Concluding Your Speech The Better Speaker Series 271

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

Closing Techniques Use a quotation  Adds authority  Amuses listeners  Dramatize your speech 2

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

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

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

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

Closing Techniques Summarize 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 9