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How to end a speech memorably
3 ways to close a speech effectively.
By: Susan Dugdale
Knowing how, and when, to end a speech is just as important as knowing how to begin. Truly.
What's on this page:
- why closing well is important
- 3 effective speech conclusions with examples and audio
- 7 common ways people end their speeches badly - what happens when you fail to plan to end a speech memorably
- How to end a Maid Honor speech: 20 examples
- links to research showing the benefits of finishing a speech strongly
Why ending a speech well is important
Research * tells us people most commonly remember the first and last thing they hear when listening to a speech, seminar or lecture.
Therefore if you want the audience's attention and, your speech to create a lasting impression sliding out with: "Well, that's all I've got say. My time's up anyway. Yeah - so thanks for listening, I guess.", isn't going to do it.
So what will?
* See the foot of the page for links to studies and articles on what and how people remember : primacy and recency.
Three effective speech conclusions
Here are three of the best ways to end a speech. Each ensures your speech finishes strongly rather than limping sadly off to sure oblivion.
You'll need a summary of your most important key points followed by the ending of your choice:
- a powerful quotation
- a challenge
- a call back
To work out which of these to use, ask yourself what you want audience members to do or feel as a result of listening to your speech. For instance;
- Do you want to motivate them to work harder?
- Do you want them to join the cause you are promoting?
- Do you want them to remember a person and their unique qualities?
What you choose to do with your last words should support the overall purpose of your speech.
Let's look at three different scenarios showing each of these ways to end a speech.
To really get a feel for how they work try each of them out loud yourself and listen to the recordings.
1. How to end a speech with a powerful quotation
Your speech purpose is to inspire people to join your cause. Specifically you want their signatures on a petition lobbying for change and you have everything ready to enable them to sign as soon as you have stopped talking.
You've summarized the main points and want a closing statement at the end of your speech to propel the audience into action.
Borrowing words from a revered and respected leader aligns your cause with those they fought for, powerfully blending the past with the present.
For example:
"Martin Luther King, Jr said 'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'
Now is the time to decide. Now is the time to act.
Here's the petition. Here's the pen. And here's the space for your signature.
Now, where do you stand?"
Try it out loud and listen to the audio
Try saying this out loud for yourself. Listen for the cumulative impact of: an inspirational quote, plus the rhythm and repetition (two lots of 'Now is the time to...', three of 'Here's the...', three repeats of the word 'now') along with a rhetorical question to finish.
Click the link to hear a recording of it: sample speech ending with a powerful quotation .
2. How to end a speech with a challenge
Your speech purpose is to motivate your sales force.
You've covered the main points in the body of it, including introducing an incentive: a holiday as a reward for the best sales figures over the next three weeks.
You've summarized the important points and have reached the end of your speech. The final words are a challenge, made even stronger by the use of those two extremely effective techniques: repetition and rhetorical questions.
"You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours.
Can you do it?
Will you do it?
The kids will love it.
Your wife, or your husband, or your partner, will love it.
Do it now!"
Click the link to listen to a recording of it: sample speech ending with a challenge . And do give it a go yourself.
3. How to end a speech with a call back
Your speech purpose is to honor the memory of a dear friend who has passed away.
You've briefly revisited the main points of your speech and wish in your closing words to leave the members of the audience with a happy and comforting take-home message or image to dwell on.
Earlier in the speech you told a poignant short story. It's that you return to, or call back.
Here's an example of what you could say:
"Remember that idyllic picnic I told you about?
Every blue sky summer's day I'll see Amy in my mind.
Her red picnic rug will be spread on green grass under the shade of an old oak tree. There'll be food, friends and laughter.
I'll see her smile, her pleasure at sharing the simple good things of life, and I know what she'd say too. I can hear her.
"Come on, try a piece of pie. My passing is not the end of the world you know."
Click the link to hear a recording of it: sample speech ending with a call back . Try it out for yourself too. (For some reason, this one is a wee bit crackly. Apologies for that!)
When you don't plan how to end a speech...
That old cliché 'failing to plan is planning to fail' can bite and its teeth are sharp.
The 'Wing It' Department * delivers lessons learned the hard way. I know from personal experience and remember the pain!
How many of these traps have caught you?
