Mastering the Art of How to Conclude an Informative Speech
As a speaker, the conclusion of your speech is just as important as the introduction. It’s your last chance to leave a lasting impression on your audience and ensure they take away your main message. In this article, we will discuss how to master the art of how to conclude an informative speech.
The Purpose of a Conclusion
First, let’s understand the purpose of a conclusion. The conclusion should recap the main points of your speech and leave a lasting impression on the audience. It’s your final opportunity to influence your listeners and create a memorable takeaway.
How to Create an Effective Conclusion
Here are some effective strategies to create a powerful conclusion:
1. Summarize Key Points
Summarize the main points of your speech. This provides your listeners with a concise summary of your speech and ensures they don’t miss any key messages. Summarize the main points in a simple and straightforward manner.
2. End with a Call-to-Action
End your speech with a call-to-action. This is a statement that encourages your listeners to take a particular action. It could be subscribing to your clients’ newsletter, or attending your next presentation, for example.
3. Use a Powerful Statement
Close your speech with a powerful statement. A memorable quote, or a reflective statement that summarises your speech can be used. This will ensure your listeners will remember your speech long after you have finished.
Examples of Effective Conclusions
Let’s take a look at some examples of effective conclusions:
1. Steve Jobs
In a 2005 commencement speech at Stanford University, Steve Jobs used the following conclusion, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.” These two brief sentences summed up the essence of his speech and left a lasting impression on his listeners.
2. Barack Obama
In his farewell speech as President of the United States, Barack Obama urged Americans to continue their involvement in the democratic process. He stated: “It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the purpose of the conclusion is to leave a lasting impression on the audience. You can achieve this by summarizing the main points of your speech, ending with a call-to-action, or using a powerful statement. With these tips in mind, you will be able to create effective conclusions that will help you make a lasting impression on your audience.
