How to End a Speech – 9 Great Examples

How do you end a speech powerfully? 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. Using a verbal knockout to end your speech gives maximum longevity and impact to your message.

The end is the second-most important part of your speech

The most important part of your speech is the start. Your audience will continue to pay attention based on your opening lines. Your final words are the second most important part of a speech. This is because those 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.

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 speakers 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 in the rest of the speech.

So what’s the best way to end a speech, and signal to your audience that you’ve finished?

1. Close a 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 close his speech by bringing his message full circle (15:10).

https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action
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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.

For example, you could repeat it three times in quick succession.

How to do it: Watch Amy Cuddy use repetition to wrap up her speech on body language (19:34).

3. End your speech by setting the audience a challenge

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).

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4. End a 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.”

How to do it: Learn from Ken Robinson’s use of a quote to end a speech on creativity in schools (18:00).

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5. End your speech by tying into the overarching theme

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. End a speech by summarise your message

You can always summarise your main message at the end of your speech. This helps to reinforce your key points and leave a lasting impression. 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.”

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 a speech with a call to action

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.

8. Tell a Story

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.

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?”

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In Conclusion…..

As we said before, the end of your speech is the second most important part of your speech, after the start. By summarizing 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!

Start your journey to world-class public speaking skills now

First, download our free ebook to start your journey towards becoming a Powerful Presenter. You’ll learn our 5-step process for transforming dull, forgettable and un-engaging presentations into your most Powerful Presentations yet: inspirational, memorable and persuasive.

It’s full of practical tips and insightful quotes that will help you make immediate improvements to your leadership talks and presentations, including:

• Increase your confidence
• Become more persuasive
• Get greater engagement
• Learn how to plan and structure

Download your free copy of our Five Steps to Transform your Leadership Talks ebook now.

What’s the right ending for your audience and your message?

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 020 7018 0922 or email louise@benjaminball.com to find out more.

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About Benjamin Ball Associates

At Benjamin Ball Associates, we help you to communicate better.

Over 15+ years the award-winning BBA team has coached thousands of executives globally to present powerfully. You get access to a transformational toolbox of techniques to help you become a clear, confident communicator.

We’ll help you create a powerful first impression that hooks and engages your audience immediately, and we’ll transform you to deliver clearly, confidently and with impact.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email louise@benjaminball.com to find out more and discuss your upcoming speech or presentation.

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