What a Speech Conclusion Is Meant to Do
The speech conclusion has four basic missions:
It tells the audience, “This speech does have an ending. “
Hopefully, your audience will want you to speak for an hour, rather than just five or eight minutes. However, when you transition into your conclusion and use appropriate signposting, your audience realizes that the speech will come full-circle.
It tells the audience, “Here’s what I told you. “
Just as you used a mapping statement to preview your main points, now you will summarize your points within your conclusion. Often simply rewording -or even restating -your original thesis statement in the past tense will effectively summarize your speech.
It says, “Remember this speech! “
If you have ever left a presentation and were given a handout upon your exit, you have been handed a “takeaway. ” Your speech conclusion is a mental takeaway for the audience. Your conclusion should contain enough memorable words and phrases that will help the audience positively recall the experience – and even recollect certain points that you made. Do not forget to include that “ta-da ” moment.