7 good ways to end your presentation speech

As the saying goes, “Beginning in itself has no value, it is an end which makes beginning meaningful”. The conclusion of a presentation speech is just as important as its opening.

How you wrap up your presentation has a real impact on how people remember it. Will they leave feeling energized and ready to make a change, or quickly forget what they heard? Fear not, we’ve got seven killer ways to end things on a high note and make sure your message sticks with your audience. Get ready to inspire and leave a lasting impression!

Finish with a Memorable Story

A great way to conclude your presentation is by sharing a captivating story. Stories are proven to captivate your audience and make your message stick. Take it from TED speaker Simon Sinek who closed out his impressive talk on leadership with a tale of true heroism. His poignant anecdote on sacrifice hammered home the importance of great leadership and left a lasting impact on all who listened. Don’t miss out on the storytelling trick to make your presentations unforgettable.

Use a Personal Quote

A thought-provoking quote can leave a strong impact on your audience. Choose a quote that encapsulates your presentation’s central message—that of your own or from someone whose words carry weight on your topic. Be sure the quote is relevant and ties back to your speech. When Apple CEO Steve Jobs ended his 2005 Stanford commencement address, he quoted from The Whole Earth Catalog: “Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.” This quote not only summarized his message but also encouraged graduates to continuously learn and take risks in life.

Show a Visual Summary

Want your audience to remember your presentation? Keep it visual! A simple slide that highlights the key takeaways from your speech will tie everything together and make it easier for your audience to retain the information. Plus, it reinforces your points and gives your audience something tangible to take away. Say goodbye to boring presentations and hello to engaged audiences!

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Leave Asking a Question

A thought-provoking question can encourage your audience to reflect on your presentation long after it has ended. Craft a question that stimulates their thinking and challenges them to apply the information you’ve presented in their lives. For example, environmental activist Al Gore often concludes his speeches on climate change with the question, “What kind of world do you want to leave your children?” This challenges listeners to consider their role in addressing the issue.

Reinforce Your Central Message

Summarizing your presentation’s key points and restating your core message helps to ensure that your audience has grasped the essence of your speech. Clearly articulate what you want your listeners to take away, and emphasize how this information can benefit them moving forward. For example, Dale Carnegie concludes his book, “The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking,” by reminding readers that the fundamental principles of effective speaking lie in sincerity, knowledge, and enthusiasm—simultaneously reinforcing the book’s central message.

Provide Next Steps

Audiences appreciate a clear sense of direction when it comes to applying the ideas you’ve presented. Offer concrete steps they can take to implement those ideas in their lives or careers, helping ensure that the information they’ve received is put to good use. For instance, encouraging employees to reflect on and discuss how department goals align with the company’s vision can be an effective way of concluding a presentation on aligning team objectives with overall business strategies.

End with a Call-to-Action (CTA)

Have you ever watched a presentation that felt like it was missing something? That something is a call to action. A CTA is like the cherry on top of your presentation sundae. It gives your audience a clear next step to take after enjoying the content you’ve provided. So, what makes a great CTA? It should be clear, specific, and memorable. For example, if you’re presenting on the benefits of a software program, your CTA could be “Sign up for a free trial today.” It’s straightforward and easy for your audience to remember. Give it a try right now, with our AI Presentation maker.

In conclusion, mastering the art of closing your presentation is as crucial as starting it.  Leaving a lasting impression on your audience is a must, no matter if you go for a memorable story, a personal quote, a visual summary, a thought-provoking question, reinforcing your central message, providing next steps, or ending with a powerful call-to-action, the key is to ensure that your audience remains engaged and inspired long after your speech has ended.

By incorporating these seven effective strategies, you will not only captivate your audience but also encourage them to take meaningful action based on the insights you’ve shared. And always remember, expressing gratitude towards your listeners is the perfect finishing touch to any presentation.