Stick to One Point -- Then Call to Action

--originally printed in April 2005

When you work with students or audiences of any age, stressing too many concepts in one hour is likely to confuse your listeners.

Choose one main theme. Within the one main point you select, make several smaller points to strengthen your message. Just keep the "MAIN" point clear throughout the presentation. For most effective results, all the smaller points should focus back to the "MAIN" theme.
Then, end the program with a CALL TO ACTION -- based on your "MAIN"point!! If you only make people aware of a problem, you are not necessarily helping reduce the problem from happening. For instance, at the end of my presentation, I want to leave the audience WANTING TO ASK their partners (current and/or future). If they take that action, they are very likely to treat their partners with more respect. Thus, we give the audience a "skill" to use in their own lives.