Thursday, May 26, 2016

Using Communication Skills to Enact Change

Embodying the Message Effectively

Although I am not the best speaker when it comes to communicating a message, I feel the most effective ways to embody a message is the 7 C’s of communication:
11.      Clear
2.      Concise
3.      Concrete
4.      Correct
5.      Coherent
6.      Complete
7.      Courteous
Respectively, when conveying a message to an audience, it is important that one helps the audience understand without reading between the lines (clear). Likewise, being concise means that what is said is straight to the point and all unnecessary thoughts are omitted. Third, when the message it is conveyed, it is detailed; however, the message does not overwhelm the intended audience (concrete). Fourth, being correct (error-free) is important so that what is said fits the measure (educational background and age) of those in your audience. More important, one must consider the coherence. Moreover, does what the message make sense? Is the topic flowing consistently? While checking for coherence in the message, completeness is needed to ensure the audience receives what is being sold (i.e. the proposal for change). Lastly, the courteous nature of one’s message sends the message of respect. When one’s message is courteous, the audience is not caught off guard with negativity. Further, one addresses the needs of the audience.

Opportunities for Improvement

              For me, I lack a little in each of the 7 C’s of Communication. I feel I would benefit a great deal from taking my time when determining what I would like to say to my intended audience. Also, it is important that I remember that everyone does not think as I do. To convey a stronger message to others, I have to take a seat in their shoes and remember that they want the truth as well as their needs met. After stumbling in my recent assignments, I now understand that it is important to have succinct and concise material. When one communicates a message clearly, concisely, concretely, correctly, coherently, completely, and courteously, it makes our messages more credible to others. 

References

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

3 comments:

  1. Yes. Knowing what you want to say, and being able to present that step by step so an audience can follow it... that's the key! Thanks for this.

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    Replies
    1. Yes. I often find it difficult because I tend to rush through what I want to say. Since I began this class, I am learning to take my time, be detailed, and try to make ideas straight to the point.

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    2. Yes. I often find it difficult because I tend to rush through what I want to say. Since I began this class, I am learning to take my time, be detailed, and try to make ideas straight to the point.

      Delete