SAGE Flex for Public Speaking
1
Make the Most of Your Speech Conclusion
Brief: The role of a speech conclusion is to signal to the audience that the speech is ending
and to help them remember the most important points from the speech.
Learning Objective: Define the role of a conclusion in a speech.
Key Terms:
• Summarizing: Succinctly communicating a complex or lengthy idea.
Role of the Conclusion
The role of a conclusion in a speech is to signal to
the audience that the speech is wrapping up and to
help them remember the most important points from
the speech.
Part of a successful conclusion is easing your
audience into the end of your speech. If you end too
abruptly, your listeners may leave with a feeling of
incomplete knowledge or hurriedness. Like slowing
down a car, you want your conclusion to lead to the end of your speech slowly and gently. You
never want to slam on the breaks!
How to Signal the End of Your Speech
There are several ways you can indicate to your audience that you have reached the end of
your speech. The easiest way is to directly tell them by using concluding transitional phrases at
the beginning of your conclusion. Phrases such as “in closing,” “in conclusion,” and “finally” are
familiar concluding signposts.
Another good way to indicate you are approaching the end of your speech is to change the tone
of your voice. In general, people naturally slow down their rate of speech and lower their tone of
voice at the end of a sentence or paragraph. By doing this, your audience will intuitively know
that you are reaching the end of your presentation.
Create a Sense of Closure
If you end your speech abruptly your audience will feel confused and uncomfortable. To make
sure you leave your audience feeling positive about your speech, give them closure with your
ending.
