The 3-Part Communication Framework I Use With Every Client

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned—both in corporate settings and real life—is that most problems are actually communication problems.

Missed expectations, weird tension, dropped balls, unnecessary drama... they almost always trace back to a lack of clarity somewhere along the way.

After a few too many messy handoffs and awkward “Oh—I didn’t know you meant that” moments, I started building my own framework for how I communicate with clients, teams, and honestly… everyone.

It’s super simple. It’s flexible. And it’s made every project smoother.

The 3 Cs of Better Communication

Whenever I’m about to send an update, plan something, or clarify a next step, I run it through this quick checklist:

1. Context

What’s the bigger picture here?

People need to know why this matters—not just what it is. When I open with a short bit of context, I see way fewer back-and-forths later.

Example:
Instead of: “Here’s the draft.”

Try: “Here’s the draft for next week’s presentation. We’re still focusing on messaging for the executive team, so this version leans more strategic than tactical.”

You’re not oversharing—you’re giving people footing.

2. Clarity

What exactly needs to happen now?

This is the meat of the message. I try to avoid vague language and just say the thing.

• What do you need from them?

• What decision needs to be made?

• What’s the deadline or outcome?

If someone has to guess what you're asking, they probably won’t respond the way you need them to.

3. Confidence

What tone are you sending?

Even when I’m not 100% sure of something, I still try to communicate with calm, grounded confidence.

That doesn’t mean faking it. It just means writing with a tone that says, “I’ve thought this through. Here’s where we’re at. Let’s move forward.”

People don’t want chaos—they want direction. Even soft-spoken, respectful direction makes a huge difference.

Putting It All Together

Let’s say I’m managing an inclusion initiative for one of our manufacturing clients. We’re rolling out a multi-site training program focused on inclusive leadership, and I’m sending an update to the key stakeholders on their end.

Here’s how I’d use the 3C framework:

Subject: Inclusion Training Rollout – Prep for Site 2 Launch

Body:

Hi [Client Name],

As part of our next rollout phase, I’ve attached the updated implementation plan for Site 2, scheduled to go live next Monday. Based on our feedback loop from Site 1, we’ve adjusted the onboarding walkthrough and added a touchpoint for shift supervisors mid-week to ensure better engagement.

Here’s what we need by Friday EOD:
– Confirmation of your final list of department leads
– Any site-specific considerations you want addressed in the kickoff call

We’re on track with timeline and resourcing—no blockers at this point. Let me know if anything needs a closer look.

Thanks again,
Stephen

Quick. Clean. Respectful. Actionable. That’s the energy I want everything I send to carry.

Why It Works

• Context: “As part of our next rollout phase…” → reminds them where we are in the larger program

• Clarity: “Here’s what we need by Friday…” → specific, no guesswork

• Confidence: Calm, collected tone with clear status update → shows leadership and ownership

This kind of message saves so much back-and-forth and builds trust over time. And it works just as well in cross-functional team comms as it does in client-facing updates.

Steal It, Tweak It, Make It Yours

You don’t need to adopt my exact approach. But next time you’re about to send a message, pitch an idea, or start a tricky convo—ask yourself:

Did I give context?
Is this clear?
Does it feel grounded and confident?

You’d be surprised what those three questions can do.