How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Collaborative Close

Techniques > Public speaking > Preparing the Presentation > Collaborative Close

Description | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Engage and involve them in the final part of your presentation. Ask them questions and start a conversation that is to be concluded later, perhaps between themselves at coffee break. Get them to discuss a solution to a posed problem with the person next to them. You can even just get some simply activity like getting them to stand up and shout out something.

The collaborative close can also be a simple call to action, asking them to join you in some great mission.

Example

Now then, are you going to go out and sell even more now? [yeah] I can't hear you! [Yeah!!] And again!! [YEAH!!] Yeah, that's right!! No excuses. Just profits! Now I want you to turn to the person next to you and tell them how much more you are going to make next month!

Discussion

People in presentations often expect to sit quietly and politely applaud before they forget what you said. By energizing them though action (or even a suggestion of action), you can use the recency effect to ensure they remember you.