- having no conclusion and whimpering out on a shrug of the shoulders followed by a weak, 'Yeah, well, that's all, I guess.', type of line.
- not practicing while timing yourself and running out of it long before getting to your prepared conclusion. (If you're in Toastmasters where speeches are timed you'll know when your allotted time is up, that means, finish. Stop talking now, and sit down. A few seconds over time can be the difference between winning and losing a speech competition.)
- ending with an apology undermining your credibility. For example: 'Sorry for going on so long. I know it can be a bit boring listening to someone like me.'
- adding new material just as you finish which confuses your audience. The introduction of information belongs in the body of your speech.
- making the ending too long in comparison to the rest of your speech.
- using a different style or tone that doesn't fit with what went before it which puzzles listeners.
- ending abruptly without preparing the audience for the conclusion. Without a transition, signal or indication you're coming to the end of your talk they're left waiting for more.
* Re The 'Wing It' Department
One of the most galling parts of ending a speech weakly is knowing it's avoidable. Ninety nine percent of the time it didn't have to happen that way. But that's the consequence of 'winging it', trying to do something without putting the necessary thought and effort in.
It's such a sod when there's no one to blame for the poor conclusion of your speech but yourself! ☺
How to end a Maid of Honor speech: 20 examples
More endings! These are for Maid of Honor speeches. There's twenty examples of varying types: funny, ones using Biblical and other quotations... Go to: how to end a Maid of Honor speech
How to write a speech introduction
Now that you know how to end a speech effectively, find out how to open one well. Discover the right hook to use to captivate your audience.
Find out more: How to write a speech introduction: 12 of the very best ways to open a speech .
More speech writing help
You do not need to flail around not knowing what to do, or where to start.
Visit this page to find out about structuring and writing a speech .
You'll find information on writing the body, opening and conclusion as well as those all important transitions. There's also links to pages to help you with preparing a speech outline, cue cards, rehearsal, and more.
Research on what, and how, people remember: primacy and recency
McLeod, S. A. (2008). Serial position effect . (Primacy and recency, first and last) Simply Psychology.
Hopper, Elizabeth. "What Is the Recency Effect in Psychology?" ThoughtCo, Feb. 29, 2020.
ScienceDirect: Recency Effect - an overview of articles from academic Journals & Books covering the topic.
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How to End a Speech: The 15 Best Tips and Examples To Elevate Your Speech Closing
When it comes to giving a speech, the conclusion is just as important as the introduction and body. It’s the final impression you leave on your audience, and it can make or break your entire presentation. A powerful and memorable conclusion can leave your audience inspired, informed, and engaged.
Crafting a Memorable Conclusion
1. Summarize Your Key Points
One of the best ways to conclude a speech is to focus on the key points you’ve made throughout your presentation. This helps highlight your message and ensures that your audience remembers the most important takeaways.
For example, if you were giving a speech on the importance of environmental conservation, you could conclude by summarizing the key actions individuals can take, such as reducing waste and conserving energy.
Before that, it is crucial to memorize the speech , and each detail of it in the right order. That will help you to act like a pro in your presentation.
2. End with a Powerful Quote
Quotes can be a powerful tool to end a speech, as they can encapsulate your message and leave a lasting impression. Choose a quote that relates to your topic and resonates with your audience.
For instance, if you were giving a motivational speech, you could end with a quote like, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts,” by Winston Churchill.
Engaging Your Audience
3. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question
Engage your audience by asking a thought-provoking question in your conclusion. This can encourage them to reflect on the topic and even initiate discussions after your speech.
If you were delivering a speech on the future of technology, you could ask, “What do you envision for the future of human-technology interaction?” This prompts your audience to consider the possibilities.
4. Tell a Personal Anecdote
Sharing a personal anecdote related to your speech topic can humanize you as a speaker and make a deep connection with your audience . This can be particularly effective when giving a persuasive or motivational speech.
In case you were speaking about overcoming adversity, you could share a personal story of a challenging experience you faced and how you persevered. This personal touch can leave a lasting impact on your audience.
Creating a Memorable Conclusion
5. End with a Call to Action
If your speech is meant to inspire action, a strong call to action in your conclusion is essential. Clearly state what you want your audience to do or how you want them to apply the information you’ve provided.
