What should be the content of the last slide in a PowerPoint presentation - "Tha

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   Global-Chicaposted 12 years ago

   What should be the content of the last slide in a PowerPoint presentation - "Thank You" or "Q/A"?

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   EricGoodeposted 12 years ago

   I think the whole idea for an effective presentation of any sort is how well you guarantee the transfer of information to your audience. When comparing whether to provide a "thank you" slide or a "Q/A" slide, I personally feel that a Q/A slide would be better suited for ensuring a better transfer of information as it could fill in the gaps of misunderstanding. As far as being the last slide, no. The Q/A slide should follow the last content slide, yes, but you should have an additional information slide after the Q/A slide and a final slide with a statement of what the audience should takeaway from the presentation. This refocuses the audience on what your presentation is about.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I respectfully disagree. Good points, but still--the very last slide should be "Thank you"--your "gift" to the audience. A logo and perhaps a small but readable website at the bottom, too, if applicable. I agree with Larry Wall's reasonings.

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   connorjposted 12 years ago

   I would suggest a reinteration of the "key" points; perhaps it would be like an executive summary. This would provide repetition and emphasis on the "key" information to ensure effective transfer of the information. IT would be highly effective to perhaps to employ the Modern Socratic Method; therefore, the slide would be a series of questions to bring the audience to your thesis...

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   StrategyCoachingposted 12 years ago

   I find that "q/a" tends to build rapport much more effectively, and tends to be naturally magnetic compared to the "Thank you, please by my book" method.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      If your presentation was good, however, people might WANT to buy your book--just inform them without self-promoting. End with a Thank  You slide, logo, and small (readable) website (from which they can buy the book if someone asks ;-) ).

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   Larry Wallposted 12 years ago

   If the PowerPoint presentation is being given by a live person who knows the issue. The last slide should be Thank You and a repeat of the company name and logo if appropriate. While it is showing, the speaker should also be saying thank you and announce that if there are any questions I will do my best to answer them.
   
   I have put together hundreds of PowerPoint presentations for bosses, co-workers, etc. No matter how good the slides are, the personal interaction is necessary.
   
   Ending with a slide that says Any Questions, is speaking down to the audience.

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      Larry Wallposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I  standby Thank You. PP shows, are visual notes and extra info used by the speaker.. Sometimes, if you are at a meeting and other items ran long, the questions get cut. So Thank you, and I will be staying to answer any questions you might have.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I totally agree! I especially agree "Ending with ... Any Questions, is speaking down to the audience." It subconsciously asks if they were paying attention or if they're smart enough to "get it' without further help. Great answer, Larry Wall! Cheers!

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   crg7posted 12 years ago

   I do not feel that either of these would be necessary. You could place one, or the other in, but a PowerPoint only needs to end with a strong conclusion.
   
   I do like Larry Wall's response of adding a company logo at the end (when applicable).

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      A SMALL (but readable) website might also be appropriate at the very bottom of that same last logo slide (to which I would definitely add a "Thank You" also, as Larry Wall has said).

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   visionandfocusposted 12 years ago

   My PowerPoint presentations tend to end with References & Resources on the last slide. But if your presentation does not lend itself to that, I think a simple Thank You would be nice and friendly. While that's up, you can just say that you're open to any questions.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with Larry Wall about Thank You! being the last slide--and might add a small but readable website under the logo, too.
      
      Suggestion: say "WHAT questions do you have for me?" rather than saying you're "open" to questions--better participation.

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   Joy Godseyposted 12 years ago

   Let's say you held a group meeting at your office or home for the purpose of disseminating information. At the end of the meeting as you were saying your goodbyes at the door, would you ask for questions or would you thank your guests for coming? I would do the latter.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Agreed! Thanking the audience at the very end is paramount and common manners.

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   drpennypincherposted 12 years ago

   I end my briefings with a Conclusions slide.  This summarizes the key issues/findings and recommended actions.  I leave the Conclusions slide up and ask the audience if they have any questions.  I think this is more useful than having a mostly blank slide as the last slide.  I know "Thank You" and "Q/A" are popular ways to end a presentation, but I would rather leave the audience with something more substantial on the last slide.

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      Larry Wallposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Your points are on target, I always have a conclusion slide, but the last slide will be either a logo and thank you or thank you and any questions. I take questions throughout my presentations. However at some point the presentation must conclude.

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      Laura Schneiderposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with Larry Wall--"Your points are on target" and a conclusion slide is great, but that last slide left hanging in the room should be a simple "Thank you"--something you're giving back freely to the audience--with a logo and discrete website.

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