This document outlines three steps for an effective conclusion to a speech: 1) Signal the end, which can be done explicitly by saying "in conclusion" or implicitly by referencing what points were previously discussed. 2) Reiterate the main points of the speech to reinforce them for the audience. 3) Use a dramatic statement to summarize the speech, such as building up to a big finish (crescendo), leaving the audience with something to think about (diminish), or referring back to the opening (circular). Some additional tips are to stay on message, not introduce new information, answer any questions, and thank the audience before ending.

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!