(Updated 2025) How do you end a speech powerfully? What final powerful words should a public speaker use? Do you want to know a good way to conclude a speech?What speech ending lines work best?
Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball
Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London. Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page.
Great boxers finish fights by throwing a knockout punch.
Great speakers do the same thing with their conclusions – using powerful language in place of right hooks. By using a verbal knockout to end your speech you use this last opportunity to add impact to your message.
Your final words are the second-most important part of your speech or presentation.
How to Conclude a Speech
Do you know how to end your speech? Your concluding words are the second most important part of your speech. This is because the words at the end of your speech ring in the ears long after you have stopped talking. Psychologists call this the recency effect. That’s why we encourage our clients to practice the first and last minutes of their speeches more than any other part.
The ending of your speech is your last chance to make a strong impression on your audience. A powerful conclusion ties together the main points of your presentation, reinforcing the core message you want your audience to remember.
Whether you’re giving a persuasive speech or sharing insights through a PowerPoint presentation, your closing remarks are as important as the body of the speech. This is where you leave your take-home message and ensure your talk ends on a high note.
Creating great last words is a real skill. And it’s a skill you can learn. We’ve coached thousands of people over the last 15 years to be brilliant business presenters. If you want to learn more about our fast and effective coaching for business presentations, do please call us.
First, a key question:
What’s the Reason For Your Speech?
Do you want to educate, inform or entertain?
Do you want your audience to take action?
How do you want them to feel?
Your speech should take your audience from their current position to your desired position. Without a strong conclusion, it becomes a bridge that doesn’t quite reach the opposite shore.
How Not to End a Speech
Many amateur speakers run out of time, sound apologetic or come to an abrupt finish. These unsatisfying closes are like sentences that just… trail off. Some of the most common ways presentations finish with a whimper, rather than a punch are:
– And that’s it. – Right, well I’m out of time so I’ll stop there. – Finally, to finish… – That’s all I have, so… any questions? – One last thing I forgot to mention earlier…
These closing lines lose the energy built into the rest of the speech.
So what are the best ways to end a speech, and signal to your audience that you’ve finished? See the examples below for great speech endings.
Nine Ways to End Your Speech With Winning Closing Lines
1. Close your speech by circling back to the beginning
Refer to an anecdote, quote or case study from the start of your speech. Reiterate the message you want people to remember. If you can, expand on the anecdote or re-conceptualise the quote. Or provide a follow-up result from your case study. This will feel even more satisfying for your audience.
How to do it: Watch Simon Sinek end a speech by bringing his message full circle (15:10).
2. End a speech by using repetition for emphasis
Repeat a keyword or phrase throughout your speech to help make your message memorable. Then drive this message home during your closing statement.
How to do it: Watch Amy Cuddy use repetition to wrap up her speech on body language (19:34).
3. Set your audience a challenge
One of the other ways to end a presentation is to set a challenge for your audience. This gives them a call to action directly related to the content of your speech. What are the benefits to your audience of taking this action, or making that change? Finish with a vision of how things will be. This will help to motivate your audience into action.
How to do it: See how Josette Sheeran finishes her speech by giving the audience a challenge (17:48).
4. Finish your speech with a quote
Use someone else’s words to illustrate a point or conjure a powerful image for your audience. As Neil Gaiman said in The Sandman, “Give me a good ending anytime. You know where you are with an ending.”
You can use a memorable quote or anecdote to wrap up your summary and leave your audience with something to ponder. For example, if your speech is about the importance of taking action, you might end with a quote like, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
How to do it: Learn from Ken Robinson’s use of a quote to end a speech on creativity in schools (18:00).
With our public speaking coaching you’ll quickly learn some of these techniques and become much more effective in your talks and presentations.
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At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching business people to improve their business communication skills for over 15 years. Our coaching is fast and effective. We work with individuals and with companies, one-to-one and in groups. Call us today to learn more.
“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”
Is your speech part of a wider event, such as a conference or Town Hall event? Link your closing lines to the umbrella theme of the event. This will help put your words in context and clarify why your speech is relevant right now.
