The message is said to be effective when the receiver understands the same meaning, that the sender was intended to convey. For any communication in business, in order to be effective, it must have seven qualities. These seven attributes are called seven C’s of effective business communication. (All these attributes starts with the alphabet ‘C’ so are called 7 C’s)
7 C’s of Effective Business Communication:
Correctness: At the time of encoding, if the encoder has comprehensive knowledge about the decoder of the message, it makes the communication an The encoder should know the status, knowledge and educational background of the decoder. Correctness means:
- Use the right level of language
- Correct use of grammar, spelling, and punctuation
- Accuracy in stating facts and figures
- Correctness in message helps in building confidence.
Clarity: Clarity demands the use of simple language and easy sentence structure in composing the message. When there is clarity in presenting ideas, it’s easy for the receiver/decoder to grasp the meaning being conveyed by the sender/encoder.
Conciseness: A concise message saves the time of both the sender and the receiver conciseness, in a business message, can be achieved by avoiding wordy expressions and repetition. Using brief and to the point sentences, including relevant material makes the message concise. Achieving conciseness does not mean to lose completeness of message.
Completeness: By completeness means the message must bear all the necessary information to bring the response you desire. The sender should answer all the questions and with facts and figures. and when desirable, go for extra details.
Consideration: Consideration demands to put oneself in the place of the receiver while composing a message. It refers to the use of You attitude, emphases positive pleasant facts, visualizing reader’s problems, desires, emotions and his response.
Concreteness: Being definite, vivid and specific rather than vague, obscure and general leads to the concreteness of the message. Facts and figures being presented in the message should be specified.
Courtesy: In business, almost everything starts and ends in courtesy. Courtesy means not only thinking about receiver but also valuing his feelings.–Much can be achieved by using polite words and gestures, being appreciative, thoughtful, tactful, and showing respect to the receiver. Courtesy builds goodwill.
