What are the 7 C’s of public speaking? That question comes up a lot and for good reason. The 7 C’s of public speaking are a simple way to think about what makes a speech clear, strong, and easy to follow.
Public speaking is not just about standing in front of people and talking. It is about helping them get the message.
Imagine speaker who has great ideas, but people kept fidgeting. Another speaker talked about the same topic, yet everyone listened. The difference was not the topic. It was how the message was built and delivered. The second speaker, is the one who has mastered the 7 C’s of public speaking.
In this article I will take you through the C’s of public speaking
Clear
Clarity is the first and most important part of the 7 C’s of public speaking. If the message is not clear, nothing else matters. Think of a speech like giving directions. If someone says, “Go that way, then turn somewhere,” no one arrives. But if they say, “Go straight for two blocks, then turn left,” it is more specific and clear
A clear speech has one main idea, everything else supports it.
Concise
The 7 C’s of public speaking remind speakers to remove the extra words. Shorter does not mean shallow, it should give the relevant information clearly and in a few word.
Concrete
Another key part of the 7 C’s of public speaking is concrete. Abstract ideas are hard to hold. Concrete ones are easy. Saying “our service is fast” is fine. Saying “your order arrives in 24 hours” is better since it paints a picture.
Correct
Correct does not only mean good grammar, though that matters. It also means correct facts, names, and examples.
Imagine listening to a speech and hearing your own name said wrong. The mind stops listening. The same thing happens with wrong facts. The 7 C’s of public speaking include correctness because trust is the ground every good speech stands on.
Coherent
A speech should flow like a story. One idea leading to the next.
Coherence means the audience always knows where they are and where they are going. When a speech is coherent, people do not get tired trying to follow it. They relax and listen.
Complete
A complete speech answers the main questions. It does not leave the audience hanging. It starts the thought and it finishes it.
You should not leave your audience hanging or leave them with unanswered questions. The 7 C’s of public speaking include completeness to make sure the audience walks away satisfied, not confused.
Courteous
This last C in the 7 C’s of public speaking is often overlooked but it is powerful. Courtesy is about respect. Respect for time, for the audience and different views.
A courteous speaker does not talk down to people or attack them. Would you listen to someone who disrespect you? Exactly, people listen more where courtesy is implemented.
Final thoughts
Think of the 7 C’s of public speaking like building a house. Clarity is the plan. Conciseness removes clutter. Concreteness gives it shape. Correctness keeps it strong. Coherence connects the rooms. Completeness puts on the roof. Courtesy makes it welcoming.
And the good news? Anyone can use this in a class presentation or in a meeting.
If you are ready to speak with confidence, register for the upcoming public speaking class today.