How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Key Points

Techniques > Public speaking > Preparing the Presentation > Key Points

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Take the main things that you want the audience to remember and repeat them clearly and simply.

The ideal number of key points to restate is one, although three to five is usually just fine and more than seven is far too much.

It can help to list the key points in a numbered sequence. This can be prioritized with the most important point first or last in the list.

If you are using slides, a simple way of doing this is with a bullet or numbered list at the end of your slide-set.

Example

I've spoken at length about the coming crisis and what I want you to remember is first, that it is coming. Period. It's no good sticking your head in the sand. Secondly, we showed that you can make a difference. You must make a difference. And finally do remember that you are not alone. We saw how small groups can change the world. This means us!

Discussion

Listing key points clearly tells people what they should be remembering. Numbering items helps as it not only implies priority, but it clearly separates the individual items that are to remembered.

Restating uses the recency effect where people are more likely to remember the last thing said rather than something in the middle of the talk.