The 7 C’s of Effective Communication

Failure to communicate effectively with clients is the common factor in a large percentage of errors and omissions claims. The Lawyer’s Insurance Association of Nova Scotia (LIANS) has compiled several useful communication tips on their website.

The 7 C’s of Effective Communication:

Often we talk about the importance of effectively communicating with our clients, but what does that mean? Here are the 7 C’s of effective communication, applicable to both written and oral communication:

• Completeness: Convey all facts, leaving no question in the mind of the receiver, which will assist in better decision making.

• Conciseness: Convey what you need to say in the least amount of words possible. It saves time, is not repetitive, and highlights the main message by avoiding excessive and needless words.

• Consideration: Envision the recipient’s background and modify your words to suit their needs.

• Clarity: Emphasize a specific message or goal, rather than trying to convey too much in a single message.

• Concreteness: Be specific rather than general. Concreteness will reduce the chances of messages being misinterpreted.

• Courtesy: Your message should convey your expression and respect the recipient. It should be sincerely polite and positive, and not biased.

• Correctness: Ensure there are no grammatical errors in your communication.

See other useful practice management tips on the LIANS website.