This document outlines the "Rainbow Rules of Effective Communication" which provides guidelines for effective communication through different channels. It breaks down communication strategies based on colors of the rainbow: Red emphasizes following up expectations and using phone/in-person for emails over half a page. Orange stresses clearly identifying topics and summarizing them in each email. Yellow promotes being positive when asking/receiving requests. Green advises being graceful when handling complaints and avoiding negative discussions. Blue recommends being brief but concise in written communications. Indigo focuses on proofreading for errors. Violet validates facts, numbers, and people's work. The rules are meant to improve written, phone, in-person, and email exchanges.

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