Context Slice Town Hall Framework
Effective town halls:
- Inform — Share what people need to know
- Inspire — Connect work to meaning
- Engage — Feel like a conversation, not a lecture
- Action — Leave people knowing what to do next
Structure by Duration
5-Minute Update (Weekly/Quick)
- Hook (30 sec): One compelling opening
- Key message (2 min): The main thing
- Context/Why (1.5 min): Why this matters
- Next steps (1 min): What happens now
15-Minute All-Hands (Monthly)
- Opening hook (1 min): Attention-grabber
- Business update (4 min): Results, metrics, wins
- Main theme or announcement (5 min): The focus of this meeting
- Team recognition (2 min): Specific shout-outs
- Looking ahead (2 min): What's coming
- Q&A tee-up (1 min): Transition to questions
30-Minute Quarterly Review
- State of the business (8 min): Quarter performance
- Key announcement or theme (10 min): The big thing
- Strategic context (5 min): How this fits the bigger picture
- Recognition/culture (4 min): Celebrate people
- Q&A (remaining time)
Output Template
## Town Hall Talking Points
**Duration:** [X] minutes | **Theme:** [Main topic]
---
### Opening Hook (X min)
[Attention-grabbing opening - story, surprising stat, or direct statement]
---
### Main Message (X min)
**Key point:** [One sentence summary]
**Supporting points:**
1. [Point 1 with brief explanation]
2. [Point 2 with brief explanation]
3. [Point 3 with brief explanation]
**Transition:** [Bridge to next section]
---
### [Additional Sections as needed]
---
### Closing (X min)
**Recap:** [Restate the key message in different words]
**Call to action:** [What you want people to do/think/feel]
**Closing line:** [Memorable final thought]
---
### Q&A Prep
**Likely questions:**
1. [Question] → [Suggested response approach]
2. [Question] → [Suggested response approach]
**If asked about [sensitive topic]:**
[Guidance on how to handle]Engagement Techniques
Opening hooks that work:
- Start with a customer story
- Share a surprising data point
- Reference a recent team win
- Ask a rhetorical question
- Acknowledge the elephant in the room
Throughout:
- Use "we" language (inclusive)
- Name specific people and teams
- Reference concrete examples
- Pause for emphasis on key points
- Make eye contact with camera/audience
Avoid:
- Reading from slides
- Corporate jargon
- Burying the lead
- Too many topics (3 max per meeting)
- Ending without clear next steps
Tone by Situation
| Situation | Tone | Key Elements |
|---|---|---|
| Good news | Celebratory | Energy, recognition, shared credit |
| Challenging news | Steady, honest | Transparency, empathy, path forward |
| Major change | Confident, clear | Why, what, when, how you'll support |
| Routine update | Efficient, warm | Quick, appreciative, forward-looking |
Context Questions
Before drafting, ensure you know:
- Theme: What's the one thing people should remember?
- Audience mood: What are they expecting/worried about?
- Time: How long do you have?
- Format: Live, recorded, in-person, remote?
- Follow-up: What happens after the town hall?
Review Checklist
- Is there one clear main message?
- Does the opening grab attention?
- Are there specific examples/stories?
- Is the call to action clear?
- Is it the right length for the time slot?
- Have you anticipated likely questions?