7 C’s of Communication Theory

The 7 C's of communication - Toolshero

7 C’s of Effective Communication: this article explains practically the 7 C’s of Effective Communication. Next to what it is, this article also higlights each aspect of the 7 C’s of Communication including the basics and tips. After reading you will understand the basics of this useful communication theory. Enjoy reading!

What are the 7 C’s of Communication?

We communicate all day long; at home, at work, with our next-door neighbour and at the sports club. We communicate verbally, non-verbally and in writing. Unfortunately, the message does not always come across as intended. NOISE! This can lead to miscommunication and (small) misunderstanding or the wrong impression. Good communication has a greater impact on success than one might assume.

The 7 C’s of communication, also known as the 7 principles of communication are a useful way to ensure good and business communication. They provide a useful check list as a result of which both written and verbal communication pass off in a clear, plain, target group-oriented and well-structured manner. The 7 C’s of communication is a checklist for effective communication.

7 C’s of Communication Theory

Figure 1 – the 7 C’s of Communication

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Completeness, the first of the 7 C’s of Communication

The message must be complete and geared to the receiver’s perception of the world. The message must be based on facts and a complex message needs additional information and / or explanation. A good subdivision of subjects will clarify the message as a result of which there will be a complete overview of what is said. Complete communication is the first and maybe most important C of the 7 C’s

Concreteness

Concrete business communication is also about a clear message. This is often supported by factual material such as research data and figures. The subject matter as well as the sentence structure can be interpreted uni-vocally. Nothing is left to the imagination.

Courtesy

In addition to considering the feelings and points of view of the target group, it is also important to approach the audience in a friendly and courteous manner. Use of terms that show respect for the receiver contribute towards effective communication.

The same goes for the manner in which you address someone. Not everyone will be charmed if you use a familiar form of address and use of a formal address could come across as too distant. By using the word ‘they’ a larger audience is immediately addressed.

Correctness

A correct use of language has the preference. In written business communication, grammatical errors must be avoided and stylistic lapses or a wrong use of verbs are not sufficient either in verbal communication. A correct use of language (open and honest) increases trustworthiness and the receiver will feel that they are taken seriously.

Clarity

Clear or plain language is characterized by explicitness, short sentences and concrete words. Fuzzy language is absolutely forbidden, as are formal language and cliché expressions.

By avoiding parentheses and keeping to the point, the receiver will get a clear picture of the content of the message. Briefly-worded information emphasizes the essence of the message.

Consideration

Communicating with the target group (Consideration). In order to communicate well, it is important to relate to the target group and be involved. By taking the audience into account, the message can be geared towards them. Factors that play a role in this are for example: professional knowledge, level of education, age and interests.

Conciseness

A message is clear when the storyline is consistent and when this does not contain any inconsistencies. When facts and figures are mentioned, it is important that there is consistent, supporting information.

Systematically implementing a certain statement or notation also contributes to clear business communication. When statements are varied, they will confuse the receiver.

7 C’s of Communication variations throughout the years

The 7 C’s of Communication have two more variations that are often overlooked, namely Creativity and Credibility. These are especially useful in creating things like a call to action.

Creativity

A text will only be lively when the words and sentence structures are used creatively and when short sentences are alternated with longer sentences.

Creativity is especially important in texts in which search words are used, it is essential that the search words are constantly used in a different setting.

Credibility

By creating an atmosphere of trust in a conversation or text, you add credibility to the message. This can be achieved by a clear and striking ‘tone’, which indicates that the information you are discussing contains the right information.

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It’s Your Turn

What do you think? Are the 7 C’s of Communication applicable for you in today’s modern economy? Do you recognize the practical explanation above or do you have more suggestions? What are your success factors for using the 7 Cs of Communication? Do you think good communication ensures business success?

Share your experience and knowledge in the comments box below.

More information

  1. Aggarwal, Vir Bala and V. S. Gupta (2001). Handbook of Journalism and Mass Communication. Concept Publishing Company
  2. Murphy, H.A. et al., (2000). Effective Business Communication. McGraw-Hill.
  3. Scott M. Cutlip, Allen H. Center (1952). Effective public relations: pathways to public favor. Prentice-Hall.

How to cite this article:
Mulder, P. (2012). 7 C’s of Communication Theory. Retrieved [insert date] from Toolshero: https://www.toolshero.com/communication-methods/7cs-of-communication/

Published on: 10/21/2012 | Last update: 08/20/2023

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Patty Mulder
Article by:

Patty Mulder

Patty Mulder is an Dutch expert on Management Skills, Personal Effectiveness and Business Communication. She is also a Content writer, Business Coach and Company Trainer and lives in the Netherlands (Europe).
Note: all her articles are written in Dutch and we translated her articles to English!

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18 responses to “7 C’s of Communication Theory”

  1. Vinay Singh says:

    It’s very necessary for all of us.

  2. kelvin N Unyige says:

    These skills are good if applied by the managers to their subordinates as well as subordinates to their employers.

  3. Iftikhar Hussain says:

    Very good and informative for all the professional people. anyone can improve his/her skill by reading these 7 C

  4. Aakash panchal says:

    It is a really really Very Nice and easy to understand. Thank You Very Much

  5. khalid haqmal says:

    Greatly explained!

  6. Redwanullah Muskeen says:

    Great Explained!

  7. Ashok says:

    Explained Well. Easy to Understand.

  8. Eric Alexander says:

    These will definitely help me in talking to others so they understand me and so I can understand them. Thanks a lot!

  9. Parvathi says:

    Effective information and easy to understand

  10. zenaida asis says:

    It is helpful to my students especially when they are to express their ideas in different context. They will be understood easily and it will help develop their confidence in speaking.I hope they will remember and apply all these so that in the future when they become professional they will not have problems with the people they deal and work with.

  11. Sultan ahmed says:

    The 7c’s of comminication are really very important in any organization to organize their employers to a such quality of communication with their clients.

  12. Devansh Goel says:

    The explanation provided on free newsletter is amazing. It covers all the aspects of seven principles for effective communication. To corelate with the examples is fascinating. Hardwork is needed for such type of explanations.
    Thanks for providing use the required knowledge.

  13. Tammy Shelly says:

    Very informative, i will be sure to implement the 7 C’s at work

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