The 7 Cs of Communication Explained With Examples (2024)

By Denise DohertyCategories:

The 7 Cs of communication can be applied to oral and written forms of speech and are designed to maximize the efficacy of our interactions. Learn more here.

The seven Cs of communication are: clear, correct, complete, concrete, concise, considerate/courteous, and coherent. They were first described in the 1952 book, Effective Public Relations, by University of Wisconsin professors Scott Cutlip and Allen Center. Since then, this approach has been used across the globe in personal and professional settings to maximize the effectiveness of our communications and interactions.

The 7 Cs of communication have been used successfully for 70 years because communicating isn’t always straightforward and by implementing these seven steps, we can make it better. These principles can make it easier for us to do things like set boundaries at work or in our relationships, communicate our needs or how we feel, and deliver information the way we intended to.Communication skills apply to a huge variety of human interactions and the principles of the 7 Cs of communication can be applied to them all.

Why Should We Use The 7 Cs of Effective Communication?

The 7 Cs of Communication Explained With Examples (1)

Poor communication which does not encompass the 7 Cs of effective communication can negatively impact a huge array of our professional and personal dynamics. Financially, it is estimatedto cost businesses over a trillion dollars every year. Other statistics suggest that 86 percent of workplace employees and executives blame ineffective communication and collaboration as primary causes for failures in the work setting.

In healthcare, poor communication can have devastating effects and even lead to life-threatening events. According to the Brookings Institute in Washington, bad communication is also at the core of American health inequalities — and is a failing of the health system, not of patients. Suffice it to say, the 7 Cs of communication in professional settings can be the difference between success and failure, equality and inequality, and even life and death.

Most of us have experienced the impacts of ineffective communication at various points in our personal lives too. These negative interactions can be stressful and impact our mental well-being during and after the event. How we communicate will have a major effect on all our relationships. Studies show that the quality of couples’ communication can predict long-term satisfaction within the relationship.

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Effective communication involves exchanging ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data so that the message is received and understood with clarity and purpose. When we communicate effectively, both the sender and receiver feel satisfied. Using the 7 Cs of effective communication will therefore enhance all of our relationships, both personal and professional. So, let’s take a look at each one and how we can use them to improve our own communication skills.

The 7 Cs of Effective Communication

The 7 Cs of Communication Explained With Examples (3)

1. Clear

When communicating something, clarity is vital if we want the other party to completely understand. It’s important to be clear about the purpose of the message and why the recipient is receiving it. Keeping the language simple can help reduce ambiguity. Present one aspect or part of the message at a time.

2. Correct

This C of effective communication involves making sure the information being exchanged is correct and truthful. Provide sources or examples if appropriate and always fact-check before communicating something. If your communication is written, ensure that your format, referencing and grammar are also correct. Proofread your message for errors before sending it.

3. Complete

Complete communication involves delivering all of the information necessary. The other party should have a clear picture of everything they need to know in order to understand accurately and respond appropriately. A complete message should not leave room for questions or queries.

4. Concrete

Make sure the message or explanation is factual. Try to find the balance between too much or too little detail and use props like pictures, graphs, or data if appropriate. Emphasize your main focus points to keep the message concrete.

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5. Concise

Keep to the point! Short and simple will promote a concise communication experience for all parties. Don’t use unnecessary words or add information for the sake of it. Make your points individually and don’t repeat the same point in different ways.

6. Considerate/Courteous

Empathy is at the heart of considerate communication and the difference between a clear message and a blunt or abrupt one. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the recipient and take their feelings and situation into account. Consider how the message might impact them and how they are likely to respond to what is being communicated. Effective communication should always be polite and friendly communication generally generates more welcome responses. The level of formality required will depend on the situation.

7. Coherent

Organize the points you want to make in a logical, chronological, or systematic order. Try to connect your points to maintain flow, but without adding unnecessary information. Again, if you are communicating in writing — format and structure your message appropriately.

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The 7 Cs of Communication Explained With Examples (2024)

FAQs

The 7 Cs of Communication Explained With Examples? ›

Using the 7 C's of communication, that is when you're clear, concise, concrete, correct, consider the speaker, complete and courteous, with your message, you will become an effective communicator and find more success in your interactions with people.

What are the 7 C's of communication with examples? ›

The 7 Cs of Communication help you to communicate more effectively. The 7 Cs stand for: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and courteous. Though there are a few variations. You can use the 7 Cs as a checklist in your written and spoken messages.

