1. Concluding Your Speech The Better Speaker Series 271

2. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. 9 Conclusion Make a lasting impression! 9