The Impact of The Final Note

Think back to a recent conversation, performance, or piece of writing that made an impression. What’s perplexing is that an impression lingers in our minds long after words were spoken, songs were sung, or scripts were performed. Details fade, but the impression remains.

The question becomes, “What was it about that experience that leaves an impression?”

At first, we can speculate about the details, even if they are difficult to recall. However, the details only serve to carry out our experiences. There's a reason that we forget what people say but remember how they make us feel.

Therefore, it's how that experience ends that leaves the lasting impression we carry onward. 

Even though first impressions set the stage for how we believe our experiences would unfold, the ending ultimately decides whether the impression is favorable or not. In many cases, an experience can start off oddly or unexpectedly, but the finale brings it all together to leave a final mark.

For musicians, this is something we know to be true as we land our final note. Therefore, there are techniques musicians rely on to ensure that songs end memorably.

This reality extends beyond music and has become a principle that applies to nearly all endeavors. From private, intimate conversations to worldwide shows and broadcasts, the final note bears the most weight in determining whether the experience leaves a beautiful memory or misses the mark.

From my experience across multiple disciplines, I know that music is the most effective vehicle to communicate the importance of powerful endings. We don’t have to be musicians or have any knowledge of music theory to determine whether a musician's playing or singing leaves a good impression or sours the experience.

We just know. Intuitively.

Therefore, I will demonstrate the importance of the final note using a short and sweet passage on the saxophone. There will be variations of this passage with heavy emphasis on the ending. These demonstration videos will be embedded throughout the article and include graphs to incorporate a multisensory approach to my demonstrations.

The Tension & Release Principle

Many of us have seen thriller movies where suspense dominates the plot. In these movies, we lean in as we try to predict what will happen next, especially in horror movies.

The best thrillers glue us to the edge of our seats as we watch characters navigate mazes riddled with traps. We attempt to predict when these traps will be sprung and ensnare their victims. As tension builds, we brace ourselves for the surprise… whenever that may be.

Out of nowhere, the threat suddenly appears and releases the mounting tension through our screams and sudden gasps. We can't help but become hooked on the drama as we watch it unfold. Seasoned writers know to leverage an unpredictable pattern of tension and release to keep viewers hooked.

Thrillers that leave lasting impressions on the audience are created by filmmakers, scriptwriters, and actors who inherently master the Tension & Release Principle. They understand the drama of anticipation and attempt to figure out ways to mount the tension while releasing it at the least anticipated moment.

That pattern is visualized on the graph below:

Tension builds up until the release point, at which point tension can either sharply or slowly decline. The cycle often repeats itself multiple times in performing arts, such as music, stand-up comedy, and theatre.

The Tension & Release Principle applies to our relationships, careers, and hobbies to make them more interesting and engaging. While it may not be as stark and dramatic as a thriller movie, its application significantly reduces dull moments.

In other words, the Tension & Release Principle is a cornerstone of anything we find interesting.

Music is engineered to provide tension with catchy hooks, memorable melodies, and instrumentation that resonates with listeners. It can be as short as a simple 5-second jingle or a full-blown 1-hour symphony.

Demonstrations of Tension & Release

To better apply tension and release, let's analyze a handful of scenarios through variations of a short, two-bar jazz phrase to demonstrate the differences between utilizing the principle well and falling flat on its face.

Demo 1: No Tension, No Release

Ever had an experience so boring that watching paint dry became a much more appealing alternative?

It happens to the best of us. Unfortunately, life isn’t filled with masters of the Tension & Release Principle. Naturally, we are more inclined to excuse ourselves from these monotonous experiences as much as possible.

When the Tension & Release Principle isn’t harnessed, the experience drags out and becomes lifeless. Think of when someone goes on numerous bewildering tangents that don’t add up. The incessant verbal droning does nothing but burn precious time. 

This level of droning occurs in all types of experiences, including music. Here’s an example on the saxophone of what I mean:

While my saxophone playing was technically correct, its delivery was very flat and monotonous. The playing would pass a technical audition if that's what was required, but it doesn't emotionally connect with an audience.

For most listeners, those two bars became a passive experience. As a result, the listener’s attention shifts from “How will this end?” to “I hope this ends soon.”

Here is a visual curve of the experience:

The curve is flat because nothing happens. Naturally, when there's no buildup of tension, there's nothing to release. As a result, there is no memorable impression.

Here are some other ways where technical competency is demonstrated but doesn't connect emotionally:

• A writer who delivers accurate, detailed facts for preventing deforestation but has no stories to use to make an emotional connection and a call to action.

• An actor who fumbles with the script cannot add relatable characterizations to their performance.

• A public speaker who delivers the words of a speech but fails to use vocal variety, hand gestures, and ingrained emotion to make an emotional appeal to the audience.

• A photographer who tells the subject to smile without a compelling reason.

• A teacher who delivers a monotonous lesson because "it's part of the curriculum."

In short:

No Tension + No Release → Forgettable Experience

Therefore, we must add tension and release to the experience if we ever hope to capture the hearts of an audience and leave a favorable impression.

