This document provides guidance on how to use a message triangle to effectively communicate with audiences. The message triangle is a tool based on the principle that images are easier to visualize than words. It offers focus by representing the key messages as the three sides of the triangle, with each side supported by memorable proof points like facts, examples, quotes or personal experiences. Practicing delivering the message triangle allows strengthening its communication for audiences.

1. How to Use Your Message Triangle
• As a tool to help you speak to your audience effectively.
• Based on the principle that it is easier to visualize an image than to memorize a lot
of words.
• The triangle offers focus and a shelter for your thinking. With open and receptive
audiences, it ensures you communicate the key messages. With unfriendly or
skeptical audiences, it ensures you maintain control of the agenda for the meeting.
• Each side of the triangle represents a broad message. Generally, each of the three
broad messages is equally important.
• Each broad message should be supported by proof points such as specific facts,
examples, meaningful statistics, analogies, metaphors and similes; the “Three
Cs” (colorful words, clichés, contemporary references); one-liners, personal
experience; quotes from experts, or from your opposition.
© 1992 Marketing Partners, Inc.

2. • Your objective is generally unstated.
• As a visual cue, it may be helpful to place your
objective in the center of your triangle.
© 1992 Marketing Partners, Inc.

3. © 1992 Marketing Partners, Inc.
• Your supporting proofs are intended
to be “sound bites” that are
memorable and seem reasonable to
your audience.
• If you are a knowledge expert
speaking to a lay audience, the
“three Cs” of colorful words,
cliches, and contemporary
references can be particularly
helpful.

4. • If at all possible, practice using your
message triangle in front of
colleagues, friends or family — and
invite them to ask you as many
questions as they can think of.
© 1992 Marketing Partners, Inc.