Better Communicators
Effectively Expressing Your Ideas
The Seven C’s of Communication
These skills can be applied to any form of communication: a written research paper,
an oral presentation, an online discussion, or speaking with and emailing someone
on campus. These skills can also be applied to a range of professional settings
whether on campus or in the professional world. Learn the guidelines of the seven
C’s so you can be a better communicator!
1. Clarity
Clear writing and presentations allow your audience to understand your intended
message. Consider your choice of words and structure to have your message as
simple to follow as possible.
2. Completeness
Be sure to include all required components and answer all questions that your
audience may have. Your message should be complete enough for your audience to
take action and/or respond.
3. Conciseness
Be brief where you can so your message is not drawn out to confuse your audience.
Avoid including lengthy explanations that do not add or improve your message. Be
concise enough while providing all of the necessary information to be complete, it
can be a balancing act.
4. Concreteness
Reinforce your words with facts and figures to eliminate the possibility of your
audience misunderstanding or questioning your message.
5. Correctness
Make sure that the message you are sending is correct containing accurate
information. Utilize reliable sources when gathering research for your message.
When providing this information for others, be sure you grammar, spelling, and
punctuation is correct as well.
6. Courtesy
Respect others and remember that your communication reflects directly on you. Be
sure your overall tone and approach is always professional and courteous to others
who may be hearing/reading it.
7. Creativity
Use your voice to interpret and relay information in a way that suits you best. Be
creative in your approach to the message and how you portray it to keep you
audience interested and allow for the portrayal to reflect you.
Adapted from: Venable, M. (2011, September 16). The 7 cs of effective communication in your
online course. Retrieved from http://www.onlinecollege.org/2011/09/16/the-7-cs-of-effective-
communication-in-your-online-course/
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Use these questions to help effectively express your ideas!
What do you need to communicate? (presentation, portfolio, idea, etc.) _____________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Why is this important to communicate with others? _____________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Who do you need to communicate this with? (faculty, other students, a group, etc.) ___
______________________________________________________________________
What form of communication will be most effective? (PowerPoint, discussion, etc.)
______________________________________________________________________
How can you supplement this form of communication so your audience can better
understand? ___________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What messages could be misunderstood in your communication? ________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Roadblocks in Communication Communication in Conflict
What is your biggest struggle in Define problem: ___________________
communicating? (nervousness, being _________________________________
misunderstood) _____________________ _________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________ Who is involved: __________________
_________________________________
What is your worst habit during
communication? (interrupting, not Construct an "I” message:
listening)___________________________ I feel _____________________________
__________________________________ (state the emotion you are feeling, ex:
hurt, angry, disappointed, upset, etc.)
How can you criticize someone without when you _________________________
it judging them? ___________________ _________________________________
__________________________________ (state the facts about what the person did)
__________________________________ and I want ________________________.
(state what you want from the person )
How can your body react in a positive
way during communication? _________ Explore solutions: _________________
__________________________________ _________________________________
__________________________________ _________________________________
_________________________________
How can you capture an audience to
pay attention to you? _______________ Plan for implementation of solution:
_________________________________ _________________________________
_________________________________ _________________________________
