Organizing Your Speech Part 2 The Conclusion

The Conclusion A conclusion wraps up what you have to say in a neat communication package. Two parts to a conclusion: The summary The clincher or final impression

“The Power of Laughter” The Conclusion “The Power of Laughter” In conclusion, you have seen how laughter can make you a more productive and effective worker, a more sensitive friend and family member, and even a healthier person. I think that after hearing that laughter can actually help us overcome serious illness and can help terminally ill patients live two to four years longer, we should all start to smile. So, let’s establish and maintain a “laughing attitude.” We can all do it—and it costs nothing. Therefore, the words that you heard at the beginning of this speech, “Let a smile be your umbrella,” might be sound advice. Go ahead and laugh. Hopefully, the world will laugh with you!

“The Power of Laughter” The Conclusion “The Power of Laughter” In conclusion, you have seen how laughter can make you a more productive and effective worker, a more sensitive friend and family member, and even a healthier person. I think that after hearing that laughter can actually help us overcome serious illness and can help terminally ill patients live two to four years longer, we should all start to smile. So, let’s establish and maintain a “laughing attitude.” We can all do it—and it costs nothing. The Summary- effectively summarizes the major points of the speech and restates the thesis

“The Power of Laughter” The Conclusion “The Power of Laughter” Therefore, the words that you heard at the beginning of this speech, “Let a smile be your umbrella,” might be sound advice. Go ahead and laugh. Hopefully, the world will laugh with you! The clincher or final impression

The Conclusion The Summary First part of your conclusion “In other words” (aka: Common Sense Summary) Strip down the main ideas, or major areas of analysis, and reword them in common sense language Might include a particularly memorable or hard-hitting detail Avoid becoming too repetitive Reword and restate your speech thesis Summary should be a quick wrap-up; so, get to the point and then move on.

The Conclusion The Clincher or Final Impression Your final statement: Ends your speech Clinches your argument Makes a memorable final impression The tone and nature of your speech should determine your final clincher

The Conclusion The Clincher or Final Impression The types of attention getters used in an intro can be effective for your final lines as well: Asking a question Making a startling statement Giving a quotation Telling a story Describing an illustration or striking incident Making a reference Additional options: Epigram—Summary with wit or brief, clever statement Appeal—emphasize the main point by associating it with the drives or emotions that stir the audience to acceptance Challenge—ask audience to take specific action that will further their involvement in the issue Picture of better things to come—used if body of speech exposes weaknesses or expresses disapproval of established things

The Conclusion The Clincher or Final Impression Consider ending the speech the way you started it Ex: If you begin your speech with a quiz, you might end your speech by answering those questions for your audience in a creative, insightful manner. Ex: If you begin your speech with a quotation, you could end with a quotation that makes a similar point or one that accentuates your major points Whatever you choose, keep in mind the following: They must fit the mood of your speech They must make sense They should bring some finality to your speech so that your audience realizes that you have finished