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.