What are the most effective techniques to end a speech and leave a lasting impression?

1 Recap and reinforce

One of the simplest and most common ways to end a speech is to summarize your main points and restate your thesis or purpose. This helps your audience recall what you have said and understand how it relates to your overall message. However, you should not just repeat what you have already said verbatim. Instead, use different words, phrases, or examples to reinforce your points and show how they fit together. You can also use a catchy slogan, a memorable quote, or a powerful statistic to emphasize your key takeaway.

2 Call to action

Another way to end a speech is to inspire your audience to do something with the information or ideas you have shared. This is called a call to action, and it can be very effective if you want to persuade your listeners to change their behavior, attitude, or opinion. A call to action should be clear, specific, and realistic. You should tell your audience exactly what you want them to do, how to do it, and why it matters. You can also appeal to their emotions, values, or interests to motivate them to act.

3 Story or anecdote

A third way to end a speech is to use a story or an anecdote that illustrates your main point or theme. A story or an anecdote can be a powerful tool to engage your audience, make them feel something, and help them remember your message. You can use a personal story, a historical story, a fictional story, or a humorous story, depending on your topic and tone. The story or anecdote should be relevant, concise, and meaningful. It should also have a clear connection to your speech and a strong ending that wraps up your message.

4 Question or challenge

A fourth way to end a speech is to ask a question or pose a challenge to your audience. A question or a challenge can be a great way to stimulate your audience's curiosity, interest, or creativity. It can also encourage them to reflect on your message, apply it to their own situation, or share it with others. A question or a challenge should be open-ended, thought-provoking, and relevant. It should also invite your audience to participate, respond, or take action.

5 Quotation or reference

A fifth way to end a speech is to use a quotation or a reference that supports or enhances your message. A quotation or a reference can be a great way to add credibility, authority, or inspiration to your speech. You can use a quotation or a reference from a famous person, a book, a movie, a song, or any other source that relates to your topic and audience. The quotation or reference should be accurate, appropriate, and impactful. It should also be integrated into your speech and explained how it connects to your message.

6 Final tips

No matter which technique you choose to end your speech, here are some final tips to make it more effective. Plan and practice your conclusion in advance, and signal the end with a transitional phrase, like “in conclusion” or “finally”. Keep it brief and concise, without introducing new information or arguments. End confidently with a strong voice, positive tone, and confident posture. Finally, thank your audience for their attention and invite them to ask questions or give feedback. By following these techniques and tips, you can ensure that your speech leaves a lasting impression on your audience and achieves your speech goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?