The Seven C’s of Communication Skills

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.

1. Completeness
2. Correctness
3. Conciseness
4. Courtesy
5. Clarity
6. Consideration
7. Concreteness

Completeness

The first one among the Seven C’s of Communication skills is 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 receiver’s 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:

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 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(sacrifice) the other C’s 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. Here’s 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:

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 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 sender’s 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, here’s 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.

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 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 audience’s view points, background, mind-set, education
level, etc. Make an attempt to envisage (form a mental picture of) 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
audience’s 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 (unclear) and
general. Concreteness strengthens the confidence. Concrete message has following features:

• Use proper facts and figures.

• Use action verbs. (a verb that expresses physical or mental action)
• Choose familiar words.
• Choose image building words.

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