What are the 7 elements of communication with definition? ›

There are 7 major elements when we talk about the communication process. These are: sender, ideas, encoding, communication channel, receiver, decoding and feedback. We will talk in this article about a specific situation: the online communication. How we can define communication?

What is completeness in communication with examples? ›

To ensure completeness in communication, it's important to provide all the relevant facts, details, and context that the recipient needs to fully grasp the message. You also need to answer any anticipated questions or concerns that the listener may have. Example: Incomplete Communication: “We need to improve sales.”

What is an example of concrete communication? ›

For example, phrases such as ten thousand, raw cherry wood, John Smith, and ten o'clock on January 12 are concrete. Concrete language is the opposite of abstract language, which refers to intangible ideas or qualities, such as love, hate, or honor.

What are the principles of communication with examples? ›

The 8 basic principles of communication are clarity, timeliness, coherence, urgency, conciseness, correctness, courteousness, and completeness. Similar to Cialdini's principles of persuasion, the eight principles of communication are the driving force behind messaging that resonates and persuades.

What is consideration in 7Cs of communication? ›

Consideration

While sending a message the sender should look from the angle of the audience. The sender should understand the feelings and emotions of the receivers. It shows that in communication we should consider the audience.

What are the 7 principles of communication explain each? ›

The seven C's of communication is a list of principles for written and spoken communications to ensure that they are effective. The seven C's are: clear, correct, complete, concrete, concise, considered and courteous.

What are the 7 steps of communication? ›

7 essential steps in the communication process
  • Develop an idea to transmit. Every communication begins with the initial sender. ...
  • Encode the message. ...
  • Choose the right channel for delivery. ...
  • Deliver the message. ...
  • The recipient receives the message. ...
  • The message is decoded. ...
  • The receiver provides feedback. ...
  • Focus on your audience.
Jun 9, 2023

What are the 7 types of communication? ›

Summary: Let's explore the seven types of communication: verbal, non-verbal, written, feedback, visual, group, and mass. Through examples like speaking, body language, emails, and more, we delve into how each communication form plays a unique role in effective interaction.

What is 7 C's of communication with examples in PDF? ›

They are: be Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Coherent, Complete, and Courteous. The document discusses each of the 7 Cs, providing examples of good and bad communication based on that principle.

What is an example of courtesy in 7cs of communication? ›

For example, if you're meeting with employees to announce pay cuts, you can communicate courteously by omitting humor and expressing remorse. Some other considerations for courteous communication include: Speak to your audience with the respect. Avoid making assumptions about your listeners.

What are the 7 C's of communication practice exam? ›

Central to impactful communication are the 7 C's of Communication: Clearness, Conciseness, Coherence, Consistency, Completeness, Courtesy, and Concreteness.

Why is it necessary to follow the 7 C's in communication? ›

Following the 7Cs of communication means you can deliver clear objectives and expectations. People will understand what is required and how to achieve those results. As well as trust building, the 7Cs improve relationships in the workplace. This means that people are more respectful of one another.

What is a concrete example example? ›

Concrete examples are specific, real-life examples used to illustrate an idea. They can be useful in helping participants grasp abstract concepts because they present the conceptual elements in a recognizable context. Concrete examples can be verbal descriptions, stories, actual objects (realia), and models.

What is coherent in 7Cs of communication? ›

Coherent. Coherent conversation makes sense and flows logically. Think carefully about the order of your points and how you can make it come across in an easy-to-understand way. It's also important to be consistent with style and content when delivering multiple forms of communications.

What is an example of clarity in communication? ›

If you want something from someone within a time frame for a specific reason, mention that very clearly. For example: "Even if you don't have all the information yet, please send me a mail filling me in as much as you can before 6:00 pm. That will be my last chance to check in today."

What are the seven C's of effective communication do not include? ›

Co-ordination in work is not one of the seven C's of effective communication. The seven C's of communication involves: clarity, completeness, conciseness, concreteness, courtesy, correctness and consider. these seven C's of communication is of utmost necessary to facilitate an effective communication process.

What is an example of courtesy in communication? ›

Courtesy is more than just good manners. Courteous communication means acknowledging your audience by showing respect, making eye contact and speaking politely and conversationally. You can engage your audience with relatable humor , levity and stories when appropriate.

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