Communication ideas that help you lead and manage

Using Timelines To Make Your Point

Imagine this situation: You have to make a report to a client about a series of developments that have taken place since the client came on board two months ago. Not only should the report help the client understand what's been done, but should also show the sequence in which the tasks were done.

In a situation like this, you'll find a formal timeline helpful. A timeline refers to a chronological list of events or developments. It can show hours, days, months, or years, according to your needs, and might look something like this:

  • October 1: initial meeting to discuss objectives
  • October 9: preliminary list of objectives presented
  • October 17: meeting to prepare short-list
  • October 24: final ranking of top three objectives
  • October 26: work started on Objective #1

What we've done here is to make the dates (or times) the focus of the report. Alternatively, you might create a report that lists your accomplishments, that focuses on the people involved, or some other relevant factor.

Timelines, when appropriate, have a number of benefits. They allow us to show that, as this example does, that one thing has to follow another. Looking at the example above, we could show why we didn't start work on Objective #1 for almost a month after the initial meeting.

We can also use them to suggest that we took a logical and methodical approach to a project. Without saying so explicitly, a timeline implies that we've considered the work that needs to be done, that prerequisites have been considered, and that we're aware of deadlines. For example, when a supplier recently gave me timeline for his search engine optimization service, I felt comfortable that the work would be done, and done in an orderly way.

Presenters and speakers also can use timelines, and get a great deal of mileage out of them.

What we've discussed above also works for presenters or speakers, but we'll add a few presentation tactics as well. These tactics include

  • creating the chart
  • making reference to it, and
  • using it to show accomplishments.

First, do create a chart if you plan to use a timeline in your presentation or speech. Whether you jot down a few dates on a whiteboard as you go, or prepare flip charts in advance, you'll find they help you make your point.

A couple of tips in creating your charts:
  • write in letters large enough to be seen from the back of the room
  • be sure the chart is high enough to be seen by everyone
  • if you're writing as you go, stop speaking while you write

When you make reference to dates or times, point specifically to them on the chart. A pointer would help you draw attention to them, but if stuck, you can always just point with your finger.

And, take along a red pen when you make the presentation. After you've addressed each point, put a check mark beside it to indicate it's been done or has been considered. It's a great way to show your progress through the presentation and through the project. It's also a quick and easy way to provide an ongoing theme or consistency to your presentation.

Summary: A timeline, a visual representation of when events occurred, or will occur, can help you make your point more effectively.

Next, go to the public speaking tips page, or visit our home page Communication Skills .

Contact information

Robert F. Abbott
Email: wordengines@gmail.com or wordengines@gmail.com )

Timelines, Copyright Robert F. Abbott 2009