Conclusions are Just a Start: A Conceptual Basis for Conclusions as the Strategic Component in Interpretive Presentations with a Typology of Designs

Abstract

Most interpretive experiences occur in the leisure sector suggesting interpreters must provoke future engagement rather than compel future engagement. Consequently, the potency of the ending of interpretive presentations seems critical to motivating future and ongoing engagement among heritage site visitors. The quality of the conclusion of an interpretive program is likely to play a disproportionate role in whether audience members continue to explore their ongoing or developing interest. Yet conclusions are probably not equally effective. There are several known, and many more yet unrecognized methods for designing conclusions. A preliminary typology of novel designs well suited for constructing conclusions to heritage interpretation programs is presented.