Writing the Perfect Ending
Why Conclusions Matter
Wrapping up your speech with a bang is a must. Your conclusion does three things: it sums up your main points, nudges your audience towards action, and leaves a lasting impression. You don’t want your audience scratching their heads, wondering if you’re done. A clear, punchy ending makes sure your message hits home.
The Secret Sauce of a Great Conclusion
To nail your conclusion, focus on these key ingredients:
- Signaling the End: Give your audience a heads-up that you’re wrapping up. Phrases like “In conclusion” or “To sum up” do the trick. Think of it like the final scene in a movie, letting everyone know the credits are about to roll.
- Restating the Thesis: Hammer home your main message. Restate your thesis to remind everyone what your speech is all about (Introduction to Public Speaking).
- Reviewing Main Points: Quickly recap the highlights. This helps cement your message and makes it easier for folks to remember (Lumen Learning).
- Memorable Thought: End with a bang. This could be a killer quote, a call to action, or a gripping story. Make sure your speech leaves a mark.
Keep your conclusion short and sweet, taking up no more than 5–10% of your total speaking time. Steer clear of ending with phrases like “So…that’s it” or “OK, I’m done,” as they can deflate your entire speech.
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Must Haves in Your Conclusion
Giving the Heads-Up
When you’re nearing the end of your speech, you gotta let your audience know. Think of it like the final lap in a race—everyone needs to know it’s almost over. Drop a few hints that you’re wrapping things up, just like when the credits start rolling on your favorite TV show. Avoid saying stuff like “So…that’s it” or “OK, I’m done.” That’s a no-go. (Introduction to Public Speaking).
Bringing Back the Main Idea
Your conclusion isn’t just about saying goodbye; it’s about reminding folks why they listened in the first place. Bring back your main idea or thesis. This helps hammer home the point you’ve been making all along. Keep it short and sweet, making sure it fits nicely into your closing remarks..
Quick Recap of Key Points
Before you sign off, give a quick recap of the main points you covered. This helps your audience remember the big takeaways. Summarize without adding any new info. This little review ties everything together and gives your speech a nice, neat finish..
| Part | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Giving the Heads-Up | Lets the audience know you’re wrapping up. |
| Bringing Back the Main Idea | Reinforces the main point of your speech. |
| Quick Recap of Key Points | Helps the audience remember the important stuff. |
Follow these steps, and you’ll leave your audience with a strong, lasting impression.
Leaving a Lasting Impression
Nailing the end of your speech is like hitting the final note in a song—it’s what people remember. Here’s how to make sure your conclusion sticks.
Memorable Concluding Statements
Wrap up your speech in a way that’s clear and unforgettable. Ditch the “So… that’s it” or “OK, I’m done” endings (Lumen Learning). Instead, go for statements that hammer home your main message and stir some emotion.
Examples of killer closing lines:
- “Remember, the change we seek starts with each one of us.”
- “Let’s go out and make a difference today.”
Call to Action
A call to action is your speech’s grand finale. It drives home your points and gets your audience to do something (Brian Tracy).
Examples of calls to action:
- “Join our cause and help make a difference.”
- “Take the first step today by signing up for our newsletter.”
Using Inflection and Body Language
How you deliver your conclusion can make or break it. Use your voice and body to drive your points home.
- Inflection: Change up your tone to highlight key points. Drop your voice to show sincerity or raise it to show excitement.
- Body Language: Keep eye contact, use hand gestures to emphasize, and stand tall.
Focus on these tips, and you’ll end your speech on a high note, leaving your audience with something to remember and act on.
Your Speech’s Grand Finale
Throw Down a Challenge
Want to leave your audience buzzing? Challenge them. Give them a clear call to action that ties directly into your speech. This isn’t just about summarizing your points—it’s about inspiring them to act. Make them see the future you’ve painted and feel like they can be part of it. Trust me, they’ll remember you for it.
| Strategy | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Throwing Down a Challenge | High |
| Painting a Vision | High |
Drop Some Quotes and Stories
A killer quote or a gripping story can make your speech unforgettable. Pick a quote that nails your main message and leaves a mark. Or, tell a story that brings your points to life. Just make sure to tie it back to your main message so it sticks (Brian Tracy).
| Strategy | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Using Quotes | Moderate to High |
| Telling Stories | High |
Use Humor and Tug at Heartstrings
Humor is your friend. A well-placed joke that circles back to your main point can seal the deal. Follow it up with a memorable line that sums up your message. And don’t underestimate the power of emotions. Whether it’s a laugh or a tear, making your audience feel something will make your message stick (Brian Tracy).
| Strategy | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Using Humor | Moderate to High |
| Evoking Emotions | High |
By mixing these strategies, you can craft an ending that not only resonates but also sticks with your audience long after you’ve left the stage.
For more tips, you can read our article on writing a speech for beginners.