A Strong Conclusion Is
ImportantD. Patricia LaRochelle, M.S.P.C.
The Nordwest Deutsche Philharmonic - image by: Nordwest Deutsche Philharmonic
Three Steps To A Great
Conclusion
Signal The End
Reiterate Main
Points
Dramatic
Statement
Keep In Mind
Remember that audiences tend
to prefer short conclusions.
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.
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
Dramatic Statement
Cont’d
Circular -
ending the
way you
started by
referring to
material
presented in
the attention
getter.
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.
Good luck!
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