When you CARE enough to say the very best...

I find that a lot of folks who struggle with effective written communication (or prepared verbal presentations) do so because it's so easy to become bogged down with all the things that possibly could be said about their subject, rather than picking out one or two key concepts to get across in the best way possible. These are the communicators you're likely to feel "love the sound of their own voice." If you find yourself falling into this habit, you may find it useful to remember to always take CARE when communicating a specific concept or request--including a request for business.

Effective communication is...

Concise. Don't use two words where one will do. Brevity isn't just the soul of wit, it's the key to keeping peoples' attention long enough to say all you need to say.

Articulate. Really look at the tone and connotation of the words you elect to use. Are they the very best tools for your job? Have they been used too many times already; do they need a subtle re-write to increase impact?

Responsive to potential listener concerns. Now this one's tricky, because you don't want to put negative ideas into someone's head as they read. Rather, you should identify the objections you feel people may have to what you're saying, and address their causes--without stating them directly.

Empathetic. Speak from your heart to your audience's heart, even on a business proposal. We're all humans here, and without that acknowledgement of our humanity, your words won't compel. You'll be one more voice in the millions we're bombarded with during this electronic age.

So there you have it. Give it a whirl, see if this little acronym helps you out. And, as always, feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions.