1. 1 5 2 3 4 Message Box Adapted from NSF Becoming the Messenger
Theme/Concept/Idea
What is the issue/question?
Who cares?
What were your main findings?
Why are your results interesting?

2. Message Triangle
Adapted from NSF Becoming the Messenger
First assess your audience by answering the following:
My audience is (there is no such thing as a general audience):
My message is targeted to this type of person in the audience (describe as though you are addressing one person):
Relative to what I’m talking about, he/she currently knows, believes, or does:
This makes him/her more likely to be supportive or resistant to my message:
My target audience will respond most favorably if I make my points in the context of (e.g. politics, science, economics, business, personal involvement, etc.):
Relative to what I’m talking about, I want her/him to know, believe or do:
Three things my audience should know (or three questions they might ask) about my subject are: a) b) c)
Arguments and evidence that support my assertions/answers:

3. With the audience in mind, consolidate your message into a message triangle by:
Placing the key idea you want the audience to take away in the center of the triangle.
Situating 3 questions you believe your audience will have at the 3 corners of the triangle.
Developing answers to the questions and support for you answers in the form of factual evidence, assertions, anecdotes, and 3rd party assertions.
Talking Point 1
Supporting Evidence
Talking Point 3
Supporting Evidence
Talking Point 2
Supporting Evidence
Main
Message