What should be included in the summary of a presentation?

The summary of a presentation is primarily designed to distill the main concepts and findings that were presented, allowing the audience to grasp the essential takeaways efficiently. Including clear key points in the summary serves the purpose of reinforcing the critical elements of the presentation. This helps the audience remember and understand the most important aspects, which can facilitate retention and recall after the presentation is over.

Essentially, clear key points act as signposts that guide the audience through the overall message and conclusions drawn from the presentation, making it easier for them to digest complex information. In contrast, including detailed background information or all supporting documents would detract from the clarity and focus of the summary, as they introduce excessive detail that may overwhelm rather than aid understanding. An open question session only would not provide a succinct recap of the content delivered, as it shifts the focus from summarization to audience interaction. Therefore, emphasizing clear key points in the summary is crucial for effective communication and understanding.