7Cs of communication
The 7Cs of communication, which are clarity, conciseness, coherence, completeness, correctness, courtesy, and consideration, are the fundamental principles of effective communication. The journey of 7Cs began with Aristotle, who introduced the three elements of communication- ethos, pathos, and logos.
Throughout history, communication has evolved, and as a result, new principles have been introduced. The 7Cs of communication were introduced by Scott M. Cutlip and Allen H. Center in their book “Effective Public Relations.” These principles have become the foundation of effective communication and are widely used in various industries.
Clarity
The first principle of the 7Cs of communication is clarity. It is the ability to articulate a message in a way that is easy to understand. In today’s fast-paced world, people have less time and attention span to spend on deciphering a message. Therefore, it is essential to convey a message in a clear and concise manner. By doing so, the receiver can quickly comprehend the message’s meaning, leading to a more efficient and effective communication process.
Conciseness
The second principle of the 7Cs of communication is conciseness. It involves communicating the message in a brief and straightforward manner. Conciseness is crucial in today’s world, where individuals are bombarded with information from different sources. By keeping the message brief, the receiver can quickly grasp the message’s essence, leading to a more effective communication process.
Coherence
The third principle of the 7Cs of communication is coherence. It involves ensuring that the message flows logically. A coherent message is easy to follow and understand. Incoherent messages can cause confusion and misunderstanding, leading to ineffective communication. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the message flows logically and is easy to follow.
Completeness
The fourth principle of the 7Cs of communication is completeness. It involves providing all relevant information. Incomplete messages can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. Therefore, it is essential to provide all relevant information to ensure that the receiver fully understands the message. By providing complete information, the receiver can make informed decisions, leading to a more effective communication process.
Correctness
The fifth principle of the 7Cs of communication is correctness. It involves ensuring that the message is accurate in terms of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Incorrect messages can lead to misinterpretation, leading to ineffective communication. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the message is grammatically correct, has proper punctuation, and is spelled correctly.
Courtesy
The sixth principle of the 7Cs of communication is courtesy. It involves being polite and respectful in communication. Courteous communication can help build and maintain positive relationships. On the other hand, discourteous communication can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, leading to ineffective communication. Therefore, it is essential to be polite and respectful in communication.
Consideration
The seventh principle of the 7Cs of communication is consideration. It involves being empathetic towards the receiver’s needs and feelings. Considerate communication can help build trust and rapport between the sender and receiver. On the other hand, inconsiderate communication can lead to the receiver feeling undervalued and disrespected, leading to ineffective communication. Therefore, it is essential to be considerate of the receiver’s needs and feelings.
In conclusion, the journey of 7Cs has been a long and fruitful one. The principles have been instrumental in ensuring effective communication and have been adopted by many organizations and individuals. By adhering to the 7Cs of communication, individuals and organizations can communicate more effectively and achieve their communication objectives. Effective communication can help build and maintain positive relationships, leading to success in both personal and professional endeavors.