By Peter Fogel
Effective public speaking isn't only about grabbing your audience at the beginning. The way you finish is crucial to the overall success of your speech.
For one thing,your final words are likely to be the ones your audience will remember for the longest time. More important, if you don't persuade them to take the action you want them to take -- perhaps to donate to a worthy cause or buy your back-of-the-room product -- you will have wasted your time.
Some speeches lend themselves to a humorous finish, while others require a more serious approach.
As a comedian, I'm all for leaving 'em laughing -- provided it's appropriate. If, for example, you were delivering a eulogy, that would usually not be a good time to try to be funny.
Usually, but not always. I'll never forget a funeral service many years ago for Dennis Wolfberg (a wildly funny friend of mine). With Jay Leno, Paul Reiser, and Jerry Seinfeld among those participating, there was LOTS of laughter. And Dennis wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
It's easier to go out with a bang when your audience responds with laughter and thunderous applause. You know you've made a strong impression on them and your speech will be remembered. They will be quoting you and talking about you around the water cooler for days.
An appreciative and happy audience also provides a great backdrop for you to take your final bow and leave the stage. It makes you look good and it makes you feel good.
But you can make a powerful impact on your audience by ending on a somber note too. Even if you had them rolling in the aisles throughout your very witty presentation, it shows that, frivolity aside, you take your topic seriously... and so should they.
Inspire, Motivate, and Entertain Your Audience -- Always!
Note: Part 2 will be published tomorrow
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