What is the tag line to your project?

In a single sentence is it possible to describe what your project is about?

In my experience projects have long and complicated business cases and project charters that try and justify the existence of the project. All with the aim of trying to explain why a company or organisation is willing to spend time, money and resources on it. But rarely is a project easily explained in single sentence.

Life would be a lot easier if projects were described in the same way that movies are explained.

I am at home, looking at the cinema listings or scrolling through Netflix trying to choose a movie to watch. If I have never heard of the movies that are presented to me, how do I know what they are about and if I want to watch it? One way I choose which movie to watch is to read the tag line.

The tag line is the short single sentence under the movie title that explains what the movie is about.

From this single sentence I am about to determine the story and genre of movie it is. This one sentence provides enough information to me to enable me to decide if I want to watch that movie or not.

Examples of movie tag lines

Jurassic Park (1993) “During a preview tour, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok.”

From this description I know that the is about dinosaurs and that it may be a bit scary. It will be a feast of action and special effects. Not a romantic comedy!

Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) “Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire’s world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.”

Clearly a sci-fi adventure film!

Singin’ in the Rain (1952) “A silent film production company and cast make a difficult transition to sound.”

A film based on a specific time in history and is a musical

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) “Two imprisoned men bond over a number of years, finding solace and eventual redemption through acts of common decency.”

A prison film and an exploration of the human spirit. Not an action comedy.

When Harry Met Sally… (1989) “Harry and Sally have known each other for years, and are very good friends, but they fear sex would ruin the friendship.”

Romantic comedy. I will laugh, cry and fall in love!

The Exorcist (1973) “When a teenage girl is possessed by a mysterious entity, her mother seeks the help of two priests to save her daughter.”

A horror. I will have nightmares afterwards!

Now, what is the tag line of your project?