Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Practice Test

In what part of a presentation should you address "So what?" and thank the audience?

1. Beginning

2. Middle

3. Both beginning and end

4. End

The correct answer is: End

Addressing the "So what?" question and thanking the audience is most appropriately done at the end of a presentation. This is because the conclusion is the point where you not only summarize the key messages and their significance but also reinforce why the information presented matters to the audience. It allows the presenter to highlight the implications of the content, encouraging the audience to reflect on how it applies to them or their situation. Moreover, thanking the audience at the end is a courteous way to acknowledge their time and attention, leaving them with a positive impression of the presentation. While the beginning can set the stage and engage the audience, it’s in the conclusion that you drive home the relevance of your message and express gratitude for their participation. The middle of the presentation focuses on delivering the core content, which is why these particular elements are best reserved for the closing segment.