Page 297 - Nutrition Counseling and Education Skills: A Guide for Professionals

Summary of the Presentation

The summary and conclusion signal the audience that the presentation is “winding down” and about to end.
This transition needs to be gradual and smooth. When possible, review the initial learning objectives to
remind the audience they have participated in achieving the overall goals of the presentation.

Concluding remarks such as “I guess that is all I have to say,” “Thank you for listening,” or “How about
some questions?” are abrupt and sound haphazard. Remember that the speaker’s credibility is influenced by
the audience’s perceptions of how well he or she has organized the presentation. Verbal clues such as “In
conclusion . . .,” “To summarize . . .,” or “Before concluding, I want to leave you with one more thought . . .”
are helpful in letting the audience know that the presentation is about to terminate. Many speakers use a final
quote or anecdote to reinforce an important point one last time, display their contact information if not
already provided on the handout, or use a standard slide with a question mark to set the stage for audience
questions.

Be proactive in asking whether your listeners have any questions. Of course, people are often hesitant to ask
questions. The speaker should prepare a few for the audience. You could ask for a reaction from a participant
who has been paying attention. You might say, “I noticed that you smiled when I was discussing the list of
foods to avoid. Would you be willing to share what food will be most difficult for you to give up and some
ideas you may have for an acceptable alternative?” After responding to the first question, which was generated
by the presenter, it is often simpler to get others to respond when asked “What other questions or comments
do you have?”7–12

Remember to bring business cards and to remain after the presentation to speak with people who may want
to share comments or ask questions. Speakers who have maintained good eye contact and have prompted the
inference of warmth through smiling almost always find themselves interacting with audience members who
wish to engage them after the presentation. This is frequently a chance to develop contacts for additional
speaking engagements, and it is therefore an opportunity for the best kind of face-to-face public relations.
When a long line of people is waiting to talk and time is limited, encourage the remaining people to use your
business card information to contact you. Be sure to follow up as promised.

CASE ANALYSIS 4

How should Joan handle the conclusion of her presentation?

Implementation of an Effective Presentation

Using some basic techniques, described in the next paragraphs, speakers can create and deliver an effective
presentation.

Audience Connection

Audiences identify with speakers who appear worthy and knowledgeable. Speakers, therefore, should subtly
let listeners know during their presentation that they are qualified. For example, one might say, “. . . in an
article I wrote last year for the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics . . .” or “of the several hundred

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