1. Concluding Your Speech
The Better Speaker Series
271

2. Criteria for Successful Conclusions
Achieve a sense of closure
Make an impact
Take five to 10 percent of the entire speech time

3. Use a quotation Adds authority Amuses listeners Dramatize your speech
Closing Techniques
Use a quotation
Adds authority
Amuses listeners
Dramatize your speech

4. Closing Techniques Tell a short story or anecdote Develop quickly
Make it short
Reinforce your message

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

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

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

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

9. Memorize your conclusion End on time Refrain from adding new points
Tips for Success
Memorize your conclusion
End on time
Refrain from adding new points

10. Conclusion
"Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow