A sentence without the final word is. A journey without reaching the destination is just tiring. Sadly many presentations simply reach a point where the presenter says, “thank you” and it is assumed that the suffering is over. Every presentation needs to rise to a climax, a definitive call to arms or a challenge and it is the role of the presenter to build to this. Never just drift to
The conclusion of a presentation is both its ending and summation. It signifies closure and the point of the process. The audience should never be in doubt; the presentation is delivered.This is conveyed through all parts of the presentation p1 verbally, p2 by the supportive media and p3 physically. It should be expected and understood. This was why I spoke.
The p1 has the punchline as its goal. Whether scientific or inspiring, every presentation should rise to meet this. This may be the answer to an initially posed question, a call to arms, a proof or a challenge but signposted through the presentation and arrived at by common consent. It is not a shaggy dog story or simply the end of a list but a specific and achieved goal.
The end of the p2 for a presentation should similarly be clear to the viewer. It should support the p1 and a useful trick is to mirror or subtly reflect the opening slide where the initial challenge or question was raised. This can be graphic or textual but is never something to be read as it is essential that all focus is upon the speaker at this point. Some may chose the best slide in the world.
The delivery p3 should also clearly identify the conclusion of the presentation. It is useful to pause and slow to deliver the key line. This must be practised, if necessary memorised as this is the most important part of the whole. Ensure that body language leaves no doubt that this is important and that the presentation is over. And stop.
Don’t add useless information.
Don’t thank the audience for listening.
Finish.