Thank you for the feedback on my last speaking BLOG and yes, I will be adding more of these public speaking tips over the coming months. What people often forget when putting together a presentation is that the end is just as important as the beginning – some may argue more important depending on the purpose of your presentation.

Closing your presentation is extremely important as it leaves a lasting impression. The last thing you say may be the most remembered. You must put as much time into selecting and practicing your closing as you put into any other part of your presentation. Just like your opening, your closing does not have to be humorous. It could be motivational, challenging, thoughtful or it could simply be a summary of your presentation, or if you are promoting or selling something, then you may want to finish with a call to arms to encourage your audience to make a decision.

Remember – This ending segment will have a strong influence on what the audience takes home with them when you are done. Please, at sometime during your talk ask the audience to do something. If you haven’t asked them to do something by now, the closing is your last chance.
If the subject is appropriate, it is powerful to leave them with laughter or a deep message – just don’t leave it bland!

If you leave them laughing and applauding then the chances are that you have left them with a positive impression of you as they leave the presentation or seminar.  Another good reason to leave them laughing is that the room will not be deadly silent as you are walking back to your seat. Most speakers experience a great feeling when the audience is laughing.
Finally, if the subject is not appropriate to end with laughter, you could end with a touching story or quotation that leaves the audience thoughtful and quiet. Even the most serious public speaking subjects can benefit from humor, but the humor should be sprinkled throughout the body of the presentation.

Always remember – have a clear idea of what your message is to your audience and make sure that when you close they “get the message”.