Effective Communication – Getting Your Message Out
Effective
communication is very important when delivering a message. The ability to paint a picture with words
requires skill. According to Mind Tools,
the training and development agency for professionals, there are seven Cs of
communication. They are clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent,
complete and courteous. Each of these
skills is important when you are trying to get a message out to your
audience. However, I believe that the
two most important skills are clear and complete.
It is important to be clear about your message and what you
are intending to obtain, your goal.
People need to know what is your purpose. When you know your purpose, you will attract
the appropriate audience. Others will
join your purpose when they feel they have a common goal with you.
Once you gain the confidence of the audience, it is time to
move them to action. A complete message
concludes with an action plan. People
need to hear the whole plan in order for them to make an informed decision
whether they want to be a part of the plan.
A message without a plan of action, particularly for policy change is no
message at all. Many people have
complaints and no answers. To move
people to action they need to hear the plan. The plan consist of who, what,
where, when and how. This is part of the
painting with words so that others can see the picture.
Effective communication in the form of writing can be quite
different than speaking. In preparation
for speaking, it is always good to write what you want to say. However, when speaking you have an
opportunity to use your voice to stress certain points with more passion and
inflection. Although the two Cs are
important in both modes of communication, it is easier for me to speak
effectively than it is to write. Speaking
using clear and complete messaging is more of strength than writing. I often struggle to find the right words
written the correct way to express myself.
Using clear and complete messages in writing is something I must continue
working towards.
Reference
Mind
Tools. (n.d.). The 7 Cs of communication: A checklist for clear communication.
Retrieved October 15, 2013, from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_85.htm
