Appeal for action

There is a speaker who could make his hearers laugh and sometimes cry , and often remember for a long time what he said.  He was not a professional speaker. He never went in for ringing words or fine phrases. From experience, however, he had learned one of the secrets of successful communication. He knew that if a talk is to go over well, it has to have a good ending.

He realized that the conclusion of a talk is the part toward which all that precedes it must reasonably move if an audience is to be impressed.

The close is really the most strategic point in a talk, what one says last, the final words left ringing in the ears when one ceases these are likely to be remembered longest.

This chapter listed most common errors and you probably hear often with “ that is about all I have to say on the matter, so I guess I shall stop.” This is almost unpardonable and if that is all you have to say, why not round off your talk, and promptly take your seat and stop without talking about stopping.

I didn’t think about a closing talk strategy before. So, It was interesting to hear some techniques about closing a talk. I think I naturally use some of my closing talk by mentioning key takeaways or discussion bullet points which summarizes the talk or meeting. Also, ask for actions. So, I am already using some of these techniques in general, but I didn’t pay attention to that.

Also, Don’t try to say something too general. As an example, Don’t try to say “ Help the Red Cross.”. Instead “ Send your enrollment fee of one dollar tonight to the American Red Cross “

So, I am trying to be more specific in my talk as well. I tried to say that my meeting will start at 10:03AM, instead “ let’s wait for a few minutes” . it is too general.

It is good to see that I am already using some of these techniques that this chapter highlighted and It is good to recognized that it is a good thing.