Demo 2: Some Tension, No Release

We’ve all been in situations where the tension builds and builds and builds… and then, nothing.

We scramble to understand what happened or wonder if we missed something important. Questions run through our minds as we try to make sense of the cliffhanger.

Unfortunately, this is one of the most common experiences. Hype is built around a new idea, product, or service, only to never come to fruition. At best, the lack of delivery is due to negligence. At worst, a con artist who doesn't plan on delivering anyway.

Here's how this situation is demonstrated musically:

This musical phrasing improves on the first video. Some notes were changed, mixed with dynamics, adding some variety to elevate tension throughout the passage.

However, the final note felt like an airplane that wasn't ready to land yet. The tension increased throughout the phrasing, but without the release, it’s difficult for the listener to determine whether that was the end.

Here's the curve of the buildup:

It starts off well, and the experience builds tension throughout, but the final note doesn't release the built-up tension. Instead, it leaves listeners on a cliffhanger. This is why the final note truly counts in musical passages.

Here are other examples across different disciplines of when tension builds but does not get released:

• A writer who writes a brilliant passage but has no closing paragraph or takeaway message.

• An actor who builds up a ton of drama but suddenly disappears, never to be seen again.

• A public speaker who commands a captivating message, only to say “oops, my time is up” as they step off the stage.

• A photographer who shoots a photo session but doesn’t deliver any photos.

• A teacher who asks a question, gets responses, but moves on to the next topic without acknowledging any responses.

In short:

Tension + No Release → Cliffhanger

In all these cases, tension builds up to the final moment, but there is no resolution. This situation leaves an impression of bewilderment and incompleteness.

Demo 3: Build Tension, Land With Runaway Tension

Ever listened to a brilliant talk, read a beautiful passage, or listened to a talented musician who delivers a phenomenal experience throughout, but then the ending seems completely off from the rest of it?

Something as minor as a contradictory remark, a paragraph that doesn't belong, or a dissonant note can sour an otherwise world-class experience. It doesn't seem fair that such a small segment of the experience taints the rest, but it's the impression that sticks with us.

Here’s a quick example of what I mean:

In this take of the passage, everything was played well until the final note. It soured the mood because it was completely out of place. At best, it could have been a transition note into a different ending that was left incomplete. In either case, the tension spikes dramatically as shown below:

Here are additional examples where tension is built and aggressively throttled by an abrupt ending or incomplete performance:

• A grant writer whose work builds a solid case for increasing educational funding, only to undermine it by claiming that its previous spending was wasteful.

• An antagonist in a movie who suddenly turns into the good guy at the end with absolutely no explanation.

• A public speaker who delivers a beautiful address to hundreds of salespeople in the solar industry but then pitches reasons to sell oil and gas products.

• A photographer who delivers a wedding album of distorted photos.

• A math teacher who cannot follow the simple rules of algebra to solve equations or simplify mathematical expressions.

In short:

Tension + Bad Release → Agitation

These situations demonstrate that while building tension is part of the game, the release must decrease the tension at the end, not increase it. Additionally, if tension overbuilds, it risks distorting the experience while eroding credibility and professionalism.

Given the choice between an abrupt cliffhanger and a tension spike, most audience members would choose the cliffhanger.

Demo 4: Build Tension, Then Release

Finally, after all the tension built into this article, here comes a good example of applying the Tension & Release Principle.

Releasing tension that is built throughout is the key ingredient to leaving a lasting impression. Not only is it important to release the tension, but also do so at the right rate–not too slowly, and not too quickly.

Additionally, tension must be built at the right rate. Mastering the optimal rate of building tension requires trial and error, high social intelligence, and an intuitive understanding of our workflow.

When tension is built wisely, its release provides a lasting impression that the audience remembers long after the details fade.

Musically, here’s what I mean:

As the tension builds throughout the passage, the final note releases it to emphasize the conclusion. It leaves the final impression that simmers in the listeners' minds. Additionally, a well-placed final note tricks us into thinking everything around it was relatively interesting.

Again, it’s more about the impression that lasts, not the details. Therefore, investing our best efforts into what lands the impression is vital.

Graphically speaking, here is our desired journey.

Across different disciplines, it's important to know how to treat the final note of our work to leave a favorable impression. Here are more metaphorical examples of how a well-placed final note resonates and compels the audience to act:

• A writer delivers a thorough article on improving the state of a community, providing tangible action steps with immediate application.

• An actor delivers an inspiring performance throughout and defeats his adversary at the end.

• A public speaker leaves their audience with a tangible action plan that can be applied after the round of applause.

• A teacher has his students think through a problem and reveals the correct answer with a clear explanation.

• A photographer provides a great photoshoot experience, delivers sneak peeks, and then delivers the final album in a timely manner.

In short:

Tension + Release → Impression

In each situation, the experience builds optimal tension that captivates an audience. Then, it releases the tension to leave a favorable impression that improves an audience's lives or unlocks peace of mind. That’s the best way to build tension and release.

