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Closing Presentations Well
 The closing of a presentation is often the most important
part. This is the final chance to reiterate the call to action and make a lasting impression.
Following are four different types of presentation closings. Select the type of closing based
on your presentation content and audience.
Matching Close
This closing is designed to sell the function, features,
benefits, and advantages of a product or service. The opening of the presentation defines the desired
characteristics. The body demonstrates that the product or service meets those characteristics. And
the close summarizes the key characteristics and moves the audience to the product or service with
the matching characteristics defined in the opening. By getting audience "buy-in" of the defined
characteristics in the opening of your presentation, the closing is a "no-brainer" in moving your
audience to purchase your product or service that meets the defined characteristics.
The Matching Close |
Opening |
Define characteristics desired |
Body |
Demonstrate characteristics of product/service |
Closing |
Relate how product features/benefits match desired characteristics |
Pyramid Close
Many times a presenter has a substantial number of
points to make in a presentation. Unfortunately, audiences only remember three to four main items.
By creating a series of "key point" pyramids, presenters can categorize and weight which points are
most important. Using a pyramid close, key points are listed at the top of the pyramid and remaining
points are listed below. The opening should mention the key points and the body should define the
key points in detail. The closing should reinforce/reiterate the key points and move the audience
to the call-to-action.
The Pyramid Close |
Opening |
Define key points to discuss |
Body |
Describe key points in-depth using defined subpoints |
Closing |
Summarize key points and relate call-to-action to those points |
Solution Close
The solution close is designed to show an audience
how to solve a complicated problem/issue. This type of closing breaks down a large problem or
issue into subcomponents. The presenter's goal is to demonstrate to the audience how each one
can be addressed, thus solving the overall problem. The opening of the presentation should define
the problem or issue. The body should break down the issue into subcomponents and provide solutions
to each. The close should wrap all of the mini-solutions together. This organization demonstrates
that addressing the subcomponents of a problem can solve the main one.
The Solution Close |
Opening |
Define key problem/issue |
Body |
Define components of issue |
Provide |
Solutions to components |
Closing |
Summarize how implementing solutions to components solves overall issue/problem |
Future Close
Predicting a successful future can be an excellent
way to close a presentation. People like good news. By showing an audience where they are at
present, the factors that will affect the future, and how you can help them succeed in this future,
you can effectively reach your audience and make a powerful close. The key to this approach is
being realistic in what you predict for the future.
The opening of this type of presentation should define
where the audience is at present. The body of the presentation should outline the facts, figures, and
strategy options. The close should make predictions for the future based on the facts and strategy
selected.
The Future Close |
Opening |
Define current situation |
Body |
Outline facts, figures, and strategy options for the future |
Closing |
Summarize future predictions based on selected strategy |
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Basics
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