The one thing missing in your perfect presentation

Sticky ideas are those that capture attention, linger in the mind, and inspire action. Learn the principles of creating messages that are not just understandable but also memorable and impactful enough to drive change.

What do you care about?

1 How to Make Your Ideas Stick in a World of Endless Noise

In today’s world of constant information overload, standing out is a necessity. Whether you’re sharing an idea, selling a product, or rallying support for a cause, making your message stick is the secret to success. But what makes an idea stick? It must be understandable, memorable, and, most importantly, capable of inspiring action.

The hard truth? Most ideas don’t hit the mark. Even if they’re truthful, relevant, or even fascinating, they can still cannot connect. Why? Because they lack one critical ingredient: emotional resonance.

2 Why People Don’t Care

Even you have a great delivery. The delivery alone won’t save a message if the audience doesn’t care. Facts and logic may inform, but they rarely inspire action.

To truly engage people, you need to tap into their emotions and make your message personal.

Consider how successful charities operate. They don’t just ask for donations to help millions of unnamed people; they focus on one face, one story—a child, an animal, a life you can change. This strategy transforms a broad, abstract cause into a relatable connection.

3 The Bridge Between Understanding and Caring

Sticky ideas bridge the gap between knowing and caring. It’s not enough for your audience to understand your message—they need to feel it. That’s where the SUCCESS framework, from the book Made to Stick, comes into play:

• Simple: Strip your message down to its core. Complexity confuses; simplicity sticks.

• Unexpected: Surprise your audience. Breaking expectations grabs attention.

• Concrete: Use vivid examples and details to make your ideas real and relatable.

• Credible: Back up your claims with proof—whether it’s data, expert endorsements, or relatable stories.

• Emotional: Make people feel something. Tap into their values, fears, and desires.

• Stories: Wrap your idea in a compelling narrative. Stories stick better than standalone facts.

When you combine these principles, you don’t just share an idea — you create an experience that lingers in the mind and moves the heart.

4 Moving Beyond Awareness to Action

The goal of a sticky idea is action. It’s not just about being remembered; it’s about inspiring change. When your audience cares enough to act, you’ve truly made your message stick.

Tip

So, as you craft your next pitch, post, or presentation, ask yourself:

Does this make people feel something? Will it inspire them to do something?