Want to be the favorite guest speaker of the entire, long year of a Program Chair or VP’s term? Easy! Come to speak armed with a complete typewritten Outro for the chair to read aloud as soon as you finish.
At HornBlowers, we prepare a separate outro for each of our client’s speaking topics, so the client is prepared at all times. We like to think we spoil the Program Chairs.
Here’s the structure of a powerful outro:
1. Start by addressing the Guest Speaker with a “thank you”. Be sure to carefully state the speaker’s full name.
2. Repeat one to three items from the speech. Ideally start with a colorful phrase, such as “I’m stunned to learn that . . .” or “Certainly we’ll all be looking out for . . . .“ or “Something that floored me was . . . “.
3. Comment on how valuable the presentation was to the audience/club members. “You have saved us lots of time and money . . . ” or “Now we all feel smarter about . . . “
4. Conclude by turning to the audience with a call to action. “Jeff’s website address is easy, it’s _____” or “Catherine is signing copies of her new book in the lobby after the meeting.”
5. Finally, initiate applause for the speaker once more, before resuming club administration (meeting and dues reminders, next month’s speaker, and the like).
p.s. Don’t blame us if you get asked back next time they have an opening for a guest speaker . . .