On a Toastmasters online forum, the question was asked, “Do you say ‘thank you’ at the end of your speech?”. It has generated a HUGE on-going discussion. Of the replies, I found these two very interesting:
TM is trying to teach you to make effective closings, not just stopping the speech with ‘thank you.’ There is no formal prohibition, however, just the recommendation that you try to find an effective closing other than thank you. Other rationalizations for not ending with ‘thank you’ (the audience thanks you with applause, you don’t thank them). To have to signal an ending with ‘Madame Toastmaster’ or ‘Mr. Toastmaster’ because your ending doesn’t automatically generate applause is just as poor an ending as ‘Thank you.’
Posted by Darla Nettles Edwards, PMP
In the 20+ years I’ve been a TM, I’ve noticed that some folks will pick up on a piece of well intended advice and turn it into a rule. My favorite was the person who evaluated a speech by telling the speaker not to use notes (because good speakers don’t use notes) and at the time there was a basic manual project that was designed to teach people how to use notes well when you needed them. You guessed it, the advice was given to the speaker who was completing this project.
The question really should be able “the rule” since speaking many really effective speaker break “rules” all the time. The question should be about effectiveness. If a speech ended with “thank you” and that seemed to be an effective ending for that particular speech then the evaluator should make note of that. On the other hand, if the “thank you” was because the speaker didn’t look for a more effective alternative then the evaluator should note that.
I think it’s important for us to remember that speaking is an art as well as a science. Sometimes the people who know the “science” of a field but chose to apply the science with artistry have the most interesting outcomes. Ansel Adams, e e cummings, Dali, John Cage are all artists who certainly knew the science of their field and often choose to ignore it.
Posted by Stan Piskorski
Follow the full discussion on LinkedIn if you have an account. You’ll probably have to join the group.
Question: Should a Toastmaster say Thank You at the end of the speech.
I recently listened to a world class speaker give a speech. I don’t recall whether or not he said Thank You. Which gets to the point…if no one remembers …is it really that important.
I do however recall that the conclusion of the speech was very dynamic and motivational.
Therefore…in my opinion…the Thank You is not as important as the Conclusion.
There are many creative ways to conclude a speech was conveys attitude and appreciation.
BE CREATIVE !!!!!!!!!!
I completely agree, Dennis! Using “Thank You” at the end of a speech could become a crutch or in place of a memorable ending. Be creative and see what else you can come up with. End it with a bang!