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Welcome! I’m Michael Forrester, and in this lesson, we’ll dive into essential written communication techniques tailored for DevOps professionals. Whether you’re collaborating on Slack, writing technical reports, or crafting emails, clear and consistent writing bridges gaps across distributed, cross-functional teams.
The image is a presentation slide about the importance of good writing and verbal skills for connecting distributed teams globally, featuring a world map with icons representing communication and collaboration. It highlights aspects like diverse teams, global collaboration, communication tools, and DevOps practices.

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1. Apply the Seven C’s of Communication

Effective writing mirrors strong verbal skills. Use the Seven C’s—Clear, Concise, Correct, Coherent, Complete, Concrete, and Courteous—to ensure your messages resonate:
  • Clear: Is the purpose obvious at first glance?
  • Concise: Have you removed filler without losing meaning?
  • Correct: Are your facts accurate and grammar flawless?
  • Coherent: Does each sentence flow logically?
  • Complete: Have you answered all key questions?
  • Concrete: Did you include specific examples or data?
  • Courteous: Is your tone respectful and inclusive?
Many modern editors and AI writing assistants can flag issues aligned with the Seven C’s in real time.
The image is a presentation slide about the "7 C's" of effective communication, listing them as Courteous, Concrete, Complete, Coherent, Correct, Concise, and Clear. There's also a small video thumbnail of a person speaking in the bottom right corner.

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2. Tailor Your Message to the Platform

Each channel has its own best practices. Match your style to the medium:
ChannelToneLength
Slack / Instant MessagingInformalBrief, action-focused
Design DocumentsFormalDetailed, structured
Emails / Web ContentNeutralConcise to moderate
Text MessagesCasualVery short updates
As content formats shrink—think webinars → blog posts → social media—the emphasis shifts toward brevity and clarity. Always pick the level of detail that your audience expects.
The image compares two communication mediums: a Slack message and a design document, each tailored for requesting feedback on a presentation. It includes a small inset of a person speaking.

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3. Adjust the Message to the Audience

Identify your audience’s needs and technical background:
  • Executives: Focus on outcomes, KPIs, and business impact.
  • Technical Teams: Provide architecture diagrams, code snippets, and metrics.
  • Cross-Functional Partners: Blend technical context with high-level summaries and rationale.
When addressing mixed audiences, layer information—start with the “why” and then drill into the “how” with collapsible sections or appendices.
The image is a slide titled "Adjust the Message to the Audience," detailing communication styles, key focus areas, and messages for three audience types: Executives, Technical Team, and Cross-Functional Partners. A person is also visible in the bottom right corner.

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4. Read Before You Respond

Rushing replies can lead to misunderstandings. Adopt this four-step routine:
  1. Receive the message or alert.
  2. Read it fully—avoid skimming.
  3. Understand the request, error, or context.
  4. Respond thoughtfully, clarifying assumptions and deadlines as needed.
This applies to human-to-human chats as well as system logs, tickets, and monitoring alerts.
The image outlines a four-step process for responding to messages: receiving, reading, understanding, and responding, with an emphasis on the importance of understanding messages in a DevOps environment.

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5. Proofread Your Writing

Avoid preventable errors by reviewing every document:
  • Spelling and punctuation
  • Grammar and syntax
  • Tone and style (Seven C’s checklist)
Skipping proofreading can damage credibility. Use tools like Grammarly or the built-in editor in Microsoft Word before sharing.
The image is a slide about proofing, highlighting tools like Grammarly and Microsoft Word Spell Check for grammar and spelling checks. It includes a message asking for feedback on a presentation draft and features a person in the bottom right corner.

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6. Use Visual Aids and Formatting for Readability

A well-formatted document guides readers:
  • Headings and subheadings
  • Bullet lists and numbered steps
  • Bold or italic text for emphasis
  • Tables for structured data
  • Diagrams or screenshots for complex concepts
Create reusable templates to maintain consistency across reports, tickets, and external presentations.
The image compares poorly formatted text with effectively formatted text for readability, showing examples of each. There's also a small inset of a person sitting at a desk.

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Summary

In DevOps, polished written communication ensures smooth collaboration and reduces friction across global teams. Key takeaways:
  • Apply the Seven C’s for clarity and impact
  • Select the appropriate platform and style
  • Adapt content to your audience’s needs
  • Read thoroughly before replying
  • Proofread to eliminate errors
  • Enhance readability with formatting and visuals
Master these practices to elevate teamwork and project success.
The image is a summary slide about written communication skills for DevOps, highlighting the importance of the 7 C's, the medium of communication, and the target audience. There is also a person in the bottom right corner.
Thank you for exploring written communication best practices. I look forward to our next session! — Michael Forrester

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