How can you create a rhythmic technical presentation using repetition?

1 Identify your main message

The first step in crafting a successful presentation is to identify your main message, the one thing you want your audience to remember. This message should be clear, concise, and relevant to your topic and purpose. A simple formula can help you create this message, such as Problem + Solution + Benefit, Topic + Position + Evidence, or Goal + Action + Outcome. For example, if you are presenting a new software feature, your main message could be something like: Our new feature helps you automate your workflow and save time; We have developed a new feature that simplifies your workflow and increases your productivity; or With our new feature, you can easily automate your workflow and achieve more in less time.

2 Repeat your main message

The second step is to reiterate your main message throughout your presentation, especially at the beginning, the end, and the transitions. This repetition helps to strengthen your primary point, create a sense of continuity, and make it easier for your audience to comprehend your logic. You can use a variety of methods to repeat your main message, such as employing synonyms, posing rhetorical questions, summarizing, utilizing visual aids or sound effects, or even utilizing a memorable slogan or mnemonic device. For instance, if your main message is "Our new feature helps you automate your workflow and save time", you can repeat it by asking "How can you automate your workflow and save time?" at the start of your presentation, showing a diagram of how your new feature works with the explanation "This is how our new feature helps you automate your workflow and save time" in the middle of your presentation, and playing a short video testimonial of a content customer with the statement "As you can see, our new feature helps you automate your workflow and save time" at the end of your presentation.

3 Vary your repetition

The third step is to vary your repetition, so that it does not become boring, monotonous, or redundant. You want to use repetition to create a rhythm, not a noise. You can do this by changing the order, structure, or tone of your words; adding or removing details, modifiers, or connectors; and using different types of repetition, such as alliteration, parallelism, or anaphora. Additionally, mixing repetition with contrast, comparison, or humor can also be effective. For instance, if your main message is "We have developed a new feature that simplifies your workflow and increases your productivity", you can vary it by saying "Simplify your workflow, increase your productivity, with our new feature" at the beginning of your presentation; "Our new feature simplifies your workflow by eliminating unnecessary steps and automating repetitive tasks" at the middle of your presentation; and "Simpler workflow, higher productivity, happier customers, that's what our new feature delivers" at the end of your presentation.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?