Concluding
Your Speech
The Better Speaker Series
271
Criteria for Successful
Conclusions
Achieve a sense of closure
Make an impact
Take five to 10 percent of the
entire speech time
1
Closing Techniques
Use a quotation
Adds authority
Amuses listeners
Dramatize your speech
2
Closing Techniques
Tell a short story or anecdote
Develop quickly
Make it short
Reinforce your message
3
Closing Techniques
Call for action
Clearly explain what action the
audience should take.
4
Closing Techniques
Ask a rhetorical question
“You may ask, ‘Can we afford
to do this?’ I ask, ‘Can we
afford not to?’”
5
Closing Techniques
Refer to the beginning of
the speech
“I began my remarks by
reviewing the challenges our
company must confront.”
6
Closing Techniques
Summarize your main points
Repetition reinforces your
message.
7
Tips for Success
Memorize your conclusion
End on time
Refrain from adding new points
8
Conclusion
"Great is the art of
beginning, but greater is
the art of ending.”
– Henry Wadsworth
Longfellow
9