B2 Expression 중립 3분 분량

The main message is

Presentation and public speaking expression

Use this phrase to simplify complex information and ensure your listener remembers your most important point.

15초 만에

  • Used to highlight the most important point of a talk.
  • Acts like a verbal highlighter for your core idea.
  • Perfect for summaries, presentations, and clarifying confusing discussions.

This phrase is used to highlight the most important point you want your audience to remember. It acts like a verbal spotlight, cutting through extra details to reveal the core idea.

주요 예문

3 / 6
1

Summarizing a business meeting

The main message is that we must prioritize customer feedback this month.

The main message is that we must prioritize customer feedback this month.

💼
2

Explaining a long story to a friend

The main message is: don't ever buy a used car without a mechanic's help!

The main message is: don't ever buy a used car without a mechanic's help!

🤝
3

A formal presentation conclusion

The main message is that our technology can save lives and reduce costs.

The main message is that our technology can save lives and reduce costs.

👔
🌍

문화적 배경

In English-speaking business cultures, 'The main message is' reflects a 'low-context' communication style where the speaker is responsible for being clear. It gained massive popularity in the late 20th century alongside corporate presentation culture and the 'Seven Habits' style of management training. It emphasizes the 'Bottom Line' mentality common in New York and London financial hubs.

💡

Pause for Effect

After you say `The main message is`, pause for one second. It builds tension and makes people lean in to hear what comes next.

⚠️

Keep it Singular

Don't say 'The main message is X, Y, and Z.' A 'main' message should be one single, powerful idea.

15초 만에

  • Used to highlight the most important point of a talk.
  • Acts like a verbal highlighter for your core idea.
  • Perfect for summaries, presentations, and clarifying confusing discussions.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as the 'heart' of your conversation. You have probably been talking for a while. Maybe you shared many facts or stories. Now, you want to make sure your listener didn't miss the 'big idea.' When you say The main message is, you are telling them: 'If you forget everything else, remember this one thing.' It is the ultimate tool for clarity. It turns a messy explanation into a sharp, clear point. It is like the 'TL;DR' (Too Long; Didn't Read) of spoken English.

How To Use It

You usually place this phrase right before your most important sentence. It works best after you have provided some context. You can also use it to start a summary. For example, if a meeting is getting confusing, you can jump in. Say, The main message is that we need more time. This refocuses everyone instantly. It is a powerful way to lead a room. Just make sure what follows is actually a single, simple idea. Don't follow it with a ten-minute list of chores!

When To Use It

This is your best friend in professional settings. Use it during a presentation to wrap up a slide. Use it in a job interview to summarize why you are the best fit. It also works in daily life. Imagine you are telling a long story about a bad day at the airport. You can end with: The main message is: never fly on a Friday! It helps your friends understand why you told the story in the first place. It is also great for emails when you want to be direct.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this during very casual, flowing conversations. If you are just 'shooting the breeze' with a friend, it might sound too formal. Don't use it in highly emotional or romantic moments. Saying The main message is I love you sounds like you are giving a PowerPoint presentation to your partner! It can feel a bit cold or robotic if used too often. Also, avoid it if you haven't actually given any information yet. You need a 'message' to have a 'main' one.

Cultural Background

Western communication styles, especially in the US and UK, value 'getting to the point.' Time is often seen as money. Being direct is considered a sign of respect for the listener's schedule. This phrase is a staple of 'The Elevator Pitch' culture. This is the idea that you should be able to explain any concept in the time it takes to ride an elevator. It reflects a cultural preference for efficiency and clear hierarchies of information.

Common Variations

You will often hear people say The bottom line is or The key takeaway is. In more casual settings, you might hear The point is or Basically. If someone is being very brief, they might say In a nutshell. All of these serve the same purpose. They help you filter out the 'noise' and focus on the 'signal.' Choose the one that fits your environment best.

사용 참고사항

This phrase is highly effective in professional environments to ensure clarity. Be careful not to use it in highly emotional or intimate settings, as it can sound overly analytical.

