The Five Elements: Clarity

image: Paul Kavanagh

The first of “The Five Elements of the Perfect Speech” is Clarity.

Every time you prepare a presentation you should ask yourself one question:

Does it have one clear message?

Not two messages or five messages, not one rambling and confused message but one clear message.

Having one clear message makes it easier for both you and the audience.
It’s easier for the audience because after the presentation, they will be able to sum up your talk in just one sentence. If they can do this then it’s easy for them to remember and more importantly, it’s easy for them to share and spead your message.

It also helps you when you’re writing/designing the presentation. Write down your message on a piece of paper and stick it up on the wall beside you. Then as you’re writing your script you can look at every quotation, image, story or example and ask yourself, does this help me convey my message or does it confuse it with unnecessary information? If you answer yes to the second half of the question then leave it out.

This is how you can ensure that you have one single clear message in your presentation.

This is how you can ensure that the audience understands and remembers your message.