The Art Of Connection - 2: How To Finish A Presentation

This article contains practical insights to help you construct more impactful conclusions to your presentations. It also marks the second in a series of expert thought pieces for the CMI Blog on 'The Art Of Connection' - helping you forge a stronger connection with the people who matter.

“And… well, that’s about it.”

“Erm, thank you.”

“Does anyone have any questions?”

At the risk of incurring déjà-vu (see my previous article on ‘How To Start A Presentation’) ring any bells?

Conclusions matter.

They really matter because, to coin a phrase, you never get a second chance to make a last impression. Blood, sweat and tears are spilt over crafting the opening… over the slide deck… over the key points… and checking the data. Meanwhile, the conclusion is neglected – like the proverbial Cinderella left to take care of herself.

Am I right?

Believe me – I’ve been there, done it, et al – so I’m not pointing fingers!

But to skimp on your conclusion is to risk seriously jeopardising the ultimate impact of your presentation.

Why is this?

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The Power Of Purpose

To boil it down to bare essentials, your conclusion provides two primary opportunities:

1 To summarise your key points for your audience

2 To influence what your audience does once you’ve finished speaking

The first point is obvious – and well-documented. Many presenters succeed in seizing that opportunity.

The same cannot be said of the second, which is a pity because the implications are profound. 

They go to the very heart of what you’re seeking to achieve with your presentation.

In short, a presentation succeeds when audience members’ behaviour is affected for the better. In other words, your presentation triggers positive change in the way your audience thinks, feels or acts.

**Note: this is not the same as achieving mere knowledge transfer!**

Is it just me or have there been times when, as an audience member, you’re left thinking…

‘Well, that was all very interesting, but… so what?’

Your conclusion should make absolutely sure your audience never asks itself that question.

For this reason, the best conclusions not only summarise. The best conclusions also achieve at least one of the following…

·      Throw down a gauntlet

·      Invite a specific follow-up

·      Suggest a course of action

·      Pose a challenging question

In the end, if you do not trigger change of some kind – no matter how small it may seem – what’s the point of giving your presentation?

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A Word Or Two on Q&A

Eagle-eyed readers will have spotted that the third sentence of this article suggests not finishing your presentation with Q&A.

Yet most presenters do.

The final moments of your talk are too precious to be put at the mercy of the Q&A – over which, by definition, you have limited control.  [note: if you’re interested in some advice on handling Q&A, just let me know by posting a comment below – or email: simon@theartofconnection.co.uk]

By leaving Q&A until the end, you risk allowing your ‘last impression’ to be hijacked by the energy of the final question from your audience.

And that question could be an absolute stinker.

Far better, in my experience, to put the Q&A before your conclusion. That way, you can ensure you finish your talk on your terms.

How?

Simple - by saying something like:

‘We now have time for [5] minutes of questions – and then I’ll wrap-up…’

By doing this, you set people’s expectations nice and clearly. Audience members are also more likely to remain in their seats, for fear of missing your concluding remarks!

Of course, you don’t always have the luxury of deciding exactly when to allow questions – especially if you’re presenting to clients or to people much more senior than you. But even if you do have to leave Q&A until the end, find a way to incorporate your concluding remarks into your answer to the last question.

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So, to recap…

·      Summarise your key points

·      Articulate the single most important change/challenge for your audience

·      Put Q&A beforehand!

Employ these techniques and not only will you finish with greater impact; you’ll also better serve the interests of your audience.

Good luck - and speak soon!

P.S. Yes indeed - that last sentence is both a courtesy and a gauntlet…

Simon Bucknall, Director of The Art Of Connection

Twice GB & All-Ireland Champion of Public Speaking

simon@theartofconnection.co.uk