The Clincher
In previous blogs, I talked about the components and strategies needed for effective introduction. Now,, let’s look at delivering an effective conclusion. An extremely important function of the conclusion is to provide a sense of closure for your audience — the final CLINCHER.
A lot of care and time must be devoted to your conclusion. It is the last chance you have to impress your audience. Just as you had a “hook” to gain the audience’s attention, you need a “clincher” to drive home a memorable, final point.
What your clincher needs to include
Conclusions should do several important things, including summarizing material and motivating an audience to act. You can deliver an effective clincher by doing several things:
- Slow down the pace of your voice
- Emphasize key words in your closing sentences
- Increase the dramatic force of your gestures.
“Coming full circle” happens when the speaker picks up a thread of an idea mentioned in the introduction and weaves it into the conclusion. An audience appreciates this technique because it indicates a thoughtful, purposeful speaker who has complete control of the material.
Here are some suggestions for developing your full circle effect.
- Give a statistic. Population figures relating to your audience, such as age, ethnic background, and profession are all available on the Internet at the U.S. Census Bureau website. Labor figures are available on U.S. Department of Labor website.
- Tell a story. Your story must relate to the subject, purpose, and audience. For example, if your presentation is about goal setting, you could say, “I was approached by a panhandler and asked if I could spare $100. I replied, ‘Geez, I’ve been asked for a quarter, a dollar, even $5, but $100! What gives you the gall to ask for $100?’ To which the panhandler replied, ‘Hey, I believe in setting my goals high.’”
- Use a quotation. “The world is divided into people who do things and people who get the credit. Try, if you can, to belong to the first class. There is far less competition.”—Dwight Morrow
- Ask a question. Suggest a plan of action for when your audience leaves and then dramatically ask: “What are you going to take from today’s speech and use in your life?”
- Express your thanks. Let your audience know you enjoy being with them. For example, “Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to express my concerns. I look forward to the workshops this afternoon, when I can address more specific issues. Again, I salute your hard work and enthusiasm”.
- Refer to subsequent events. For example, “When Bill Clinton was inaugurated as president of the United States, there were five web sites. Today there are ten million. This afternoon’s workshop will help you learn how to build your own web site…and then there will be ten million and one.”
You delivered a really good clincher at the end of your presentation, But it’s not over yet. In my next blog, I’m going to talk about an incredibly importantpart of your presentation: the question and answer session.
