Effective Communications
(7 C’s)
Lecture # 6
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Principles of Effective
Communication
Clarity of message
Speed
Two-way process
Reliability
Completeness
Content
Accuracy
Capability
Economy
Secrecy
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The seven C’s
Basic principles of “effective communication” .
Becomes effective for your target group,
style and importance of the message.
These principles commonly known as 7 C’s of
effective communication.
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Seven C’s of Effective
Communication
1. Completeness
2. Conciseness
3. Consideration
4. Concreteness
5. Clarity
6. Courtesy
7. Correctness
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1) Completeness
Complete information to their question. e.g.
Good business relation
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Five W’s
WHO?
WHAT?
WHEN?
WHERE?
WHY?
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Conclusion of completeness
1. Necessary information
2. Answers all questions
3. Provide some more information
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2) Conciseness
“convey the message by using fewest
words”.
Prerequisite to effective business
communication.”
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How To achieve the conciseness ?
[Link] wordy expression
[Link] only relevant material
[Link] unnecessary repetition.
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3) Consideration
To consider the receiver’s
Interest/Intention.
keep in mind your target group
consideration is very important “C” among
all the seven C’s.
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4) Concreteness
Message should be specific
use facts and figures
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5) Clarity
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Accurately is purpose of clarity
Choose precise words.
choose familiar and easy words.
Construct effective sentences and
paragraphs.
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6) Courtesy
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Courtesy
Be aware of your message receiver.
it is not merely politeness with mechanical insertions of
“please” and “Thank you” .
Courteous communication generate a special tone in their
writing and speaking.
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How to generate a Courteous
Tone ?
Be sincerely tactful, thoughtful and appreciative.
Use expressions that show respect for the others
Choose nondiscriminatory expressions
Be sincerely Tactful, Thoughtful and Appreciative
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Tactless, Blunt More Tactful
Stupid letter; I can’t I should understand it, as
understand there is no confusing word in
this letter, could you please
explain it once again ..?
Its your fault, you did not Sometimes my wording is not
properly read my latest FAX precise; let me try again
Thoughtfulness and Appreciation
.
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7) Correctness
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7) Correctness
Grammar, punctuation and spelling.
Three characteristics
o Use the right level of language
o Check the accuracy of figures, facts and words
o Maintain acceptable writing mechanics
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Thank you
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7 C’s of Effective Communication
We communicate all day long; at home, at work, with our next-door neighbour and at the
sports club. We communicate verbally, non-verbally and in writing. Unfortunately, the
message does not always come across as intended. NOISE! This can lead to
miscommunication and (small) misunderstanding or the wrong impression.
The 7 C’s of effective communication, also known as the seven principles of
communication are a useful way to ensure good and business communication. The 7 C’s of
Effective Communication provide a useful check list as a result of which both written
and verbal communication pass off in a clear, plain, target group-oriented and well-
structured manner.
Completeness
The message must be complete and geared to the receiver’s perception of the world. The
message must be based on facts and a complex message needs additional information and/ or
explanation. A good subdivision of subjects will clarify the message as a result of which there
will be a complete overview of what is said.
Check for 5 Ws and one H:
Who
What
When
Where
Why
How
Concreteness
Concrete business communication is also about a clear message. This is often supported by
factual material such as research data and figures. The words used as well as the sentence
structure can be interpreted uni-vocally. Nothing is left to the imagination.
Use specific facts and figures
Put action into verbs
Choose vivid image building words by comparison and figurative language
Use more adjectives and adverbs
Courtesy
In addition to considering the feelings and points of view of the target group, it is also
important to approach the audience in a friendly and courteous manner. Use of terms that
show respect for the receiver contribute towards effective communication. The same goes for
the manner in which you address someone. Not everyone will be charmed if you use a
familiar form of address and use of a formal address could come across as too distant. By
using the word ‘they’ a larger audience is immediately addressed.
Correctness
A correct use of language has the preference. In written business communication,
grammatical errors must be avoided and stylistic lapses or a wrong use of verbs are not
sufficient either in verbal communication. A correct use of language increases trustworthiness
and the receiver will feel that they are taken seriously.
Clarity
Clear or plain language is characterized by explicitness, short sentences and concrete words.
Fuzzy language is absolutely forbidden, as are formal language and cliché expressions. By
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avoiding parentheses and keeping to the point, the receiver will get a clear picture of the
content of the message. Briefly-worded information emphasizes the essence of the message.
Consideration
Communicating with the target group (Consideration). In order to communicate well, it is
important to relate to the target group and be involved. By taking the audience into account,
the message can be geared towards them. Factors that play a role in this are for example:
professional knowledge, level of education, age and interests.
Conciseness
A message is clear when the storyline is consistent and when this does not contain any
inconsistencies. When facts are mentioned, it is important that there is consistent, supporting
information. Systematically implementing a certain statement or notation also contributes to
clear business communication. When statements are varied, they will confuse the receiver.
Eliminate wordy expression
Include only relevant statements
Avoid unnecessary repetitions
Activity: The six most important words
The teacher asks the students to think about what the six most important words in networking
might be. After students offer a few suggestions, the teacher writes down the following words
on the board: who, what, where, when, why, and how. The students write these words in the
left-hand column of their handouts. The teacher explains:
“Asking questions while networking is essential for many reasons: it enables people to
recognize what they have in common, it provides a basis for how they can connect, it
demonstrates that they are actively interested in what the other person has to say, and it
creates the opportunity to make a good first impression.”
“Questions such as, ‘What is your name?’ would be covered when you first introduce
yourself. Try to think of questions for enhancing professional connections. What are
some questions that will give you with new information and help you make
connections?”
(Possible/expected answers: Where do you work? Why did you decide to take this
seminar? How long have you worked at your job?)”
Steps to Networking:
1. Introduce yourself
Respectfully introduce yourself, and
then steer the conversation
2. Ask questions
Encourage contacts to talk about
themselves and their work. Look for
ways to connect with them.
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3. Listen
Remember to use eye contact and be an active listener.
4. Follow up
Create follow-up opportunities, e.g., by asking “what’s the best way for me to get in
touch with you? or saying “Let’s exchange emails so we can stay in touch.”
What are the six most important words to use when you are networking?
1 Example :
2 Example :
3 Example :
4 Example :
5 Example :
6 Example :
7 Example :
8 Example :
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Academic Journal 2:
Application of 7Cs
1. Rewrite the following email.
Hi all,
Let us meet tomorrow to discuss the product launch event. Please be there
on time.
Thanks
Chris
2. Read the following expressions and revise them keeping the 7cs in mind.
1 You have paid no attention to our complaint
2 No payments have been received by us for the
past two months
3 I am sincerely apologetic to have to point out
that we do not have these books in stock at the
present time.
4 I am aiming a growth of 20 percent in
customer base expansion
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5 We have been decided to stop selling our
laptops to your firm.
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