Unit 8.

THE END OF THE PRESENTATION

Summarizing and concluding

Questions and discussion

Task 1. Discuss the following questions:

a) What does the end of a presentation contain?

b) What is the difference, if any, between a summary and a conclusion?

Compare your answers with the following:

a) the end of the presentation may contain:

*recommendations

*summary

*conclusion

*questions

*discussion

*thanks

(in business thanks are fairly standard at the end of a presentation, as are questions.)

Summaries restate what has already been said.

Remember the maxim: “In a presentation, say

what you are going to say, say it, then tell them

you’ve said it.” Some are like this, but not all.

A conclusion is different: it often contains a message which

grows out of the information described in the main body

of the talk It may contain lessons learnt, recommendations, next steps.

Task 2. In which of the following situations do you think “a discussion” is more appropriate than ‘questions’?

1. A sales representative’s presentation of a new product.

2. A CEO’s statement on corporate policy.

3. A politician’s speech on transportation policy.

4. A team leader’s talk to colleagues on the next phase of a project.

5. A manager’s proposal to a group of senior executives on improving

productivity.

Task 3.Read the end of the presentation by Ben Seznec, Marketing Director of Foss, an agricultural machinery manufacturer. His talk is about company valuation. Answer the questions:

a) What is his key message?

b) Is this a summary or a conclusion or is it both?

Unit 8

So, that brings me to almost the end of my talk. I’d like to end with a short restatement of the main point. The key issue, the key understanding is that it is … in valuing a company’s assets, perhaps the key thing these days is the value of brand names. Most acquisitions are in effect attempts to take over brand names. Traditional valuation, based on tangible assets, is no longer sufficient.

So, what are the lessons that we can learn from this? I think most importantly we have to build up the power or our brand names. We have to establish greater brand identity. This requires a radical approach to marketing, making our brand name the focus of all our efforts. This policy will best boost the company’s assets. Thank you for listening.

Task 4. Read the following two presentations with different endings and decide

if they are:

a) invite he audience to ask questions;

b) are a lead-in to a discussion;

c) request comments.

a So, I’ve described how the system works. Now, any questions?

b I think that covers the main points I wanted to tell you about.

Thank you for letting me talk about the Storo System. Now, I’d like

to invite you to tell me about the needs that you have to.., to suggest

any specific qualities you need in a warehousing system… and at the

same time, if there is anything you are not clear about, please ask…

if anything needs clarification.

Task 5. Read the following text and find an answer to the questions below:

1. What is a potential problem at the end of a presentation?

2. What are three ways to avoid the problem?