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Columbo Technique

Do you remember the thoughtful, quiet, cigar smoking detective on the TV series 'Columbo'? Most people do because the show is still in reruns all over the world and every now and then they shoot a new episode. One of Detective Columbo's trademarks is when he would start out the door then stop and say, "Oh. Just one more thing."

I teach a similar technique in my public speaking book (but without the cigar, it is hard to speak while chomping). Here's how the Columbo technique works: Save one of your really key points . . . maybe your most important point . . . then suddenly leave the topic you were on. . .and then say "Oh. Just one more thing" then deliver your important message. The surprise of what you deliver is a lesson from my public speaking book.

Unless you have practiced this out several times in front of an audience, don't try this technique at the end of your presentation  because people will start shuffling their materials in anticipation of the presentation being over. This would cause too much distraction to have it's full effect, and the point would be lost.
On the other hand, you could 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 this skill 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 when learned correctly from my public speaking book.

Oh. Just one more thing . . . .only use this technique ONCE per presentation. :) 

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