What do you need to do?

Refer to your theme, and enlarge on it in various ways throughout your talk.

Why is it important?

It unifies your presentation and helps the audience to understand what you say and to remember it.

1 EXPERIENCED speakers know the value of having a theme. When they are preparing a talk, the theme helps them to focus attention on a narrower field of information and to think more deeply about it. The result is that instead of superficially touching on many points, they develop their material in a way that is more beneficial to their audience. When each of the main points is directly connected to the theme and helps to develop it, the audience is also helped to remember those points and to appreciate their significance.

2 Although it can be said that your theme is the subject on which you speak, you will find that the quality of your talks will improve if you take the position that your theme is the particular viewpoint from which you develop your subject. The Kingdom, the Bible, and the resurrection are broad subjects. A variety of themes can be developed on these subjects. Here are some examples: “The Kingdom, a Real Government,” “God’s Kingdom Will Make Earth a Paradise,” “The Bible Is Inspired of God,” “The Bible Is a Practical Guide for Our Day,” “Resurrection Offers Hope to Grieving Ones,” and “The Resurrection Hope Helps Us to Remain Firm When Faced With Persecution.” All of these themes require development along completely different lines.

3 Consistent with the dominant theme of the Bible, the preaching done by Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry highlighted the theme: “The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matt. 4:17) How was that theme developed? More than 110 times in the four Gospels, reference is made to that Kingdom. But Jesus did more than use the term “kingdom” repeatedly. Both by what he taught and by the miracles he performed, Jesus made clear that he, the one who was present, was the Son of God, the Messiah, the one to whom Jehovah would give the Kingdom. Jesus also showed that through him the way was being opened for others to share in that Kingdom. He identified the qualities that must be demonstrated by those who would be given that privilege. By his teachings and the powerful works he performed, he made clear what God’s Kingdom would mean in the lives of people and pointed out that his expelling of demons by means of God’s spirit was evidence that ‘the kingdom of God had really overtaken’ his hearers. (Luke 11:20) It was concerning that Kingdom that Jesus commissioned his followers to bear witness.​—Matt. 10:7; 24:14.

4 Using an Appropriate Theme. You are not called on to develop a theme to the same extent that the Bible does, but having an appropriate theme is no less important.

If selection of the theme is left to you, consider first the objective of your presentation. Then as you select the main points that will make up your outline, be sure that these really support the theme you have chosen.

5 If the theme is assigned, analyze carefully what it indicates as to the way that your material is to be developed. Some effort may be required to appreciate the value and potential of such a theme. If you will be choosing material with which to develop the assigned theme, make careful selection so that the theme will be kept in focus. On the other hand, if the material is provided, you still need to analyze how to use it in harmony with the theme. You also need to consider why the material is important to your audience and what your objective should be in delivering it. This will help you determine what to emphasize in your delivery.

6 How to Emphasize the Theme. In order to give proper emphasis to the theme, you must lay the foundation when selecting and organizing your material. If you use only what supports your theme and if you follow principles involved in preparing a good outline, you will almost automatically emphasize the theme.

7 Repetition can help to reinforce the theme. Consider the way theocratic songs in sign language are generally structured. Often, phrases consisting of a few key signs are used repeatedly. These phrases may vary in form but are skillfully woven throughout the song, emphasizing the theme. It is similar with the theme of a talk. By repeating key words from the theme, perhaps using slightly different signs, you will help viewers to see the same point from a different perspective. For example, an article might discuss the need to guard against immorality. The term “immorality” could appear often throughout the article or subheading. The point could be that, to avoid immoral actions, we must guard our thinking, because thoughts lead to actions. The sign for “immorality” could be formed near the head, conveying the idea of immoral thoughts. The sign could then be made near the body and progress into the action, thus making it clear to deaf viewers how our mind, body, and actions are related. Other methods include using synonyms of key words or rephrasing the theme. Use of such means will cause the theme to be the main thought your audience carries away.

8 These principles apply not only to talks from the platform but also to discussions in the field ministry. A relatively brief conversation becomes more memorable if a theme stands out. Instruction given at a Bible study will more readily come back to mind if a theme has been emphasized. The effort that you put into selecting and developing suitable themes will do much to enhance your effectiveness as a speaker and as a teacher of God’s Word.

HOW TO DO IT

When preparing your talk, select main points and supporting details that will truly contribute to developing your theme.

When you practice your delivery, give thought to where and how you will emphasize the theme. You may even want to mark your outline at points where you plan to do this.

From time to time during delivery, repeat key words or ideas from your theme.

A DOMINANT THEME IN A MAJOR COMPOSITION

In understanding the use of a theme, it is helpful to study how Jehovah God, though using human writers, wove a dominant theme through the 66 books that make up the Bible. That theme is the vindication of Jehovah’s right to rule mankind and the realization of his loving purpose by means of his Kingdom.

This theme begins to unfold in the opening chapters of Genesis, and facets of it are thereafter developed throughout the Bible. Attention is drawn to the divine name itself again and again, more than 7,000 times. The rightfulness of Jehovah’s rulership becomes manifest in the account of creation. The challenge to his rulership is reported, along with the disastrous effects of disobedience. Jehovah’s superlative love, his wisdom, his justice, and his almighty power are demonstrated by his dealings with his creatures. The benefits of obedience to God and the calamity that results from disobedience are shown by countless examples. Jehovah’s provision through Jesus Christ to wipe out sin and death is explained and demonstrated. Details are set out for a heavenly government that will destroy both wicked spirits and humans who refuse to recognize Jehovah’s rightful rulership over his creation. It is made clear that the Kingdom will bring to completion Jehovah’s purpose that the earth be a paradise filled with people who love and worship the only true God and who love one another.

EXERCISE: For the field service, select a theme in harmony with a specific video. Endeavor to stimulate interest in it in your introduction, develop it with one or two points during your discussion, and highlight its value in your conclusion.