Concluding Your Speech The Better Speaker Series 271

Criteria for Successful Conclusions  Achieve a sense of closure  Summarize main points  Make an impact  Take five to 10 percent of the entire speech time 1

Closing Techniques  Adds authority  Amuses listeners  Dramatizes your speech 2 Use a quotation

Closing Techniques  Develop quickly  Make it short  Reinforce your message 3 Tell a short story or anecdote

Closing Techniques Clearly explain what action the audience should take. 4 Call for action

Closing Techniques “You may ask, ‘Can we afford to do this?’ I ask, ‘Can we afford not to?’” 5 Ask a rhetorical question

Closing Techniques “I began my remarks by reviewing the challenges our company must confront.” 6 Refer to the beginning of the speech

Closing Techniques Repetition reinforces your message. 7 Summarize your main points

Tips for Success  Memorize your conclusion  End on time  Refrain from adding new points 8

9 Conclusion Make a lasting impression! 9