Applying The Lesson

It’s time to turn our attention to ourselves and figure out how to apply the Tension & Release Principle to achieve the best results possible.

Having a background in performing arts isn't necessary to master it in our own experiences. However, becoming a master requires creativity and patience through trial and error.

For each of these steps, it's important to write it down for progress to become more clear.

–1– Begin With The Ending In Mind

In Stephen R. Covey's classic The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the first habit introduced is to begin with the end in mind. Many eager people make the mistake of getting started without determining their ultimate destination.

In a world that values speed, what makes having the end in mind valuable? It's the direction. If the plan is to drive north from Atlanta to New York, we should not choose a highway that travels west towards Los Angeles.

Remember this: No amount of speed will compensate for going in the wrong direction.

Therefore, determining our 'why' is the most critical delivery aspect. From there, we can shape the journey to build tension and land on the final note of the journey.

–2– Write Out The Desired Impression

Many beginners make the mistake of defining the end and not realizing the impression it delivers. It's not enough to have intention; execution matters. People are not mind readers, but most have enough social awareness to evaluate their experiences.

The best way to engage impressions is through using a multisensory approach. When landing on the final note and delivering an impression, we must ask:

• What does it look like?

• What does it sound like?

• What does it feel like?

The more senses engaged, the better. Once these questions are answered, we can package it into one final question:

What should the audience take away at the very end?

–3– Connect Tension With Release

It's worth reiterating that tension and release are not isolated from each other. The mechanisms that lead to that impression must be aligned with its delivery. Otherwise, the misalignment may result in more unwanted tension and leave the audience agitated.

When determining how much tension is required, it's best to answer these two questions next:

• How much tension should be built right before the release is delivered?

• How fast should the tension be mounting from start to finish?

For some, this will be intuitive, while for others, it requires explicitly thinking it out and documenting the steps as a recipe. We must use our best judgment on what works best for us and proceed accordingly.

–4– Put It All Together

Now that the impression has been formulated, it's time to build a roadmap from start to finish. Determine the actions that will build the necessary tension right before the punchline is delivered.

For those who use the intuitive approach, documenting the process is still highly recommended. While it might require a little more time and effort, it allows us to review what's going on and select aspects of the process to modify and improve.

An important aspect of building the roadmap is making sure it is practical and manageable. If we stretch ourselves too much, we risk building tension beyond what's tolerable for the audience and ourselves.

Therefore, we want to focus on getting it right first and then tweak it down the road as a stretch goal, where appropriate.

–5– Review The Impression

The final part of the journey requires us to imagine ourselves as statisticians. This is where the testing and review begin to further evaluate whether we're leaving the impression we desire on our audience. Once our planning is completed, we must deploy and practice it.

First and foremost, it's important to document and record our work for review. In the beginning, it's difficult to evaluate ourselves, especially if it's a video, because we're not used to seeing ourselves from a second-person point of view. However, the video doesn't lie and will capture everything we do.

Regardless of how cringy it may be, we need to muster the courage to review it to know how we're perceived.

As our own hardest critic, we want to catch detrimental aspects of delivery before others do. The easiest way to do this for ourselves is to have AI generate a list of yes or no questions relevant to our situation.

Once we've done our due diligence, it's time to test it on a smaller audience. Deliver the performance and ask for feedback, especially on the impression a few hours or a few days afterwards. While there may be specific questions we're interested in our own situations, there's only one question that needs to be answered:

Did the impression meet expectations?

If yes, continue optimizing it until there's no point to improving it or a ceiling has been hit.

If no, ask what needs to be changed and fix it. Plan on testing the changes again in the near future.

Even if the desired impression landed the first time, repeat the test to ensure consistency. There's nothing worse than a false positive in the beginning.

For those who enjoy flowcharts, consider this:

Land The Plane Smoothly

Our experiences will become more mindful with the application of the Tension & Release Principle. It feels good to end things on a good note to know we can focus on what's next.

Not all parts of the journey are weighed equally in the eyes of the audience. While many producers become obsessed with making the middle of any endeavor as smooth and perfect as possible, it is often the ending that will be remembered by the largest chunk of the audience.

Therefore, more careful attention should be paid to delivering a smooth landing. Of course, the process of building tension is important, but it’s the impression that stays with us at the very end.

When the ending is mastered, try allowing it to resonate a little longer. Here's a bonus demo to demonstrate what I mean.

In this final demo, the playing was very similar to the previous demonstration. In addition to a few pick up notes, the musical phrase slowed down at the end. This gives the listener permission to breathe a sigh of relief as the music comes to an end.

In the graph below, we can see that the green part of the journey lasts just a little bit longer.

Optimal Tension + Optimal Release → Optimal Impression

As we come to a close on our journey of tension and release, think about how to apply it to our crafts. Becoming a master of the Tension & Release Principle can not only make us more effective in our craft, but enjoy life a little bit more. This combo will help us land our final note in each experience to leave an impression for all to enjoy.

Enjoy the journey. Start well, build tension, and release your final note wisely so that you may leave a favorable impression.