💡

Pause for Effect

After you say `The main message is`, pause for one second. It builds tension and makes people lean in to hear what comes next.

⚠️

Keep it Singular

Don't say 'The main message is X, Y, and Z.' A 'main' message should be one single, powerful idea.

💬

The 'Bottom Line' Secret

In the US, people often swap this for `The bottom line is`. This comes from accounting, referring to the final net profit at the bottom of a sheet!

예시

6
#1 Summarizing a business meeting
💼

The main message is that we must prioritize customer feedback this month.

The main message is that we must prioritize customer feedback this month.

Used here to align the team on a single goal.

#2 Explaining a long story to a friend
🤝

The main message is: don't ever buy a used car without a mechanic's help!

The main message is: don't ever buy a used car without a mechanic's help!

A casual way to summarize a personal lesson learned.

#3 A formal presentation conclusion
👔

The main message is that our technology can save lives and reduce costs.

The main message is that our technology can save lives and reduce costs.

Used to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

#4 Texting a group about a party
😊

The main message is: BYOB and be there by 9 PM!

The main message is: BYOB and be there by 9 PM!

Informal use to highlight the logistics of an event.

#5 A humorous warning to a roommate
😄

The main message is: if you touch my leftovers, there will be consequences.

The main message is: if you touch my leftovers, there will be consequences.

Using a formal structure for a silly, everyday threat.

#6 Sharing a deep life realization
💭

The main message is that family matters more than any job ever will.

The main message is that family matters more than any job ever will.

Used to convey a serious, heartfelt truth.

셀프 테스트

Choose the best phrase to complete the summary of a project update.

We've discussed the budget and the timeline, but ___ we are on track for the launch.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: the main message is

This phrase is used to focus on the most important conclusion after discussing details.

Complete the sentence to warn a friend about a difficult hiking trail.

It's a beautiful view, but ___: bring plenty of water!

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: the main message is

You are highlighting the most critical piece of advice for the trip.

🎉 점수: /2

시각 학습 자료

Formality Spectrum of 'The Main Message Is'

Informal

Using 'Basically' or 'The point is' with friends.

Basically, I'm tired.

Neutral

Standard use in meetings or emails.

The main message is we need to start.

Formal

Using 'The core thesis' or 'The primary objective'.

The primary objective of this study is...

Where to use 'The Main Message Is'

The Main Message Is
🎤

Keynote Speech

Summarizing the vision.

👥

Team Huddle

Clarifying the day's goal.

💡

Advice to a Friend

Giving a final warning.

📧

Writing an Email

Putting the 'ask' at the top.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Not necessarily, but it can sound a bit serious. If you want to be more casual, try saying The point is or Basically instead.

Yes! This is called 'front-loading.' It tells the audience exactly what to expect right from the start, which is very effective in English presentations.

The bottom line usually refers to a final decision or a financial result. The main message is more about the core idea or lesson of a story.

You can, but it's less powerful. It's better to say There are three key points rather than The main messages are... to keep your focus sharp.

It is a bit conversational for a formal essay. In writing, you might prefer The central argument is or In conclusion, the primary finding is.

It can if your tone is harsh. If you use a warm, helpful tone, it just sounds like you are being clear and organized.

Only use it once per conversation or presentation. If you use it every two minutes, nothing will feel like the 'main' point anymore.

Yes, if the conversation is going in circles. You can say, Sorry to jump in, but I think the main message here is... to bring the focus back.

Then it's not a 'main message.' Try to simplify your idea into one sentence before using this phrase.

Almost exactly. Key takeaway is very popular in modern corporate culture, while The main message is a bit more classic and versatile.

관련 표현

The bottom line is

The most important fact or the final result of a situation.

In a nutshell

To describe something very briefly using few words.

The key takeaway is

The most important piece of information to remember from a presentation.

The long and short of it is

A summary of a long story or a complex situation.

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