From The Seven Minute Star, Step 8, Delivering Great Content:
Speakers almost always say “Thank you!” at the end of their speech. But remember: You are The Seven Minute Star! Shouldn’t the audience be thanking you for your inspiring performance? Don’t worry about being perceived as arrogant when you close without saying “Thank you.” Leaving it out actually emphasizes the final point you’ve made, while using it detracts from that point — and, I would argue, from your entire speech!
Consider this conclusion:
“In my entire life I will never forget standing in that dark room in Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum of Jerusalem. In the center, six eternal flames, the walls of the room made up of a never-ending number of mirrors at diverse angles. There were only six flames in that room, but what I saw was an infinite number of light dots reaching into eternity, and I knew that each and every single one of them reflected the loss of one human life. This incredible experience will follow me until my very last day…. Thank you!”
Do you see what I mean? You’d simply be smothering those powerful emotional vibes you spent so much effort to create if you say “Thank you” at the end. Why would you want to do that?
Please, please don’t say “Thank you.” Say what you have to say, then take a half-step back. That’s it; that’s all you need to do. The audience will know it’s the end, and the first movement in the crowd will be applause.
More than 100 people enjoyed Florian’s educational training speech The Seven...
In my opinion, this topic draws too much attention.
On the one hand, you should appreciate the audience spending their time listening to you, so to thank them is completely acceptable. On the other hand, the listener might be thankful for a great speech, and might want to thank the speaker as well; but both ways are not incompatible. Both parties can thanks!!!
It’s all a matter of balance. Having the attitude that the audience should thank the speaker is arrogant to me. Being falsely modest and overstating the “thank you” to the audience is cheesy and feels uncomfortable as listener. Done with the right measure and sincerity, it can be well received and help you connect with the audience.
To wrap up, as a speaker do whatever you feel you should given the specific situation and objectives. Be authentic and avoid rules of thumb. Probably you have more to lose than to win but not giving appreciation to the other party.
Thank you for the post!
Thank you Pau for your sincere reply. In 6 years of Toastmasters and 3 years of doing this professionally I’ve seen so, so, so many speeches. Every time there is a great closing without the “Thank you” the impact is much bigger, the vibrations stay in the room.
There is nothing more subjective in this world than our perceptions. We all want to find our path of excellence and, for sure, we can walk many different trails to get there. I prefer the no-thank-you-trail…