True or False: A key message is the takeaway, or essence of what is being communicated.

A key message serves as the core idea or fundamental takeaway that a communicator wants the audience to remember. It encapsulates the essence of the communication, distilling complex information into a concise and impactful statement that resonates with the intended audience.

In public relations, crafting a well-defined key message is crucial as it ensures consistency across all communications, helps to focus the audience’s attention on what is most important, and guides the tone and content of future outreach. By emphasizing the essence of the communication, a key message plays a pivotal role in influencing perception and driving desired action from the audience.

The other options imply uncertainty or conditions that don't align with the clear definition of what a key message represents in communication strategies.