Usually Missing.
You’ve experienced this, haven’t you? Immediately after the speaker closes their presentation, the emcee takes the microphone and says,“Thanks for attending the event today. Drive home safely.”
That’s memorable, isn’t it? NOT!
Ending a program like that is underwhelming. Unfortunately, this anti-climatic way to a close an event after a great message from a speaker, is often the norm. It’s done this way because no one, especially the emcee, thought about a better way to end the event.
Great News – There is a better way! The AFTER-Duction is the professional thing an emcee should do, but they usually need help from the speaker. It should be given to them and reviewed with the host before presenting.
Just as the presenter should write their Introduction, they should also compose the AFTER-Duction. This is what the emcee should say after the speaker closes their presentation. It should be written as if the master of ceremonies wrote it and delivered in the same manner.
An example of one of my AFTER-Ductions is at the bottom of this post.
The AFTER-Duction serves several purposes:
It thanks the speaker for attending the meeting and their presentation.
Reinforces something of value from their message.
Helps, where appropriate, the speaker sell additional products and services.
This is important because a presenter often reduces their fee with the anticipation of selling their wares.
The verbiage, where relevant and appropriate, could be:
Thank you, (Speaker), for a super presentation and message!
One of my takeaways, and something I’m going to put into practice, is ________.
I’ve asked (Speaker) to stick around for awhile after we adjourn.
He’ll answer any questions you still have.
Don’t forget to give him your business card for his Free ________.
I suggest checking out the books and CDs he has available.
If you ask nicely, I’ll bet he’ll be glad to autograph them for you!
You might even want to get a selfie with ________.
Now would be a great time to sign up for his upcoming ________.
All the above statements are better coming from the emcee vs. the speaker.
The audience doesn’t often like a speaker hawking their products and services from the stage. Having the host do it is akin to an endorsement!
Of course, you better have great ‘stuff’ and have delivered an excellent presentation with solid value to the attendees. Ask permission before the event to display products for sale. Don’t consider it a ‘given.’
Being the Master of Ceremonies is a "Speaking and Leadership Opportunity." Too often, those in this position aren’t as adept with the role as they would like to be, or think they are!
Writing your Introduction and AFTER-Duction will help and benefit them. Just as a great Introduction puts the spotlight on the emcee and makes them look good, the same will happen when they deliver an excellent and relevant AFTER-Duction.
These won’t be the final words from the emcee.
They will be thanking the host, helpers, sponsors, etc. and making announcements relevant to the organization.
The AFTER-Duction will reinforce the value the presenter brought to the event and spotlight those responsible for organizing it and sponsoring organizations. All good outcomes for an event!
AFTER-Ductions can add enormous value to your presentations!
Incorporate them in your presentations and they will be absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT!
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About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books,“NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
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