This week: 10 Unforgettable ENDINGS for Your Next Speech / How to Communicate When the Stakes Are Sky-High / How to Tell The Impossible Story
10 Unforgettable ENDINGS for Your Next Speech
We all know the importance of a strong opening to capture our audience's attention.
But have you given equal thought to how you conclude your speech or presentations?
Keep in mind both the primacy and the recency effect:
The primacy effect refers to the tendency to better remember items that are presented first in a sequence. The recency effect is the tendency to better recall items that are presented last in a sequence.
A memorable ending can reinforce your core message and leave a lasting impression on your listeners.
Here are 10 ways to end a speech and when to use them:
#1 The Circular Ending
Example: "At the beginning I told you about one of our customers. But that’s not all. Let me tell you what happened next.”
Use: Good for general audiences when you want to reinforce a key message.
#2 The Anecdote
Example: "I recall a pivotal moment in our industry’s history when innovation prevailed despite adversity. Let's draw inspiration from this past success!"
Use: Fitting for industry events where you can highlight the sector's achievements.
#3 The Challenge
Example: "I challenge each of us to embrace change, embrace risk, and embrace growth. Let's push the boundaries of what's possible!"
Use: Works for leadership/vision setting type speeches to promote bold goals.
#4 The Call to Action
Example: "Let's commit to these strategies! Let’s take ownership, set clear goals, and collaborate effectively."
Use: Good for closing pitches or proposals by making a direct ask.
#5 The Personal Reflection
Example: "Reflecting on the introduction of the internet, I believe we can draw some valuable lessons concerning the impact of AI.”
Use: Thoughtful ending for more academic or analytical presentations.
#6 The Revelation
Example: "Did you know that our industry is projected to grow by double digits in the next five years? It's a testament to the opportunities that lie ahead. Let's seize them!”
Use: Good for workplace updates or investor presentations with key metrics.
#7 The Empathetic Closing
Example: "As we wrap up, let's remember that our greatest asset is our people. Let's prioritize their well-being, and together we'll achieve remarkable success."
Use: Nice for company-wide meetings for employee appreciation.
#8 The Confidence Booster
Example: "I believe in your abilities and motivation, and know that together, as a team, we have the expertise and drive to conquer any challenge."
Use: Motivating for sales teams, project kick-offs, or anytime you need to inspire.
#9 The Interactive Ending
Example: "Before we adjourn, I invite each of you to share one actionable takeaway from today's discussion with a colleague. Let's leverage our collective insights!"
Use: Engaging approach for workshops or training environments.
#10 The Visionary Statement
Example: "Imagine our company as the driving force behind industry transformation, leading with bold ideas and unwavering determination."
Use: Suited for high-level strategy or vision speeches.
With these ten approaches in your repertoire, you'll be equipped to deliver speech endings that are compelling, memorable, and aligned with your core objectives. Check out my post here for a visual overview.
NEWS
The Speak Like a CEO Academy
We ares soon launching the Speak Like a CEO Academy, which includes
biweekly live group coaching sessions with me and other world-class experts, my brand-new presentation mastery course, an on-demand knowledge base with step-by-step templates and frameworks (aka a ‘second brain’), and peer-to-peer exchange.
If you want to be one of only 50 founding members AND secure the lowest price the Academy will ever be, join the waiting list here.
PODCAST
How to Communicate When the Stakes Are Sky-High
How do you communicate technical topics to a large audience without losing them? How do you manage anxiety before speaking in public? How do you prepare for potential crises when your product is used in life-or-death situations?
In this weeks episode of Speak Like a CEO I speak with Bjoern von Siemens, one of the world’s preeminent experts on improving human health through AI, robotics and automation. He is founder of Caresyntax – a company using AI to make surgery smarter and safer for caregivers and patients worldwide.
Caresyntax has recently been recognized by Newsweek as among the World’s Best Digital Health Companies. Its solutions are present in over 7,000 operating rooms around the world, including USA, Europe and Japan.
As an investor and mentor in healthcare tech, Bjoern shares his insights on why AI will transform healthcare more than any other sector and whether technology can cure cancer.
Listen on Spotify and Apple:
BOOK
How to Tell The Impossible Story
When telling the story of disruption and innovation, traditional methods of storytelling just don’t cut it. Because classical storytelling is a morality tale. Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Disruption generates a defensive immune response. When people’s fundamental beliefs are challenged, they reflexively go into a state of resistance.
In his book "Story 10x," Michael Margolis lays out a roadmap for turning seemingly impossible goals into inevitable successes through storytelling.
Margolis introduces the "Story 10x" philosophy - a framework for rewriting the stories we tell ourselves about what is possible, in a simple 3-step framework build on context, emotion, and evidence.
This book provides a framework to rewrite your stories and craft compelling narratives that can inspire people to pursue the impossible.
Have an inspired weekend!
Best,
Oliver
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