Themes in Interpretation and Communication

CSS 387

August 24, 2007

I’d like to recognize Sam Ham for providing many of the examples

used today

Which is a theme?

Why use themes? …so people can internalize and remember what

you said.

People forget isolated facts, they remember themes.

It makes your preparation easier & more focused.

It makes the visitor’s job easier.

Why use themes? to influence attitudes & behavior:

– themes are beliefs, and beliefs are the building blocks of attitudes and behavior.

– By communicating themes, you are planting seeds (beliefs) that can ultimately influence (reinforce or change) how people think, feel and behave

What does the theme do? It answers the question “So What?” It answers the question “Big Deal?” It is the moral to the story. It is the “big picture.”

Theme ≠ Topic

Themes are whole ideas Complete declarative sentences Have a subject and verb

How do you write one? “After seeing/hearing my

communication, my audience should know that _______________.”

Themes should be interesting!

“How rivers are born is fascinating.”

“The birth of a river is as fascinating and mysterious as the birth of a human.”

Metaphors and analogies

Themes should resonate!“The plumbing system of an active volcano

contains both heat and gas pressure.”

“To understand what goes on in an active volcano’s plumbing system, you need only think of a pressure cooker and an agitated bottle of champagne.”

Metaphors and analogies

Strong themes are personal

“Six different kinds of snakes live here.”

“Six different kinds of snakes live here and knowing which is which could save your life.”

Strong themes connect to important intangibles

“The history of Hawaii is interesting.”

“The history of Hawaii tells a story of people still struggling to cope with the loss of their ancient culture.”

Themes should speak in active language!

“This desert landscape was created by harsh winds and drought.”

“Harsh winds and drought created this desert landscape.”

“This castle is a hundred years old.”

“These walls tell a hundred-year story.”

Summary– Ham’s TORE model applies to themes:

themes and organization always come first!

– Theme topic– When interpreting, always start with a strong

theme!– It’s easy to write a boring theme. But writing a

strong theme takes time and practice.– Once you have a strong theme, you’re ready to

apply the O, R and E.