What does “mic drop” really mean?
The phrase “mic drop” refers to ending a speech, performance, or even an argument in a way that is so impressive or definitive that nothing more needs to be said.
How do you know when to stop?
Whether it’s a charity event or a single presentation, or a mid-morning break in a half-day workshop – here are 4 strategies to end with grace and efficiency.
1️⃣ Your clock.
Your clock is your best friend when speaking and do NOT rely on the clock at the venue. These clocks (even if there is one on the wall) often don’t tell good time! Or, they’re an hour off (daylight savings non-change).
Bring your retired phone or iPad (fired up). Upload the free app called “Clocks”. Click on this app and a clock shows up that will never fade away. FYI – your phone clock stays lit for just a few seconds for battery conservation.
Put this phone/iPad clock in a non-conspicuous place that you can see. You’ll know when to skip material or stretch a module so that you can end when your allotted time is over.
2️⃣ Your accomplice.
Assign someone in the room to watch the time. Ask this person to signal you when you’ve got 10 minutes, then 5, then 1 minute remaining.
3️⃣ Your gut.
Let’s say you can end whenever you want to. After all, you’re the CEO/leader. My advice – don’t take advantage of this largesse.
Read the room. Are people getting up to go to the restroom? Are they fidgeting? Are their faces starting to look like oat meal?
Yes, yes, yes? It’s time for a break or to come to a close.
4️⃣ Your intel.
Know what you want to accomplish and do just that.
Bottom line ➜
Bottom line ➜No one complains if you end 5 minutes early. Everyone goes crazy if you end 5 minutes late. Watch your clock, read the room and know your end-game.
Mic drop.
© photo taken by KCR in Prague, Czech Republic
“Start on time, end on time.” I had the good fortune to train in Dallas in Urology in the 1980’s. We had a weekly conference for all of the resident trainees, students, faculty and Urologists in the Dallas community. The issue was how to attract all of these people to this meeting every Friday at 7am. The leader of this conference, Dr. Spence and his successor, Dr. Peters had a familiar refrain…”start on time, end on time.” This meant that the conference was to start PRECISELY at 7 am and end PRECISELY at 8 am. That way everyone could confidently plan their day and their time would be respected. This resulted in attendance that far outpaced similar conferences around the country. I put this practice into my own professional and personal life and it was very helpful in many ways.
Agreed – 💯💯💯 !!! The operative word is “RESPECT”. When you start on time you honor everyone who got there on time. Ditto for ending on time.
Yesterday I gave a half-day workshop for a small group. One person was late. We started ON TIME and I did not go back and “fill in the blanks” for the late attendee.
Thanks for your comment!