How do we communicate effectively in this digital age?

1. THE RAINBOW RULES
OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Author: Cory Vo, MA, PMP, ITIL, EDip
Email: cory.vo@gmail.com
CEO & Founder, BML Group of Companies
Events |Entertainment | Marketing | Travel | Consulting

2. Telephone
Somewhere… over
the rainbow...
email
In-person

3. Red = Ritualized
• Enforce follow-up expectations with your audience
• Email communication longer than half a page needs a
phone or in-person discussion
Applies to:

4. Orange = On-point / Precise Applies to:
• Clearly identify your topic(s)
• Discussion your topic(s)
• Summarize your topic(s)
• Each email should address a max of 3 topics

5. Yellow = Yes! attitude Applies to:
• Be positive when asking for a task/assistance and
receiving a request
“Enthusiasm is
infectious and
free. Sprinkle
them aplenty!”

6. Green = Graceful Applies to:
• When handling complaints or criticisms, be graceful (your
personal and company reputation depends on it)
• NEVER engage in a negative discussion, especially in
written format.

7. Blue = Brief Applies to:
• Be brief but concise in your written communications
(emails, memos)
• Respect your audience’s time and deliver your message
short and to the point.

8. Indigo = Impeccable Applies to:
• Always use spell-check
• Proof read your email AFTER spellcheck
to scan for grammatical or contextual
errors.
• No slangs or social media acronyms (LOL,
YOLO, etc.)
• Equip yourself with industry knowledge
and terminology, especially your
employer’s core business (SAGD production,
fracturing, coiled tubing, reclamation,…)

9. Violet = Validate Applies to:
• Validate facts and numbers. Accuracy starts with you!
• Validate people’s hard work. Thanks their efforts. You
don’t have to be a manager to give praise.

10. For effective communication, think of the rainbow:
R =
Ritualized
Y = Yes!
O =
On-point
G =
Graceful B =
Brief
I =
Impeccable
Violet =
Validate