of the 7 Cs of communication should you prioritize when composing your email?
  2. How can you use this principle to make your email more effective?