The 7 C’s of communication are sets of guidelines and principles for effective written and spoken words. 

Communication is an inseparable act of our everyday activities. Hence, the main aim of the 7 C’s of communication is to enhance your understanding of what Is been communicated. 

What are the 7 C’s of communication? How do you apply it to improve your daily communication?

Keep reading to find out.

What are the 7 C’s of Communication?

These are core elements that improve your communication skills:

1. Clarity

It’s difficult for the human brain to assimilate a series of complex words at the same time. 

Hence, clarity as a key factor of the 7 C’s of communication entails that your spoken or written words are not ambiguous. 

Perhaps, you have lots on your list to communicate, begin with grouping your words into sections to aid a quick understanding of your listeners.

Also, you can learn more about the tips for effective communication here.

2. Concise

Almost everyone is guilty of violating this principle of communication. However, being concise implies you go straight to the point without the inclusion of the needless.

To master this act, you must value your listener’s time and be disciplined not to waste it with unending talks. 

Learn to be brief and communicate the necessary words.

This reminds me of how I messed up my project presentation due to my inability to summarize my points within the allocated time slot. 

Unknowing to me, I kept on speaking about what I felt was important. And just when I decided to go into my presentation proper, I realized I had a few minutes left. 

I lost my composure immediately because I had not made emphasis on what my presentation was all about in detail. The supervisors and listeners assumed I wasn’t prepared and asked me to leave the stage. 

But, that wasn’t the case, rather my lack of conciseness.

3. Complete

No-one is propelled to take action when what has been communicated is incomplete. 

The next line of action for most listeners is to discard what has been heard—assuming you were simply entertaining them. 

In contrast, complete as one of the 7 C’s of communication ensures that all communicated words are whole encompassing all the necessary details.

4. Correct

This aspect of the 7 C’s of  communication emphasizes the importance of structure and organization of grammar, diction, punctuation, and vocabulary while communicating. 

Ensure your words are well spelled, having no errors, and are pronounced correctly. 

Incorrect spelling and pronunciation misleads the listeners and creates doubt concerning what has been communicated—endeavor to cross-check your words before delivering them.

5. Courteous 

Always check out your tune while communicating because calm and gentle words are effective tools for convincing others.

Likewise, your physical behaviors such as your body language should portray respect for your listeners. 

A courteous attitude is crucial in communication especially for those in charge of customer services in various organizations.

Indeed, six out of every ten calls received are from customers who are angry and dissatisfied with a particular service. The best way to resolve their complaints is by responding to their needs with courtesy instead of responding harshly, aggravating their anger.

6. Concrete

The 7 C’s of communication also deal with the accuracy and reliability of what is being communicated. 

In essence, concrete means that your words are based on a precise source and not an assumption attempting to convince others.

Hence, verify that your source of Information is credible and can be trusted. Check for outdated Information and update it with fresh insight, data and statistics. 

Also, check out my recommended communication quotes that would inspire your interaction with others. 

7. Cohesive

Being cohesive while communicating requires a flow and connection between words either spoken or written. 

Besides, you would agree that no-one enjoys a novel whose chapters aren’t in synergy with each other.

Why?

This is because you end up being confused without understanding the main storyline of the book. 

Final Thoughts on the 7 C’s of Communication

The application of the 7 C’s of communication is often difficult to practice all at the same time. 

But, you can improve drastically through the realization that all the principles are interconnected. 

For instance, you need to state what you want to buy in a simple and brief manner (clarity & concise), containing the exact details of what you want (complete), well pronounced (correct) and communicated with etiquette to the seller (courteous & cohesive).

The same applies to all other aspects of our lives. 

What’s your experience with the 7 C’s of communication? Do share in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions