1.1 Messages

1.2 Highlights

1.3 Titles

1.4 Explanations

1.1 Say what must be said
The term Message encompasses what reports and presentations as a whole as well as their individual components are intended to convey to the reader. Messages in this sense can be determinations, indications, definitions, explanations, excuses, justifications, warnings, and other similar statements.

1.1.1

Say the message first, then explain it

Every report, every presentation and every exhibit can be summed up with a clear message. Normally, the overall message is first presented and then explained.

1.1.2

Say messages which state, explain, or suggest

Messages in reports and presentations can have different characteristics. In order for a message to be understood, it must consist of a complete sentence – and preferably it should not be merely a determination, rather it should above all be an explanation and preferably also recommendations.

1.1.3

Say messages of interest, avoid mundane messages

Messages should answer the questions of the readers or audience. Mundane messages, such as: "Our project has four phases" or "Export amounts to 25," will lead to reports going unread and presentations merely endured.

1.1.4

Support the message, substantiate the claim

Messages should either be proven or, at the very least, made plausible with the help of the texts, charts, or tables.

1.1.5 

Say your message between two slides

During presentations, the speaker should always say his message first and then explain and prove it afterwards with slides.

1.1.6

Conclude the presentation with the overall message

Avoid the phrase "Thank you for your attention" at the end of a presentation. Instead, lecturers should briefly sum up their message one last time – if possible, in one sentence. If this was successful, the audience will be thanking them for the information.