How to Close a Speech

People usually remember two things about a speech, the beginning and the end. Closing a speech in a powerful way will have the audience thinking about your speech for a long time. Use powerful quotes, videos, pictures or a colorful story and remember to thank the audience!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Inform the audience that the end of the speech is near. This lets them know that the end is coming and they will be more alert to listening for the wrap up.
2. Summarize the points that were made earlier in the speech or drive home the point that was being communicated throughout the speech.
3. Use humor where appropriate. End the speech with a humorous joke that relates to the speech content. Share a personal humorous lesson. Use a picture that can bring forth laughter. Select a comic strip relevant to the speech.
4. Implement a call to action at the end of the speech. Direct the audience to produce a desired outcome when they leave. Let the audience know what you want them to change as a result of the speech.
5. Share a personal story, a famous quote, or even a song lyric and music. Warp up the speech with an illustration or photo that is memorable. Add a picture of yourself with a speech bubble and a tag line relevant to the speech.
6. Thank the audience during the closing. Acknowledge appropriate individuals associated with the speech and thank the hosts.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid ending the speech abruptly. Ending abruptly leaves the audience feeling as if the speech wasn't prepared well.
• Get to know the audience beforehand to make sure the speech is geared appropriately to the audience.
• Practice, practice, practice. Deliver a well-prepared closing.