The 7 Cs of Communication — Transcript

Full transcript

1. 0:07Welcome to Mind Tools' video learning series.
2. 0:10Whether it's writing an email, sending a report, chairing a meeting, or giving a presentation,
3. 0:16most of your working day will likely be spent communicating.
4. 0:21So, one of the best ways to boost your productivity
5. 0:24is to communicate in the clearest, most effective way possible.
6. 0:28A great tool for this is the 7 Cs of Communication –
7. 0:32a seven point checklist for delivering engaging and effective messages.
8. 0:37The first of the 7 Cs is to be clear.
9. 0:41Ask yourself, "What's the purpose of your message?"
10. 0:44If you're not sure, the person you're communicating with won't be either.
11. 0:49Make your key messages stand out.
12. 0:51Do this by minimizing the number of ideas you talk about in each sentence.
13. 0:56One is ideal.
14. 0:58You don't want people to have to "read between the lines,"
15. 1:00as this could lead to misunderstandings.
16. 1:03Second, be concise.
17. 1:05Keep it brief, avoid repetition, and delete unnecessary adjectives and "filler words,"
18. 1:12like "kind of" or "basically."
19. 1:15Third, when your message is concrete, your audience will have a clear picture of what you're telling them.
20. 1:21Detail is important, but not too much.
21. 1:24Try to include some "standout" facts, and make sure you have a laser-sharp focus on your key message.
22. 1:31Next, be correct.
23. 1:32Double-check for mistakes.
24. 1:34When your communications are error-free, they'll look professional and polished.
25. 1:40When something's coherent, it's logical.
26. 1:42It means that you've connected all of your points and made them relevant to the key topic.
27. 1:48This will also help to keep the tone and flow of your message consistent.
28. 1:52The sixth point on the checklist is complete.
29. 1:56Supply your audience with all the information that it will need to make an informed decision or take action.
30. 2:03If, for instance, you're sending a reminder about a meeting, be specific.
31. 2:07Include details of the location, time and purpose.
32. 2:12And, ask people to respond!
33. 2:14Lastly, be courteous.
34. 2:16This means having a friendly, open and honest tone, and avoiding hidden insults or a passive-aggressive tone.
35. 2:23Always keep your audience's viewpoint in mind,
36. 2:26and show that you empathize and understand its needs.
37. 2:31For further examples of how you can apply the 7 Cs to your communications,
38. 2:35read the article that accompanies this video.