Your ability to communicate will make a significant difference in the success of your career. A good communicator conveys a clear message that contains the information the receiver needs and is delivered in a manner in which the receiver understands. Albert Einstein is widely credited with saying, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it.”* Let these words become your guiding principle.
In the workplace, communications in any form should follow basic principles to ensure the company runs like a well-oiled machine. The seven C’s of communication are a “set of principles for effective communication” first introduced in the book Effective Public Relations, in 1952.** These principles are just as applicable today.
1. Clear: The purpose and intent of your message should be unambiguous. Avoid jargon and minimize the number of ideas in each sentence to make it easy for your audience to understand.
2. Concise: Get to the point quickly and efficiently. Eliminate unnecessary words, sentences, and repetitions to save your audience time and keep them focused on the core message.
3. Concrete: Use specific details, facts, and figures to make your message solid and vivid. Concrete communication leaves no room for misinterpretation and adds credibility.
4. Correct: All communication should be accurate and error-free. This includes checking for grammatical errors, correct spelling, proper formatting, and factual accuracy.
5. Coherent: Ensure your message is logical, well organized, and easy to follow. All points should be connected and relevant to the main topic, with a consistent tone and flow.
6. Complete: Provide your audience with all the necessary information. A complete message includes all relevant contact information, dates, times, and a clear call to action if needed.
7. Courteous: Be friendly, open, and honest. Show respect for your audience by considering their viewpoint and needs. A courteous tone helps build rapport and prevents miscommunication.
Keeping these principles in mind, let’s move on to the three types of communication—verbal, nonverbal, and written—and the most common mistakes I consistently see among young professionals. If you fix these, you’re most of the way home. I’ve created separate lessons for each so check them out.
Final Thoughts
Embracing the seven C’s will help you master your communication skills, build confidence, and establish credibility: Be clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and courteous.
Very truly yours,
Aunt Anna
* Although this quotation is commonly attributed to Albert Einstein (1879–1955), no definitive primary source has been found.
** Cutlip, Scott M., and Allen H. Center. Effective Public Relations. 1st ed. Prentice-Hall, 1952.
