How To Make A Point

(And avoid being ignored)

Humans crave meaning.

And when meaning isn’t obvious in what you’ve created people will either invent a reason or ignore your creation all together.

Here’s the thing:

All creation opens a loop.

It’s your job as the creator to close the loop.

If you don’t, the viewer, the reader, or the listener will close it for you. Which means you, as the creator, will lose your chance to influence change.

So, what’s my point?

Make one.

How To Make Your Point

Here’s how:

Step 1: Decide on a point

Any time you sit down to make something, identify the purpose.

• “The point is…”

• “My purpose here is…”

• “Here’s the bottom line…”

• “The big takeaway here is…”

• “The reason I’m telling you this …”

Then turn it into an “I believe” statement.

I believe X should Y.

• “I believe exercise improves mental health.”

• “I believe high-school students must learn to build a budget.”

• “I believe open communication is the key to a great marriage.”

Write it down.

Conviction is the first signal you have a point.

Which leads to the second signal.

Step 2: Ask “So What?!”

You believe in your point.

You have conviction. But, why?

Challenge your point. See if you can argue against your point for a at least 30 seconds. Find the counter-point and the counter-logic.

Can you argue that exercise is bad for your mental health?

• In what cases might it be bad for you?

• What types of people might it be bad for?

Having two sides will ensure your point has power.

Step 3: Ask “Which does what?”

What’s the greatest impact your idea will have?

What’s the outcome for the reader, the listener, or the viewer?

If the consumer chooses to buy into your believe that exercise will improve their mental health, and they understand the counter-argument, then what’s ultimately it for them?!

Your turn.

Now it’s your turn.

Look at the last thing you created and ask yourself:

What was the point?

What were you proposing, recommending, or suggesting?

What did you believe?

Decide on a point.

Make the point.

Reinforce the point with the reason and the outcome.