When should a speaker use their best stuff? In the beginning or at the end?
The general wisdom is that speakers on board and on land should save their best stuff for last.
When all is said and done you want your listeners in the end to:
1. be satisfied
2. have an emotional impact
3. not see the unexpected coming
4. be wide-eyed
5. say, “Wow.”
Yeah, I agree. Almost.
But, what if you never got their attention in the first place?
What if you lost your audience at the opening? Or they became disengaged part way through?
Indeed the best for last is a great way to send people out the door provided you still have them.
I think a presentation should be even-keeled throughout. The opening will have a strong call-to-attention. Points will have equal impact. And the closing will strike a similar note but one that keeps people talking.
The talk as a whole should be the speaker’s best stuff. If it is not, then sit down.
Tough to do you say? Knowing how is what separates the good from the really good, and the really good from the great.
We can teach you how to notch up your talks on a cruise ship or on land.
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