Preparing a conclusion for your speech

1. A Strong Conclusion Is
Important D. Patricia LaRochelle, M.S.P.C.
The Nordwest Deutsche Philharmonic - image by: Nordwest Deutsche Philharmonic

2. Three Steps To A Great
Conclusion
 Signal The End
 Reiterate Main
Points
 Dramatic
Statement

3. Keep In Mind
Remember that audiences tend
to prefer short conclusions.

5. A. Signal The End
 This can be done by stating "In
conclusion."
No, this is not boring or redundant -
audiences need quick signposts to let
them know where you are.
Other variations of "in conclusion" may
be used: Finally... In summary... In a
nutshell... In closing... To conclude...
To sum up... In short... In essence...
Overall, etc.

6. Signal The End, Cont’d
 You can also work it this way:
"Now that I've told you about bla-bla-
bla, let me remind you of the
three options I discussed: a, b,
and c.”

8. B. Reiterate Main
Points
 Remind your audience of the main
points you covered.
 Even in short speeches this helps the
audience retain your central ideas and
reinforces their commitment to what
you have said.

10. C. Dramatic Statement
This summarizes and adds a finish to a
speech. Speech endings are similar to
those of another aural form, music.
Some options are:
 Crescendo
 Diminish
 Circular

11. Dramatic Statement
Cont’d
 Crescendo -
building up to a
big finish by
answering a
question posed
in the speech,
providing the
solution to a
puzzle or riddle,
a dramatic fact
or quote.

12. Dramatic Statement
Cont’d
 Diminish -
leaving the
audience with
something to
think about by
posing a
rhetorical
question or
pointing out
something they
have not thought
about before.

13. Dramatic Statement
Cont’d
 Circular -
ending the
way you
started by
referring to
material
presented in
the attention
getter.

15. A Few Last Tips
 Stay on message.
 The conclusion is not the right place to expand
on main points or add new information.
 Take the time to ask and answer any
questions.
 Thank the audience and make it clear that
your presentation is over before leaving the
lectern.

16. Good luck!