Why does this matter
Presentation and public speaking expression
Use this phrase to turn boring information into a compelling reason for your audience to listen.
En 15 secondes
- Connects facts to their real-world impact for the listener.
- Acts as a powerful transition to grab the audience's attention.
- Essential for professional presentations and persuasive writing.
Signification
This phrase is used to explain the importance or relevance of a topic to your audience. It bridges the gap between a dry fact and why the listener should actually care about it.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Giving a business presentation
Our website traffic is up 20%. Why does this matter? It means our new marketing campaign is working.
Our website traffic is up 20%. Why does this matter? It means our new marketing campaign is working.
Explaining a new house rule to a roommate
We need to lock the deadbolt every night. Why does this matter? Our insurance won't cover theft otherwise.
We need to lock the deadbolt every night. Why does this matter? Our insurance won't cover theft otherwise.
A teacher talking to students
Shakespeare used iambic pentameter. Why does this matter to you? It mimics the rhythm of a heartbeat.
Shakespeare used iambic pentameter. Why does this matter to you? It mimics the rhythm of a heartbeat.
Contexte culturel
This phrase is a hallmark of the 'Value-First' communication style common in the US and UK. It stems from the need to justify one's presence or ideas in a fast-paced, competitive environment. It became particularly popular in TED-style talks where speakers must make complex science or philosophy relevant to a general audience.
The Power of the Pause
After you ask 'Why does this matter?', wait for exactly two seconds. It forces the audience to think of their own answer before you give them yours.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase after every single sentence, you will sound repetitive and condescending. Save it for your 2-3 most important points.
En 15 secondes
- Connects facts to their real-world impact for the listener.
- Acts as a powerful transition to grab the audience's attention.
- Essential for professional presentations and persuasive writing.
What It Means
Think of this phrase as a bridge. You have just shared a piece of information or a data point. Now, you need to tell your audience why they should stay awake. It is the ultimate answer to the unspoken question: "So what?" By using Why does this matter, you are taking responsibility for the value of your words. You are promising the listener that what you just said has a real-world impact. It turns a lecture into a conversation about shared interests.
How To Use It
Use it as a transition. State a fact first. For example, "Our sales dropped by 5%." Then, ask the question: Why does this matter? Pause for a second. This pause creates a tiny bit of drama. It makes people look up from their phones. Then, provide the answer. "It matters because our current strategy isn't reaching younger customers." You can also use it to introduce a new section of a talk. It keeps your narrative tight and focused on the listener's needs.
When To Use It
This is a powerhouse in professional settings. Use it during business presentations to keep stakeholders engaged. It is perfect for teaching or explaining complex ideas to friends. If you are writing an essay, it works great as a topic sentence. You can even use it in a job interview. After mentioning a skill, ask Why does this matter? then explain how that skill helps the company. It shows you are a strategic thinker who understands the big picture.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in very casual, emotional conversations. If a friend is crying about a breakup, do not ask Why does this matter? You will sound like a robot or a jerk. It is too analytical for deep personal bonding. Also, do not use it if the answer is completely obvious. If you say, "The building is on fire. Why does this matter?" people will think you have lost your mind. Use it only when the connection needs a bit of explaining.
Cultural Background
In Western business culture, time is money. People value the "bottom line." This phrase became a staple of public speaking because it respects the audience's time. It cuts through the noise and gets straight to the point. It reflects a culture that prizes efficiency and practical application over abstract theory. In places like Silicon Valley, the "So what?" factor is the most important part of any pitch. It is all about the value proposition.
Common Variations
If you want to mix things up, try Why is this important? for a slightly softer tone. For a more aggressive or high-stakes vibe, you might hear What is the takeaway here? or Here is why you should care. In very informal settings, people just say So what? though that can sound a bit rude if not handled carefully. The bottom line is... is another great way to deliver the same punch without the question format.
