The 7Cs of Effective Communication
The seven Cs of Communication
Before you go into public speaking, you need to understand what it is that cushions you when you are talking. This article talks about the 7 Cs of Effective Communication, which will give you a fair idea of what is expected to become a good Communicator.
CLEAR
Clarity in communication is the first precursor of effective communication. Never give a chance of assumption to your audience. Clarity means the accurate transfer of what the sender intends to communicate to the receiver without ambiguity. Keep the following things in mind while you plan.
Use plain language. A plain language is not about dumbing down your vocabulary — it’s about determining the simplest, most straightforward way of expressing an idea.
Vocabulary. Communicate by using relevant, meaningful words that enhance the user’s understanding. Do not use Jargon
Offer Help. Ask questions when required/possible and offer help in relatable language.
For example, rather than referring to “Content Management System” or “CMS,” discuss “software that helps users create, manage, and modify the content on a website without the need for specialized technical knowledge.” You don’t need to use jargon terms like “CMS” to communicate your message.
Illustrate. Use audio visual aids to help your audience to retain your presentation. At the same time, Audio Visual aids help you to not forget what you want to say.
For example, use pictures in your Power Point presentation to get more attention.
Ask yourself.
- Is my content clear and easy to understand for my target audience?
- Am I using an appropriate voice and tone?
- Is my purpose and value of content quickly discernible?
- Will my audience understand the terms and acronyms that I use?
- Are the visual aids that I use improving/hindering my communication?
CORRECTNESS
Experts say that communicating is an art but difficult. There is no shortcut to being a good communicator. It is learned through consistent practice and constant enhancement through corrective feedback. The message being communicated must be correct. Correctness refers to-
- Correct grammar
- Punctuation
- Tone
- Modulation
- Articulation
- Spelling
Though mistakes are never intentional, yet they spoil the image. Correct communication is also error-free communication.
Ask Yourself.
- The technical terms that are used fit my audience’s level of education or knowledge?
- Is my content, Visual Aids, error free? (Grammar check wont catch everything)
- The facts and figures that I quoted are the latest and up to date.
CONCISENESS
The beauty of communication lies in conciseness. Use compact yet comprehensive sentences. When you are concise in your communication, you stick to the point and keep it brief. Remember KISS Principle.
Keep that in mind.
To eliminate wordy explanation.
For example, instead of
“Apparently she had regained enough strength to carry on in spite of difficulties in her profession.”
say
“Apparently she had revived enough to persevere in her profession”
Sentence taken from -To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
COURTEOUS
“Everyone gains where courtesy reigns.” Respect and be polite to your audience. Be friendly yet professional, considerate, open and honest. Show them that you are courteous by being empathetic and considering your messages from the point of view of the audience.
Steer away from hidden insults and passive-aggressive tones.
Keep that in mind.
To be sincere.
To use polite expressions like “thank you”, “kindly”, “we appreciate”, “please” etc. and MEAN IT
- Avoid discriminatory language, i.e., race, color, gender, creed, etc.
- Use expressions that show respect.
- Appreciate the audience’s point of view.
COMPLETE
To complete is the most important aspect of effective communication. Have a clear plan to give out the complete information. This helps the audience to follow your line of reasoning and agree to reach the same conclusion that you have.
When you follow a plan and complete the speech accordingly, your audience emotionally invests.
Remember.
The 5 Ws and one H/ W,H Questions
- What
- When
- Where
- Why
- Who
- How
- Give FAQs
- Include additional information.
- Ask for questions from the audience, if possible.
CONCRETE
Be specific, meaningful and clear. Vague and general messages result in losing your credibility. Let the core idea of the content be solid. It enhances the receiver’s ability to understand you. Usage of facts and figures adds to the authenticity of the message.
To achieve concreteness, consider the following ways:
- Use image building words.
- Use updated facts and figures.
- Use active voice over passive voice.
COHERENT
Plan a logical flow of messages. The old school Introduction-Body-Conclusion helps you to determine if your speech is on the right track. Divide your speech into sections for convenience and try not to go off track while on stage.
Just like a great script needs a planned screenplay, your sequencing of your speech brings out the coherence which will make or break the show.
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