Clarity in Corporate Communication
Clear Communication Check: diagnose your message with these five check questions
Clear Communication Check: let your readers rate your message with these five check questions
– Version for writers –
– Version for readers –
1. Context: At the beginning of this communication, is there any indication why the communication is important (purpose) and for whom?
1. Was it clear to you why this message was sent to you?
No indication at all;
No indication at all;
some context indications given;
some context indications given;
communication context clearly given upfront
communication context clearly given upfront
2. Logic structure: ls there a clearly visible, easy-tograsp structure to this communication?
No explicit structure whatsoever;
explicit but somewhat unclear structure;
very clear and visible structure
3. Essential content: Are there parts to this communication that are not essential and could be left out?
Many superfluous items;
some superfluous items;
no superfluous items
4. Ambiguity-free: Are there any terms used in the communication that are ambiguous, unclear, or otherwise difficult to interpret?
Many ambiguous terms;
some ambiguous terms;
no ambiguous terms
5. Resonance: Does the communication provide useful illustrations to create resonance with the audience?
66
No useful illustrations/examples;
somewhat useful illustrations/examples;
very useful illustration provided
2. Did you understand the structure of this message?
No explicit structure whatsoever;
explicit but somewhat unclear structure;
very clear and visible structure
3. Are there parts to this message that are not essential and could be left out?
Many superfluous items;
some superfluous items;
no superfluous items
4. Are there any terms used in the communication that are ambiguous, undear, or otherwise difficult to interpret for you?
Many ambiguous terms;
some ambiguous terms;
no ambiguous terms
5. Does the communication provide useful illustrations to create resonance with you?
No useful illustrations/examples;
somewhat useful illustrations/examples;
very useful illustration provided
Figure 17: Clear communication check for writers and readers.