The 7C’s of Communication for every communicator

Let’s face it, communication in business is both an art and a science. You’re required to craft messages that align with strategy, resonate with diverse audiences, cut through the noise, and sometimes even save the day.

No pressure, right?

Well, here’s the good news – you don’t need to reinvent the wheel every time you write a CEO update, prep a press release, or rally employees around a change initiative. There’s a timeless framework that continues to help deliver clarity, connection, and results – the 7C’s of Communication.

If you’ve heard of this framework before – great! But let’s go beyond textbook definitions and explore how these principles can actually help you communicate effectively in today’s fast-moving, always-on environment.

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1. Clear. No room for guesswork.

Your audience shouldn’t have to decode your message. Whether it’s a town hall script, a stakeholder update, or a crisis communication, clarity is your non-negotiable.

💡Tip: Lead with the main point. Then provide the context. If your message isn’t immediately clear to someone outside your team, it’s time to revise.

2. Concise. Cut the fluff.

We’ve all seen those emails: five paragraphs that say what one line could’ve handled. In a world of info overload, brevity isn’t a luxury….it’s a necessity.

💡Tip: Challenge yourself to reduce word count by 30% without losing meaning. The result? Messages your audience actually read.

3. Concrete. Give it substance.

Don’t leave room for interpretation. Avoid vague language like “soon,” “improve,” or “some stakeholders.” Be specific. Be measurable.

💡Tip: Anchor your message in facts, figures, names, dates, and next steps. Vague goals don’t drive action, concrete ones do!

4. Correct. Accuracy is authority.

A single factual or grammatical error can chip away at trust and reputation, especially in leadership communication. Your messages should be polished, fact-checked, and proofed within an inch of their life.

💡Tip: Use tools (like Grammarly), and always have a second (or third) pair of eyes when the stakes are high. Don’t take feedback from your proof-readers personally – focus on the outcome your messaging is aiming to deliver.

5. Coherent. One message, one voice.

When multiple departments or stakeholders contribute to a message, consistency can suffer. Your job? Make it seamless. The message should flow logically, with a unified tone and voice.

💡Tip: Use style guides and tone frameworks, especially when many hands are in the pot. Minimise (where possible) the areas of input to maximise efficiency.

6. Complete. Anticipate questions.

Effective communicators don’t just inform or provide a postal service, they equip. Your message should answer the “So what?”, “Now what?” and “What’s in it for me?” for every audience.

💡Tip: When dealing with a change, include who’s affected, what’s changing, why it matters, and what action (if any) is required. Don’t make readers dig for critical info.

7. Courteous. Professional, always.

Whether you’re responding to feedback, delivering bad news, or navigating tense moments, always communicate with respect. Tone matters. A lot. It’s also hugely important to be mindful of your audience, particularly one that is diverse, to ensure you’ve thought of all perspectives and how the message may land.

💡Tip: Balance transparency with empathy. You can be direct and human.

Why this matters (now more than ever)

In today’s hybrid, cross-generational, multi-channel workplace, clear and effective communication isn’t optional – it’s your superpower. As a communicator, you are not a postal service simply passing messages along. You’re building culture, shaping perception, and driving business outcomes.

The 7C’s aren’t just a checklist…. they’re a mindset.

Get started with these simple actions:

✅ Revisit your last three messages. Did they meet the 7C’s? Where could you improve?
✅ Use this framework to review team outputs. Communication is part of everyday life – take some time to coach others to communicate better. 
✅ Champion clarity. Push back on jargon. Ask questions. Be the voice of the audience in the room.

You can also find a useful checklist in our resource hub – you’re welcome! ☺️

Let’s raise the bar on communication, one clear, concise, courteous message at a time!