Clear writing: 10 Cs of communication (2024)

by Jonathan Graham

Simple is better when writing. The 10 Cs prompt good, basic writing.

10 Cs of writing

  1. CLEAR – simple explanation and objective
  2. CONCISE - no unnecessary words
  3. CORRECT - no mistakes in grammar & facts
  4. COHERENT - logical flow of content
  5. COMPLETE - information comprehensive for reader
  6. CREATIVE -brings interest through varied structure & explanations
  7. CONSIDERATE – easy to read with bullets, subheads, boldface keywords…
  8. CONCRETE - include specifics like numbers, time, date, address…
  9. COURTEOUS -avoid commands, demands & “you”
  10. CREDIBLE - facts not opinions

Use the 10 Cs to improve your writing. Communicating with a target audience is the objective so keep writing clear, concise, correct, coherent, complete, creative, considerate, concrete, courteous & credible.

Clear writing: 10 Cs of communication (2024)

FAQs

Clear writing: 10 Cs of communication? ›

A writer has a right to expect every message to be complete, and concise, clear, conversational, courteous, correct, coherent, considerate, concrete, and credible. Even though these are listed in distinctive categories, they're not mutually exclusive, they do overlap.

What are the 10 C's of communication principles? ›

Use the 10 Cs to improve your writing. Communicating with a target audience is the objective so keep writing clear, concise, correct, coherent, complete, creative, considerate, concrete, courteous & credible.

What are the Cs of written communication? ›

The 7 Cs of Communication help you to communicate more effectively. The 7 Cs stand for: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, and courteous. Though there are a few variations.

What are the Cs of writing? ›

Drafting involves writing consistently in a formal, casual, or informal style characterized by the “Six Cs”: clarity, conciseness, coherence, correctness, courtesy, and conviction.

What is clear written communication? ›

Clear writing involves presenting information that can be easily read, understood and acted upon by the intended audience.

What is 5c principle in communication? ›

For effective communication, remember the 5 C's of communication: clear, cohesive, complete, concise, and concrete.

What are the core principles of communication? ›

The 8 basic principles of communication are clarity, timeliness, coherence, urgency, conciseness, correctness, courteousness, and completeness. Similar to Cialdini's principles of persuasion, the eight principles of communication are the driving force behind messaging that resonates and persuades.

What are the 10 Cs of effective writing? ›

A writer has a right to expect every message to be complete, and concise, clear, conversational, courteous, correct, coherent, considerate, concrete, and credible. Even though these are listed in distinctive categories, they're not mutually exclusive, they do overlap.

What are the five Cs of effective writing? ›

Your letter should be:
  • CLEAR: Make sure your purpose and intent is clear to the reader.
  • COMPLETE: Include all the necessary information.
  • CONCISE: Include only necessary and relevant information.
  • COURTEOUS: Address the reader politely.
  • CORRECT: Unscramble this sentence.

What are the three Cs of good writing? ›

Writing well isn't that difficult if you follow the 3 Cs – Clarity, Conciseness and Consistency. Here are some tips for achieving the 3 Cs. Clarity – Put yourself in your readers' shoes.

What are the 7 C's of creative writing? ›

The Seven Cs of Effective Writing
  • Be clear. It is important to be clear about your intention in writing and your purpose in communicating with your readers. ...
  • Be coherent. ...
  • Be complete. ...
  • Be concise. ...
  • Be consistent. ...
  • Be correct. ...
  • Be credible.

How many Cs are important for letter writing? ›

The indicators of a good letter are completeness, conciseness, consideration, concreteness, clarity, courtesy, and correctness. These are called the Seven C's.

What are the 4 Cs of creative writing? ›

One of the approaches that aid students in developing their writing skills is integrating the 4Cs in writing content areas. They are creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Why is clear in written communication important? ›

The majority of people can clearly understand clear communication. It informs people in a straightforward way, with no room for misunderstanding. Clarity is a critical element of effective proposal writing. It enables the reader to quickly and easily understand the message being conveyed.

What are the basics of clear writing? ›

Simple: Avoid jargon and complex technical terms. Define any scientific terms that you need to include in plain language. Clear: Be straightforward and direct — clearly tell your audience what they need to know. Always write in the active voice.

Why is clear written communication important? ›

Written communication skills are very important because they're a fundamental component of effective communication both professionally and personally. Written communication is critical to facilitate understanding and can have a far-reaching impact especially when those writings are shared.

What are the CS of public speaking? ›

With that consideration done, you can use the 7 Cs of Communication – Complete, Concise, Considerate, Clear, Concrete, Courteous and Correct – to frame what you say or write.

What are the five principles of effective communication class 10? ›

In order to develop effective communication skills we need to consider the following 5 basic principles:
  • awareness,
  • responsibility,
  • respect,
  • trust,
  • and creativity.
Feb 24, 2020

What is an example of the principle of attention in communication? ›

Principle of attention

Speakers can also act to attract their audience's attention. For example, they can make their messages exciting and organise breaks between communication sessions. These steps can help them communicate their messages and ensure recipients are attentive throughout the communication.

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