Presentation Closing Clunker: DON’T Promise This to Your Audience

We’ve experienced it countless times. An executive speaker reaches the end of a business presentation, even signals the audience with the words “in closing,” yet suddenly decides to tell another story or review a previous point—or even introduce new information. Then, the presenter will promise the ending again by saying, “So in conclusion,” repeating the vicious cycle.

A running joke among some preachers is that “in conclusion” means we still have another good 20 minutes left to preach! Of course, the congregation expects the sermon to be wrapped up quickly so they can head out to lunch.

The lesson here: Don’t lie to your audience.

When you signal the ending, they expect it. Many times, they are looking forward to it. Test this the next time you deliver a speech; say “in closing” and watch every head in the audience suddenly look up and turn their attention back to you! When you say it is your one final thought, make it your one final thought. Anything you add after you’ve begun your closing lessens the strength of your final point and big-bang conclusion.

 

 

To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.

Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes. 

Photo by Matt Botsford on Unsplash