C’s of Business

Writing
Letters must be written
effectively for business
transactions to take
place. Hence, it is
imperative on the part of
the business writer to
know what it takes to
produce the desired
result.
 A thorough
understanding of the C’s
of letter writing or the
properties of effective
business letters is what
he needs. So called
because of their initials,
these C’s are as follows:
1. Coherence

Sticking together of ideas—

Use transitional or pivotal
words.
2. Clearness
or Clarity

No ambiguity—Use simple
and familiar words.
3. Consistency

Unity—Use English words

consistently.
4. Conciseness

Brevity—Use short words

and construct short
sentences. Avoid the use of
unnecessary words.
5. Completeness

Thoroughness—Use full
words and avoid omission
of necessary words and
ideas.
6. Concreteness

Specificity—Use specific
words, not generic words.
7. Correctness

Accuracy—Use precise
words and edit your letter
before sending it.
8. Courteousness
or Courtesy

Politeness—Use polite and

tactful words.
9. Consideration

Kindness—Use
euphemisms (good-
sounding words) and kind,
not rude, words.
10. Character

Personality/Individuality—
Use your own words.
11. Cheerfulness

Friendliness—Use
“smiling” and encouraging
words.
11. Conversational
quality

Letter talk—Use words in a

conversational manner.