The 7 cs of communication

Students identify key components of clear speech, then practice using those components in a written message.

INSTRUCTIONS:

An effective message involves many key components including clarity, coherence, and courteousness. This assignment involves three separate steps. First, read the sample email message below (activity 1), and then write down your thoughts about it. When finished, read the article at the following site and pay attention to the seven key components of clear communication: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_85.htm (activity 2). When finished reading, you will create a written message to your instructor based off the scenario written in activity 3. Make sure to utilize the seven components of effective communication in your message.

To submit your assignment:

Please follow your instructor’s procedures for submitting completed work.
ASSIGNMENT:

Activity 1 (Sample email message)

Read the following email, then explain in your own words what you think is wrong with it.

Email:

Subject: tomorrow

As you know, tomorrow afternoon we’ll be meeting to discuss the status of all of our current projects. Donuts will be provided. Be sure to arrive on time and bring along the materials you have been working on this week—bring enough copies for everyone. Some of these material might include your calendars, reports, and any important e-mails you have sent. Also, I wanted to remind you that your parking permit requests are due later this week; you should turn those in to Ms. Jones, and if she is not at her desk when you stop by, you can e-mail them to her.

Your reaction:

Click here to enter text.

Activity 2 (article)

Read the article at the following website: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_85.htm

Activity 3 (email to instructor)

Create a one-paragraph email message to your professor using the 7C’s of clear communication (clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, courteous) based on the following scenario:

You have a deadline for a paper due tomorrow. The paper was assigned at the beginning of the course. Though you did not start until week 5, you have been working hard on the paper but need more time to finish it. The instructor stated that he/she would not give extensions without a good reason. Using the 7C’s of clear communication, create a one-paragraph request for a one-week continuation on the assignment.