Notes d'usage
This phrase sits in the 'Neutral' to 'Formal' range. It is highly effective in presentations to regain audience attention, but avoid using it in casual small talk where it might sound overly dramatic or dismissive.
The Power of the Pause
After you ask 'Why does this matter?', wait for exactly two seconds. It forces the audience to think of their own answer before you give them yours.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this phrase after every single sentence, you will sound repetitive and condescending. Save it for your 2-3 most important points.
The 'So What' Test
In American business schools, students are taught the 'So What' test. If you can't answer 'Why does this matter?' for every slide in your deck, you should delete the slide.
Exemples
6Our website traffic is up 20%. Why does this matter? It means our new marketing campaign is working.
Our website traffic is up 20%. Why does this matter? It means our new marketing campaign is working.
Used here to explain the success of a specific action.
We need to lock the deadbolt every night. Why does this matter? Our insurance won't cover theft otherwise.
We need to lock the deadbolt every night. Why does this matter? Our insurance won't cover theft otherwise.
Shows the practical consequence of a rule.
Shakespeare used iambic pentameter. Why does this matter to you? It mimics the rhythm of a heartbeat.
Shakespeare used iambic pentameter. Why does this matter to you? It mimics the rhythm of a heartbeat.
Helps make an academic topic feel more personal.
The city is closing the main bridge for a month. Why does this matter? Your commute just doubled!
The city is closing the main bridge for a month. Why does this matter? Your commute just doubled!
Used to highlight how news affects the person directly.
So, you found a rare penny from 1942. Why does this matter again?
So, you found a rare penny from 1942. Why does this matter again?
The addition of 'again' makes this slightly dismissive or humorous.
You forgot our anniversary. Why does this matter? It makes me feel like I'm not a priority.
You forgot our anniversary. Why does this matter? It makes me feel like I'm not a priority.
Used to explain the emotional weight behind an event.
Teste-toi
Choose the best phrase to complete the presentation slide transition.
The software update will take four hours. ___? It means we need to schedule it for midnight.
This phrase perfectly sets up the explanation for why the four-hour update is a problem that needs a solution.
Identify the most appropriate context for this phrase.
In which situation is 'Why does this matter?' most effective?
It is a strategic communication tool used to highlight relevance in professional or educational settings.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Why does this matter'
Used with friends to explain news.
I'm moving. Why does this matter? You get my old TV!
Standard use in meetings or classrooms.
The budget is tight. Why does this matter?
Used in keynote speeches or academic papers.
The climate is shifting. Why does this matter for global trade?
When to use 'Why does this matter'
Business Pitch
Explaining a market gap.
Teaching
Connecting history to today.
Persuasive Writing
Proving a thesis point.
Problem Solving
Explaining a technical bug.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsUsually, no. It is a helpful transition. However, if you say it with a sharp tone to someone telling a story, it can mean 'I am bored, stop talking.'
Yes, it is very effective in professional emails. Use it to highlight the importance of an attachment or a request you are making.
They are almost identical. Why does this matter feels slightly more punchy and modern, while Why is this important is a bit more traditional.
Yes, always. Even if you answer the question immediately, it is grammatically a question and needs that punctuation.
It is better for speeches or essays. In very formal scientific papers, you might use The significance of this finding lies in... instead.
Yes, Why does it matter is common. Using this feels slightly more specific to the point you just made.
Follow it with a clear benefit or consequence. Use phrases like Because..., It means that..., or This results in....
Absolutely. It is standard across all major English dialects in professional and educational contexts.
Not really. It usually requires a previous statement to refer back to. It is a 'bridge' phrase, not a 'starting' phrase.
Then skip it! Using it for obvious things makes you sound like you are talking down to your audience.
Expressions liées
So what?
A more blunt, informal way to ask for the relevance of something.
The takeaway is...
Used to summarize the most important point of a discussion.
What this means for you is...
A direct way to show the listener the personal impact of a fact.
Bottom line
The most essential or fundamental part of a situation.
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