The Power of Repetition

We've all been there—sitting through a presentation where the speaker tries to cram so much information into a five-minute speech or a one-to-two-page document. It's overwhelming, and let's be honest, how much do you actually remember afterward? * The One Message Rule Here's the thing: In a short presentation, your audience is likely to remember just one main message. That's right, just one. Your objective should be to decide what that one crucial takeaway is and to build your entire presentation around it. * Why Repetition Works Cognitive psychology has taught us a lot about how humans process and remember information. One key insight is the power of repetition. When something is repeated, it reinforces neural pathways in the brain, making the information easier to recall later. In the context of a brief presentation, repetition acts as a spotlight, focusing your audience's attention on what matters most. * Tips for Effective Repetition 1. Identify Your Core Message: Before you even start building your presentation, know what your one key message is. Everything else is just supporting material. 2. Reinforce Through Variation: Repetition doesn't mean saying the same sentence over and over. You can use different examples, stories, or data points to reinforce your main idea. 3. End with What You Started: Start by stating your main message and end with it too. This creates a cognitive frame that makes the information more memorable. 4. Engage Multiple Senses: Use visuals or even sounds to echo your main point. A well-placed image that gets shown a couple of times can make your message stick. The irony here is beautiful. By saying less, you're actually communicating more. You're making it easy for your audience to grasp and remember your main point, which is pretty much the essence of effective communication. In a world filled with information overload, less really is more. As you prepare your next five-minute pitch or one-pager, remember the power of repetition. Nail down that one message you want to convey and let repetition do the heavy lifting for you. So, the next time you're tempted to go overboard with details, take a step back. Ask yourself, "What's the one thing I want my audience to remember?" Then focus, repeat, and watch your message resonate.