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Do you remember the soft-spoken, cigar smoking detective on the hit TV series
"Columbo?" Most people do because the show is still in reruns all over
the world and once in a while a new episode comes out. One of Detective
Columbo's trademarks is that he would start to leave and when he was almost out
the door he would stop and say, "Oh. Just one more thing." The same
technique can be used by speakers (without the cigar).
This is how the Columbo technique works: Save one of your really critical
points . . . maybe your most important point . . . then completely leave your
subject . . . then use the "Oh. Just one more thing" technique and
deliver your big point.
Until you've tried this out several times, don't try to use this technique at
the end of your speech. If you do, people will start shuffling their materials in
anticipation of the talk being over. This would cause too much distraction for
the technique to have it's full effect.
Begin by using the technique just before a major transition in your talk.
That way you will eliminate the shuffling of papers problem noted above. When
you get comfortable with this, try the technique before a break. Play with your
wording so that you control the audience. Don't say "Well before we take a
break . . . " This will start them shuffling. Say something like,
"That's all on that topic . . . Oh. and one more thing" . . . then
give your main point. As you get really good at controlling the crowd you can
try this as your closing. Coming back with the main point will be powerful and
memorable.
Oh. Just one more thing . . . .only use this technique ONCE per presentation.
:)
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