How to do it: Listen to Jill Bolte Taylor end a speech by tying it back to the TED talk’s strapline. (17:53)
6. Summarise your message
One of the best ways to close a speech is to summarise your main ideas. This doesn’t mean simply repeating your points, instead offer a concise recap that highlights the essence of your key message. A clear call to action, linked to the overall message, means that your audience leaves with a purpose. This is particularly effective if paired with a visual aid, such as a final slide showing the big idea behind your talk.
This helps your to reinforce your key points and leave a lasting impression.
Summaries are only necessary in longer speeches. They should be high level and limited to the headlines of the content you’ve covered. Summaries are not the same as conclusions. Think of your summary as a series of quick jabs before you deliver the right hook of your conclusion.
7. End with a call to action
A forward-looking close, such as a vision for the future or a surprising fact, encourages your audience to think ahead. This approach works well when tied to the title of your speech or the core message. For example, you might say, “The truth of the matter is, change begins with small, consistent actions—what’s your first step?” Combining this with eye contact during your closing words ensures your message lands with impact.
This is a powerful way to motivate your audience. It could be something as simple as asking them to sign up for your newsletter or follow you on social media. Or it could be a more meaningful action, such as encouraging them to volunteer in their community or take steps to improve their own health and well-being. Whatever your call to action, make sure it is clear, concise, and actionable.
Example: “If you believe in the value of lifelong learning, I encourage you to take the first step today. Sign up for a course, pick up a new book, or simply set aside 15 minutes a day to learn something new. Let’s make growth our daily habit.”
This approach works well in business presentations or motivational talks where you want to inspire immediate action.
8. Tell a story to finish your speech
People remember stories. A well-told story can be the perfect way to end a speech. You might share a personal anecdote or tell a story about someone who has been positively impacted by the work you do. The key is to make the story relevant to your message and to keep it concise and engaging.
Example: “Before I leave you, let me share a quick story. A young entrepreneur once told me how he failed five times before his first success. When I asked him what kept him going, he said, ‘I was never afraid to learn from failure; I was afraid to stop trying.’ Let’s all take that lesson forward—success isn’t about how many times we fall, but how many times we rise.”
This type of ending is powerful in motivational speeches, sales pitches, or any context where personal growth and resilience are key themes.
9. Ask a thought-provoking question
Another effective way to end a speech is to ask a question that challenges your audience to think differently about a topic. This can inspire and encourage your audience to take action based on your message.
For example, if your speech is about environmental sustainability, you might end by asking, “What will you do today to reduce your carbon footprint?”
Ending abruptly – Don’t just stop talking or say “That’s it” without a proper conclusion. It feels unprofessional and leaves the audience hanging.
Introducing new information – The end of your speech is not the time to add new ideas. Focus on summarising and reinforcing the key points you’ve already made.
Being vague – Avoid vague phrases like “Thank you for listening” without connecting it to your message. Make sure your ending is tied to your speech’s purpose.
A Final Example of a Strong Conclusion
Let’s combine a few of these techniques for a memorable closing statement:
“Today, we’ve explored how communication can transform not only our work but our lives. As Winston Churchill said, ‘Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.’ Let’s take that courage forward, striving to communicate with clarity and to listen with intent. Together, we can create a world where every conversation leads to understanding. Thank you, and I look forward to seeing the change we can make.”
This conclusion brings together a quote, a call to action, and a vision of the future, creating a strong and unified end to the speech.
How to End a Speech Without Losing Engagement
Ending a speech powerfully is just as crucial as starting strong—yet many speakers lose their audience’s attention in the final moments. The key is to maintain energy and purpose until the very last word. Instead of trailing off with a weak “thank you,” use a compelling call to action, a thought-provoking question, or a memorable story.
For example, if your speech is about innovation, you might conclude with, “What will you create next?” This keeps the audience engaged and thinking beyond your talk. A well-crafted speech conclusion ensures your message lingers long after you’ve left the stage.
How to End a Speech With a Clear Message
A strong closing reinforces your core idea without introducing new information. To write a conclusion for a speech that sticks, summarise your key points concisely. For instance, if your presentation was about leadership, you might say, “True leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about influence, integrity, and action.”
