Your ringing stroke determines how your note will sound when it begins, and your damping technique determines how your note will sound when it ends. Both are important! How you finish a note makes as much of an impact in your performance as how you start a note. If you don't believe me, just think to that time when the entire choir damped their final note...except that one ringer!
Body damp - this is your default. Damping high on your body maintains the integrity of the sound while setting you up for your next ringing stroke.
Table damp - Use this only when you need to let go of a bell and immediately pick up something else.
Brush Damp/Partial Damp - Oh the music you can make once you add this to you essential techniques, instead of just using it when you see BD in your music!