Key messages can come in many different forms:
- A specific fact or figure
- A finding from a piece or body of research
- A general overview of why a topic is important, and how to learn more about it
- An impression of your credibility and skills and the fact that you are smart and in command of the subject
What is it important to specific your key message?
If you provide too much detail your audience will either just stop paying attention or they will leave with an incorrect impression of what you said. Below we provide some suggestions on how to identify and stay focused on your key message.
Start with a storyboard, ideally with pen and paper. If you sit down at the computer and start writing or putting together slides you will likely end up with something unfocused.
