Exercise 5. Read the given tips on how make a memorable conclusion. Match the sub-titles below with the most appropriate tip.

A End with a quotation

B Call for action!

C Use a broad statement to summarize your main idea

D Use a question

E Express your hopes for the future

How to Make Memorable Conclusions

When people are given a list of things to memorize, researchers found that they best remember items at the beginning and end of the list. It is the same way when people listen. If you have a strong conclusion, people are more likely to remember your main message. Here are some suggestions on how to make memorable conclusions.

1.

If you are talking about the environment, for example, you could end with a broad statement such as, "It's up to us to protect the environment because, after all, we only have one world".

2.

If you are talking about dealing with stress, you could conclude this way: "Remember the old saying, 'all work and no play makes Teacher Joe a dull boy'". As this example shows, you can adapt the quotation to fit the situation.

3.

"My hope is that in ten years, we will no longer have to see newspaper stories about young children who cannot afford to get an education", would be a good way to end a talk on providing financial aid to poor families.

4.

As with introductions, questions are a good way to burn an idea into your audience's brains. "If we can go to the moon, why can't we go to Mars, too?", will focus their attention on the reasons you talked about in the body of your presentation.

5.

This is one of the most common ways to conclude. Don't be shy about asking for some kind of response. "If you agree with me, then go out and volunteer" or "Take some time to analyze your diet to see how many calories you could easily do without", are two examples. Asking people to volunteer to help others or do something to help themselves is a powerful way to get them to think deeply about your suggestions.

1. C; 2. A; 3. E; 4. D; 5. B

Language Note

Conclusion

Use the conclusion to:

1. Begin the summary and/or conclusion "I'd like to end by emphasising the main point(s)." "I'd like to finish with ... - a summary of the main points." - some observations based on what I've said." - some conclusions / recommendations." - a brief conclusion." 2. a. Sum up: "In conclusion,..." "I'd like to sum up now..." 2. b. Give recommendations: "In conclusion, my recommendations are..." "I would suggest / propose / recommend the following strategy." 3. Signal the end "That concludes (the formal part of) my talk." "That brings me to the end of my presentation."

3. Invite questions and/or introduce discussion "(Thanks for listening)." Now I'd like to invite your comments. " "Now we have …(half an hour) for questions (and discussion)." "Right. Now, any questions or comments? " "Do you have any questions?" "I’d be glad to answer any questions. " "Yes, the gentleman/lady sitting there…" [points] "So, now I'd be very interested to hear your comments." 4. Close If there are no more questions, I’ll finish there. 5. Thank your audience: "Thank you (very much) for your attention." "May I thank you all for being such an attentive audience." "I hope that this has been useful."

Questions

You may wish to accept questions at any time during your presentation, or to keep a time for questions after your presentation. It's your decision, and you should make it clear during the introduction. Be polite with all questioners, even if they ask difficult questions. Sometimes you can reformulate a question. Or answer the question with another question. Or even ask for comment from the rest of the audience.

Dealing with questions: "That’s a (very) good/complex/difficult/an interesting question." "Thank you for asking that question." "As I said/pointed out/explained earlier…" "Does that answer your question?"/ "Is that OK?" "Is that clear now?" / "Can we move on?" "Does that make sense"? / "Do you see what I mean? " "I'm afraid I can't give you an answer to that question at the moment." "I don’t have the figures with me." "That’s not really my field/area, I’m afraid." "I’m afraid that question goes beyond the subject of today’s presentation." "I’d be glad to discuss that with you personally after the presentation."