The 5 Cs of Technical Communication

Clarity  : To be clear so that understanding is easy.

♣ Avoid needless complexity in words, phrases, and sentences.
♣ Keep things simple by using familiar words, constructing effective sentences and paragraphs that are logical and ordered.
♣ Avoid ambiguity by using precise, concrete language and making appropriate choices in words, syntax, pronouns, and punctuation.

Conciseness  : To be brief or to the point without losing the intent of your message.

♣ Eliminate unnecessary prepositional phrases
♣ Avoid unnecessary repetition
♣ Avoid wordy expressions, filler words and padding.       

Concrete  : To be definite, not abstract, real, complete. 

♣ Be precise – say what you mean.
♣ Be technically accurate and complete.
♣ Choose the right words and be careful when substituting one word for another (e.g. weight vs. mass; it’s vs. its)
♣ Use specific facts and figures – make no assumptions.
♣ Use active rather than passive verb forms.   

Coherence  : To hold together in a logical, orderly, and consistent manner. 

♣ Keep ideas tied together by repeating key terms and phrases.
♣ Establish links between ideas by using appropriate transitional words (e.g.,however, in addition).
♣ Develop ideas and details that fit together clearly and read smoothly.      

Context  :  To consider the circumstances in which an event occurs.

♣ Define your purpose or goal.
♣ Identify your audience, their knowledge and needs.
♣ Consider the effect of or response to your writing – what do you hope or want to achieve?
♣ Consider ethical and legal implications.