If your speech is about volunteer opportunities in your community, conclude by encouraging your audience to sign up for a specific event or join a local organization.
6. Use Visual Aids
Visual aids can be a compelling way to conclude your speech, especially if you’ve used them throughout your presentation . You can end with a powerful image, graph, or chart that reinforces your message.
For example, if you were giving a speech on the effects of deforestation, you could conclude by displaying a before-and-after image of a deforested area that has been restored.
Captivating Your Audience
7. Employ Humor
Ending your speech with a touch of humor can be a great way to leave your audience with a smile. A well-timed joke or witty remark related to your topic can help lighten the mood and make your conclusion more memorable.
However, be cautious with humor , as it should be appropriate and inoffensive to your audience.
8. Use a Visual Metaphor
Visual metaphors are a creative way to conclude your speech. They involve using a physical object or action that symbolizes your message. For instance, if your speech is about the power of unity, you could conclude by bringing two puzzle pieces together to illustrate how unity can solve complex problems.
Demonstrating Confidence and Gratitude
9. Express Gratitude
Showing appreciation to your audience is a gracious way to conclude your speech. Thank your listeners for their time, attention, and engagement. Expressing gratitude not only leaves a positive impression but also reinforces the connection you’ve established with your audience.
You can say, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for being here today and for your dedication to our cause.”
10. Maintain Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact with your audience during the conclusion is crucial. It conveys confidence and sincerity, making your message more impactful. Avoid looking down at your notes or staring at a distant point. Instead, connect with individual members of your audience as you wrap up your speech.
Inspiring and Motivating
11. End with a Vision
Paint a vivid picture of the future in your conclusion. Share a vision that inspires and motivates your audience. This approach works well in speeches related to goals, aspirations, or change.
When you are speaking about the future of renewable energy, describe a world where clean energy sources power our cities and protect our environment.
12. Leave a Rhetorical Question
A rhetorical question in your conclusion can leave your audience pondering your message long after your speech has ended. It encourages reflection and engages your listeners on a deeper level.
Moreover, if you’re delivering a speech on the importance of education, you could conclude with a rhetorical question like, “Can we afford to neglect the potential of the next generation?”
Achieving Impactful Closure
13. Connect to Your Opening
A powerful technique for closing a speech is to circle back to your opening statement or anecdote. This creates a sense of closure and reinforces the theme or message you introduced at the beginning.
If you began your speech with a personal story, bringing that story full circle in your conclusion can be particularly impactful.
14. Use a Poignant Quote or Poem
Consider ending your speech with a meaningful quote or a short poem that encapsulates your message. Poetry, in particular, can evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Choose a quote or poem that resonates with your speech’s theme and delivers a profound message.
Practice and Feedback
15. rehearse and seek feedback.
Lastly, practice and feedback are essential for a successful conclusion . Rehearse your ending multiple times to ensure that your delivery is confident and polished. Seek feedback from trusted individuals who can provide constructive suggestions to help you refine your conclusion further.
Should I memorize my conclusion word-for-word, or is it okay to improvise?
Memorizing your conclusion word-for-word is generally not recommended. While it’s crucial to know the key points and structure of your conclusion, sounding too rehearsed can come across as insincere. Instead, aim to understand the main ideas and transitions in your conclusion, allowing for some flexibility in your delivery. This approach can make your conclusion feel more authentic and engaging.
Can I use multiple techniques in a single conclusion?
The key is to maintain coherence and relevance. For instance, you can end with a powerful quote followed by a call to action or a thought-provoking question, as long as they flow naturally and support your speech’s objectives.
Is it acceptable to use humor in the conclusion of a serious or formal speech?
It can be acceptable to use humor in the conclusion of a serious or formal speech, but it should be used judiciously and in a way that is contextually appropriate. Humor can help break the tension or lighten the mood, but it should not detract from the overall message or tone of your speech. Ensure that your humor is respectful and relevant to your audience and topic.
The Bottom Line
Ending a speech effectively is a skill that can be honed with practice and attention to detail. Remember that the conclusion is your final opportunity to connect with your audience, so make it count by crafting a memorable and impactful ending.
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