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Unit18

Let’s get down to brass tacks and begin

talking about the recommendation.

Maxine: Hi Jelina! How are you doing?
Jelina: I’m great! I heard the members of your team attended a talk last Monday on giving pre-
sentations.
Maxine: Yes, we did. Mr. Xie, our supervisor, thought it would be beneficial for everyone.
Jelina: I wish my boss would arrange something like that for us too. I have an upcoming presen-
tation.
Maxine: I could help if you want. However, I think you have more experience than I do.
Jelina: I think so but when giving presentations I have some trouble with the closing.
Maxine: Oh, I see. Well, the speaker discussed that as well, I can give you some pointers. The
closing wraps up the entire presentation so one option is to make sure that it ties in with your
introduction too.
Jelina: How does that work?
Maxine: For instance, you may post a rhetorical question, have a story or show an image or
statistic at the start, right?
Jelina: That’s right.
Maxine: Well then, you may refer to that again in your closing.
Jelina: I got it, what else?
Maxine: For a formal presentation, it is best to reiterate the main points at the closing.
Jelina: But, won’t it be irritating to the audience if I keep repeating things?
Maxine: If you are brief it won’t be. Remember that you have to reinforce what you have said at
the closing. Also, think of an impression you wish to leave the audience with and make sure to
accomplish that.
Jelina: I think I can do a better job at my next presentation. Those tips were helpful!
Maxine: I’m happy to help.
Jelina: Thanks very much!

1. How important is the closing of a presentation?

Sample answer:
I think it serves two main purposes. First, it wraps up the presentation allowing you

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