Explanation + Tips - SEVEN Cs OF COMMUNICATION

What are 7 C’s of Communication? Explanation + tips | toolshero https://www.toolshero.
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This article explains practically the 7 C’s of Effective Communication. After reading you will
understand the basics of this powerful communication skills tool.
The 7 C of Communication are:
1. Completeness
2. Concreteness
3. Courtesy
4. Correctness
5. Clarity
6. Consideration
7. Conciseness
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 communication, also known as the 7 principles of communication are a useful
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way to ensure good and business communication. The 7 C’s of Communication provide a
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useful check list as a result of which Accept
both written Read communication
and verbal more pass off in a
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What are 7 C’s of Communication? Explanation + tips | toolshero https://www.toolshero.com/communication-skills/7cs-of-communication/
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.
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.
Courtesy
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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
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.
The 7 C’s of Communication have two more variations that are often overlooked, namely
Creativity and Credibility. functionality. Accept Read more
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Creativity
A text will only be lively when the words and sentence structures are used creatively and when
short sentences are alternated with longer sentences. Creativity is especially important in texts in
which search words are used, it is essential that the search words are constantly used in a
different setting.
Credibility
By creating an atmosphere of trust in a conversation or text, you add credibility to the message.
This can be achieved by a clear and striking ‘tone’, which indicates that the information you are
discussing contains the right information.
What do you think? Are the 7 C’s of Communication applicable for you in today’s modern
economy? Do you recognize the practical explanation above or do you have more suggestions?
What are your success factors for using the 7 C’s of Communication?
Share your experience and knowledge in the comments box below.
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YouTube.
More information
1. Aggarwal, Vir Bala and V. S. Gupta (2001). Handbook of Journalism and Mass
Communication. Concept Publishing Company
2. Murphy, H.A. et al., (2000). Effective Business Communication. McGraw-Hill.
3. Scott M. Cutlip, Allen H. Center (1952). Effective public relations: pathways to public favor.
Prentice-Hall.
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What are 7 C’s of Communication? Explanation + tips | toolshero https://www.toolshero.

The 7 C of Communication are:

plain, target group-oriented and well-structured manner.

Communicating with the target group (Consideration). In order to communicate well, it is

Share your experience and knowledge in the comments box below.

How to cite this article:

functionality. Accept Read more

Add a link to this page on your website:

Did you find this article interesting?

7 C’s of Communication, 4.22 / 5 (219 votes)

Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Helical Model of Communication

Westley & MacLean Model of Communication

Cultivation Theory by Gerbner & Gross

Five Canons of Rhetoric

functionality. Accept Read more

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

David Grove’s Clean Language

functionality. Accept Read more

Merrill Social Styles model

functionality. Accept Read more

functionality. Accept Read more

You might also like