Every person needs a life-preserver at some point in his speaking career.
This one consists of revealing the best way to . . . stop.
Yes . . . stop.
I’ve tossed this rescue device out many times to students in trouble during a presentation. At times, even the finest presenters get themselves in trouble, and having this rescue device near to hand can salvage a speech that is careening off-course, even flirting with disaster.
Occasionally we must be reminded of this quite simple device that can serve us well near the end of our talk.
When your talk is winding down and you feel yourself suddenly spent . . . When you begin to spiral out of control and cannot remember your train of thought . . . When your pulse quickens and your mind goes blank . . .
Grasp for two words.
Your life-preserver.
“In conclusion . . .”
That’s it. Just two words.
Magic Words . . .
These two words have rescued thousands of presenters before you, and they’ll rescue you as well. These two words work a magic on your psyche that is almost inexplicable in terms that a logical, reasonable person would believe.
As soon as you speak them, the path to the end of your talk becomes clear. Your presentation opens up. Speak them, and suddenly you know what to say and do.
You confidently add another crucial phrase . . .
“In conclusion, we can see that . . .”
“In conclusion, our recommendation makes sense for reasons just given . . .”
“In conclusion, this means that . . .”
See how it works? How incredibly easy it is to get out of the sticky wicket of a talk spiraling out of control!
“In conclusion” leads you out of the wilderness and back onto your prepared path. It leads you to restate your thesis in concise manner and then . . .
. . . stop!
You’re done.
About Stanley K. Ridgley