This reinforces your message while keeping it simple. Avoid vague closing remarks like “That’s all I have”—instead, leave your audience with a crystal-clear takeaway that aligns with your speech’s purpose.
How to Conclude a Speech With a Summary That Sticks
One of the most effective ways to end a speech is by summarizing your main points in a memorable way. Instead of a dry recap, weave your key ideas into a powerful final statement. For example: “We’ve seen how small habits lead to big success—consistency beats intensity every time.”
This approach ensures your audience retains the essence of your talk. The conclusion of a speech should feel like a natural wrap-up, not a rushed afterthought. A well-structured summary reinforces learning and leaves a lasting impression.
How to End a Speech Without Saying “Thank You”
While gratitude is polite, ending with just “thank you” can weaken your impact. Instead, replace it with a stronger closing line that reinforces your message. Try:
A bold statement: “The future belongs to those who act—will you be among them?”
A rhetorical question: “If not now, when?”
A quote or call to action: “As Mandela said, ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ Let’s get to work.”
These alternatives keep your speech conclusion dynamic and purposeful. If you must thank the audience, do it before your final line to ensure your last words resonate.
By mastering these techniques, you’ll ensure your speech ends as powerfully as it begins—leaving your audience inspired, motivated, and eager for more.
(Need help crafting the perfect closing remarks? Our expert coaching can help you refine your speech conclusion for maximum impact.)
In Conclusion…..
As we said before, the end of your speech is the second most important part of your speech, after the start. By summarising your message, using a powerful call to action, telling a story, asking a thought-provoking question, or ending with a memorable quote, you can leave a lasting impression and inspire them to take action. Remember, the last few minutes of your speech are often the most memorable, so make them count!
For those aiming for a standing ovation, delivering a personal story with emotional depth or using a dynamic tone in your closing remarks can make all the difference. The end of your presentation should feel like crossing a finish line, leaving your audience energised and inspired. Remember, great speeches are remembered not just for their beginnings but for how they conclude—strong, clear, and purposeful.
With our award-winning public speaking coaching you can learn these techniques. That will help you become a much more impressive presenter and public speaker.
How Do You Learn to End Your Speech Brilliantly?
With our expert presentation coaching, and public speaking training we can help you find the words that will hit the spot. We work on all aspects of your speech, including your structure, message and delivery.
We’ll ensure you communicate clearly, confidently and with impact. Call Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to find out more.
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You should leave your audience with something memorable. A strong closing could be a powerful quote, a call to action, or a short, impactful story. Whatever you choose, make sure it ties back to your main message and gives your audience something to think about. This should be one of the strongest parts of the speech.
Should you say “thank you” at the end of your speech?
Yes, but don’t let it be the only thing you say. A simple “thank you” is polite, but you should also wrap up with a final thought or key takeaway before you say it. That way, you leave a lasting impression instead of just fading out.
How do you make sure your ending doesn’t feel rushed?
You need to plan your timing carefully. If you’re running out of time, don’t speed through your closing—audiences remember the ending more than any other part of your speech. Instead, practise delivering your conclusion smoothly so it feels natural and confident.
What if you forget your final lines?
If you lose your place, don’t panic. Have a simple fallback phrase in mind—something like, “If there’s one thing I hope you take away today, it’s this…” That way, you can recover without your audience even noticing.
How do you encourage applause at the end of your speech?
A strong, confident ending naturally invites applause. If you finish with energy and purpose, your audience will respond. Ending on a high note, using a decisive tone, and pausing for a moment before stepping back helps signal that it’s time for them to clap.
Should I conclude my speech with questions?
If you are taking questions at the end of your talk, then add an extra section in, after the questions where you restate the main points again and leave them with another rousing finish.
What’s the worst way to end a speech?
The worst thing you can do is trail off or make it obvious that you’re unsure how to finish. Avoid weak phrases like “That’s pretty much all I have” or “I guess that’s it.” Instead, plan your final words carefully and deliver them with confidence.
If you’d like help starting, ending, writing or delivering a speech or presentation, get in touch. Our expert coaches can help you become a brilliant public speaker.
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