Step 8: Plan Your Conclusion

There are four major components to a good conclusion:

1.
2.
3.
4.

Signal the end of your talk

Summarize your main points
Suggest a call to action or provide a memorable statement
Thank your audience for listening

1. Signal that you are concluding

Audiences appreciate this gesture. Some will wake up while others will
begin to consider the questions that they might ask you should you offer
a Q/A session. Others will stop fidgeting. Occasionally audience
members will look at their watches in disbelief that the time has passed
so quickly.
"Before concluding my talk, let me remind you of the three most important
elements of well-designed visual aids."
2. Summarize your main points
Focus upon the key points that prove your thesis true. If you left
someone out during the talk, let it go. Once you have promised to
conclude your remarks, do so!
"As I hope you'll recall, I believe that effective visuals are big, bold and brief."
3. Suggest a call to action or a memorable statement
For persuasive or motivational talks, you want to give your audience
specific steps to take next. .Informative talks require a pithy ending.
Often this is a quotation or the rest of the story (from your introductory
attention getter).
"Whether you are using newsprint, Power Point, or a white board, your audience
will appreciate it if you will K.I.S.S. your visuals. That is, Keep it Simple,
Speaker."
4. Thank your audience for listening.
As with any conversation, you want to end your talk with a polite
gesture that signals that you have concluded and allows your audience
to start applauding.
"Thank you for listening.. I appreciate your kind attention."