The comments by the Program Chair or Club President immediately after a speech can be powerful. Powerful in reinforcing the speaker’s credibility, or powerful in their ability to make the audience forget there even WAS a speaker!

Sadly, most followup comments, or outros, are weak. They might include a thank you to the speaker. Or they may just remind members that there’s a meeting next week, and annual dues are now due.

A guest speaker can, in advance, offer a written outro to the program chair. This outro is designed to be read aloud at the conclusion of the speech.

Is a Written Outro Really Necessary?

* Audience members are distractible. Hearing a different voice repeat the name of the speaker they’ve just heard will further lock it in their minds. Same goes for hearing one or two key points repeated by another person’s voice.

* Most moderators are volunteers. They can relax and enjoy the actual speech if they don’t have to concentrate on preparing the closing remarks.

* To reward the speaker for their time and expertise, a call to action (buy his CD, sign up for her mailing list) is an appropriate part of an outro.

How to Structure a Powerful Outro

* Thank the guest speaker by their full name, not just their first name. (Some people may have missed it during the introduction.)

* Repeat one to three items from the speech. Ideally start with a colorful phrase, such as “I never realized that . . .”.

* Comment on how valuable the presentation was to the members. Use specific examples.

* Conclude by turning to the audience with a call to action. “Megan will be in the lobby to answer questions.

* Initiate the clapping for the speaker one more time. THEN go on to official club business (dues, calendars).