Brand Yourself: One Way -
Have a Signature Closing!
By
I have a ‘Challenge – and a Prediction’ for You!
If you’re a fan of Zig Ziglar, the famous motivational speaker from Yazoo City, Mississippi (he mentioned it often, and sadly, the location of a recent deadly tornado) you’re familiar with his signature close. It was always, “And I will see You At the Top!”
This was the title of Zig’s first book, and something he was always able to tie in with his speeches. Because they were motivational and self-help in nature, this Signature Close made sense to his audiences.
It was always the final statement in a great speech, and left the attendees feeling that, yes, they too, can ‘Make it to the Top!’
Bottom line, if you hear the phrase, “See you at the Top!”, you think of Zig Ziglar. Great job of branding!
When I was in Toastmasters, and after delivering many speeches, I developed the signature close that incorporated the phrase: ‘Challenge - and a Prediction’. That phrase was easy to weave into the closing of a number of talks.
For instance, if the subject of my talk was about using Props in the delivery of a speech, it went like this: ”I’m going to close (Always tell your audience what you’re going to do – then do it. The Close should not be a surprise!) with a Challenge – and a Prediction. My Challenge is this: The next time you prepare, practice and deliver a speech, incorporate a prop or two into your delivery.
Do that, and my prediction is this: Your speech will have a far greater impact on the audience!”
I’ve taken this close a bit further with my signature speech and book, “No Sweat Public Speaking!”
My close is now: “I’m going to close my talk with a Challenge – and a Prediction. Here’s my challenge, and it’s a challenge to each and every one of you. The next time you have an opportunity to give a speech - Grab It! Then prepare, practice and deliver that speech using all the components, parts and elements of ”No Sweat Public Speaking!”
Do that, and my prediction is this: “Your speech will be: absolutely, positively, there’s no doubt in my mind; no ifs, ands or buts about it. That speech will be – “No Sweat!”
As I speak the words, “That speech will be”, I wipe my brow, look at the palm of my hand, then look up at the audience, smile broadly and say, “No Sweat!”
Now, My Challenge – and Prediction to you is this: Develop a closing statement that brands you and your talks.
Do that, and my prediction is this: Your brand will grow, and grow – making you the ‘Go-To Person’ in your area of expertise!
About the Author:
Fred E. Miller coaches, speaks and writes about Public Speaking and Presentation Skills.
314-517-8772
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com
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I have seen you do this close! It’s awesome, it leaves everyone smiling and feeling like there was 100% closure to speech. I am going to get to work on this —- certainly something with the terms “tiny” and “mighty” in it.
Russ:
Thanks for visiting.
You might use: “Implement the ideas we discussed this evening, and Your Tiny Business will have – Mighty Profits!”
I’ve seen you do this too, just the other day. You practice what you preach, Fred. This is great advice. I’m going to have to think about that. Lately, I’ve been working on my value proposition and how I want to communicate that. You’ve probably heard me say that “at 4th Quarter Financial Coach, we help you increase your paycheck in retirement.” I have more that goes with that. But I think it’s similar to this message.
You have branded yourself by saying that, Joe.
The Law of Primacy & Recency says people will remember the first and last thing you say. That’s why a speech needs a strong opening and a strong closing. Of the two, it’s more likely the last thing you say will be the first thing that will be remembered.
Keep in mind, also, that people will do more to avoid pain then seek pleasure. This could be part of your Opening and Closing.
What more do you have to go with ‘increasing your paycheck in retirement’?
We’ll figure all this out, Joe – with No Sweat!