Identify the overall message and key themes of sustained presentations

Understanding the Overall Message

Develop a habit of identifying the purpose of the presentation in the first few minutes. This will provide a clearer sense of the overall message.
Practice active listening, focusing on the key words, themes, and messages throughout the presentation.
Be familiar with common conventions used in BSL presentations to clearly understand the overall message. This could include a formal introduction, key points being outlined or summarised, and a clear conclusion.
Pay attention to non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, eye gaze, and body language as they often provide extra information regarding the overall message.

Identifying Key Themes

Notice if there are repetitive signs or phrases throughout the presentation. These often indicate the key themes.
Be aware of changes in pace, intensity, or space usage during the presentation. Changes may indicate the emergence of a new theme or emphasis on a particular point.
Always keep track of the initial signs in each new section or topic of the presentation. These usually indicate the theme or focus of each part.
Make note of any summary or conclusion signs. Presenters usually revisit the key themes during these segments.

Analysing Presentations

Distinguish between concrete facts and subjective ideas in the presentation. This will help in understanding the nature of key themes.
Look for any analogies, metaphors, or storytelling methods used by the presenter. These often contain more profound and abstract themes.
Watch for signs of bias or personal opinion from the presenter. Identifying these will help paint a clear picture of the message and themes.
Take note of how the presenter may address or sign to different sections of the audience. This can provide clues about themes and overall message.

Remember, these skills often require practice to increase fluency and comprehension. Regular exposure to various presenters and types of presentations will help refine these skills for effective BSL communication.