Effective Endings: Leaving the Audience Impressed and Informed

Abstract

Research findings indicate that individuals who attempt to recall information they were told earlier only really recall the beginning and end of the information. Thus, if you want the audience to go away with the right message from your presentation, a powerful concluding section is essential. If the ending does not fill your audience with inspiration and enthusiasm, they will most likely rapidly forget the message. Conversely, a powerful ending motivates the audience to action and fills them with the strength to act. Keeping to your time slot is a way of showing respect towards your busy audience. It makes you appear well-organised and someone who plans effectively. In other words, you appear the type of person worth listening to and following his or her advice. Telling a story is a very powerful way of affecting an audience during a presentation. However, many presenters fail to capitalise on this technique. There is a considerable literature concerning the value gained from storytelling in general, but suffice it to say that a well-told story has the ability to engage your audience, including on an emotional level, and to strengthen the key message.