In the past three years, we’ve had to look for creative ways to collaborate. We’re in the era of real-time virtual technology mixed with in-person meetings. It’s overwhelming. When we’re overwhelmed and spread too thin, we tune out and barely participate in one meeting as we often try to multitask. Zoom, Teams, Slack, WhatsApp, and many others give us no reason not to collaborate on our day-to-day jobs. However, with so many meetings, are we
What’s Your Theme?
Technical and business presentations can be difficult for both speakers and listeners. Using a theme sentence will be very helpful. A theme is the most important idea or bit of information that you want your listeners to take away. If they forget everything else, what is the one thing you want them to remember? That is your theme.
Put your theme into a single sentence which is no longer than 10 words. Repeat that theme sentence at least three times during your presentation. Be sure to use the same vocabulary each time. Simplicity, clarity, and consistency are critical to ensuring that your listeners understand your theme.
Speakers often find that developing and wording the theme sentence is difficult. If it is difficult for the speaker, imagine how difficult it will be for the listeners. A clear theme sentence is well worth the effort.
Author
Dennis Becker
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