A complete safety and health communication should answer six questions:
It should include all the facts the target audience needs to fully understand and, if necessary, respond. It should aim to leave no questions in the mind of the receiver.
As a result it:
Each message should communicate relevant information to the receiver clearly, without unnecessary wordiness, ambiguity or irrelevant detail. Concise information:
Don’t use technical or business jargon unless you’re confident that your audience is familiar with the terms. A clear communication focuses on a specific message or goal, rather than trying to achieve too much at once. For clarity, use exact and appropriate language. Clear communication:
All information in a communication should be checked for accuracy. Correctness also refers to the use of proper punctuation, grammar and spelling. Correct communication:
Supporting a message with concrete facts and figures as appropriate makes the communication more solid and convincing. A concrete message:
Effective communication should consider the target audience. Strive to empathise with the audience’s viewpoints, background, mindset and comprehension levels, and make your messages personal. Emphasise what’s possible rather than what’s impossible. By showing an interest and fostering mutual respect, communication becomes more valuable. Consideration:
Courteous communication is where the message sender is sincere, polite, judicious, reflective and enthusiastic. Courteous communication:
Effective business communication |
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Complete |
Concise |
Clear |
Correct |
Concrete |
Considerate |
Courteous |