Online StoreHow to Conclude a Guest’s Speakers Appearance
Sadly, most followup comments, or outros, are weak. They might include a thank you to the speaker. Or they may just remind members that there’s a meeting next week, and annual dues are now due.
Offering a outro, in writing, to the group moderator, can greatly impact how a guest speaker’s efforts are received.
Why a Powerful Outro is Necessary
* Hearing a few key points repeated by another’s voice can help reinforce the concepts in an audience member’s mind. Hearing another person repeat the speaker’s name serves a similar purpose.
* Volunteer program chairs have a lot to do during an event. Freeing them from having to creat a clever outro is very much appreciated.
* To reward the speaker for their time and expertise, a call to action (buy his CD, sign up for her mailing list) is an appropriate part of an outro.
A Powerful Outro has Structure
* Carefully pronounce the speaker’s full name as you thank them.
* Repeat one to three items from the speech. Ideally start with a colorful phrase, such as “I never realized that . . .”.
* Comment on how valuable the presentation was to the members. Use specific examples.
* A call to action urging members to ask the speaker for more information is courteous and practical.
* Show your appreciation once more by initiating applause for the speaker, before continuing discussion of dues, schedules, etc.
