• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyer’s Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Upload Advertising

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Communicating for success: write right!

Student DC March 19, 2019

ThinkstockPhotos-151333002

We all know the importance of communication, but it only works if you really work at communicating effectively.

When we think about communication, we usually think about verbal skills, but effective writing is also a vital element to a successful practice. Whether you are writing to patients, other professionals, or employees, you can improve your writing by incorporating the 7 C’s into your documents.

Anything you write should be:

1. Clear. Write clearly so you can’t be misunderstood. Unclear writing causes mistakes, irritation, confusion, and ultimately wastes time and money. To be clear:
“¢ Don’t use jargon, including chiropractic terms for people who don’t understand them.
“¢ Use the right word. Take the time to check your words to be sure you’re using the correct word.
“¢ Avoid euphemisms that obscure meaning.
“¢ Avoid slang, acronyms (abbreviations formed from initial letters) and cliche phrases. For example, some people may not know what the acronyms RSVP or ASAP mean.

2. Correct. Make certain that your writing is free of mistakes, typographical errors, and incorrect sentences. Proofread carefully. One mistake in a business document can destroy your credibility as a communicator.

3. Complete. Include all the information that is needed to explain a point. Don’t assume that your reader knows what you are talking about. Use “who, what, where, why, when, and how” as guidelines for completeness.

4. Concise. If you are certain you have answered the question, stop. Avoid redundant expressions (advance planning, for example), legalisms (such as “the aforementioned” and “herewith”), and meaningless phrases (such as “in the event that” instead of “if”).

5. Concrete. Use specific words, including numbers, dates, and names. Instead of saying “I need the information at your earliest convenience,” state, “I need this contract signed by January 30.”
Note that when you use concrete phrases, you also eliminate meaningless phrases (such as “at your earliest convenience”). Avoid words like “good,” “best,” and “poor.”

6. Courteous. Use “please” and “thank you.” Remember the golden rule: The customer is always right. Don’t argue with anyone. Consider your practice image as the “hidden” message in every written communication.

7. Conversational. Write as if you were talking with a business associate (not a good friend). Say “you” instead of “I” or “we,” and don’t begin a sentence with “I.”

Remember that even if you are writing to many people, each person will be reading your document individually. Avoid legal terminology and adjust your writing level to the level of the person.

If you let these seven principles guide your business writing, you will find that you have better relationships with patients, vendors, and other professionals, and you’ll see a positive effect on the “goodwill” toward your practice.

  • For tips on writing to patients, see “Say ‘thank you’ for success” at studentdc.com/saythankyou.
  • For help communicating with colleagues and other professionals, check out “Connecting and networking” at studentdc.com/connectingandnetworking.

Related Posts

  • The importance of writing great thank you lettersThe importance of writing great thank you letters
  • Choosing the best mentor to achieve successChoosing the best mentor to achieve success
  • 5 lessons from 5 years in practice5 lessons from 5 years in practice
  • An associateship can be a great way to jump-start your career.An associateship can be a great way to jump-start your career.
  • A startup story: Adrian Emm, DCA startup story: Adrian Emm, DC
  • Time managementTime management

Filed Under: Career Development, Student DC

Current Issue

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube logoYouTube logoYouTube

3948 3rd Street South #279,

Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

Phone 904.285.6020

CONTACT US »

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Copyright © 2021, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • WFC, Parker University team to offer free Masters chiropractor scholarship
  • Life University awarded by Association of Chiropractic Colleges
    LIFE University logo
  • Parker University announces new virtual reality for chiropractic students
    Parker University logo
x