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!