Concluding Your SpeechThe Better Speaker Series

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Criteria for Successful Conclusions

Achieve a sense of closure

Make an impact

Take five to 10 percent of the entire speech time

1

Closing TechniquesUse a quotation

Adds authority

Amuses listeners

Dramatize your speech

2

Closing TechniquesTell a short story or anecdote

Develop quickly

Make it short

Reinforce your message

3

Closing TechniquesCall for action

Clearly explain what action the audience should take.

4

Closing TechniquesAsk a rhetorical question

“You may ask, ‘Can we afford to do this?’ I ask, ‘Can we afford not to?’”

5

Closing TechniquesRefer to the beginning of the speech

“I began my remarks by reviewing the challenges our company must confront.”

6

Closing TechniquesSummarize 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

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