30 Examples: How to Conclude a Presentation (Effective Closing Techniques)
By Status.net Editorial Team on March 4, 2024 — 9 minutes to read
Ending a presentation on a high note is a skill that can set you apart from the rest. It’s the final chance to leave an impact on your audience, ensuring they walk away with the key messages embedded in their minds. This moment is about driving your points home and making sure they resonate. Crafting a memorable closing isn’t just about summarizing key points, though that’s part of it, but also about providing value that sticks with your listeners long after they’ve left the room.
Crafting Your Core Message
To leave a lasting impression, your presentation’s conclusion should clearly reflect your core message. This is your chance to reinforce the takeaways and leave the audience thinking about your presentation long after it ends.
Identifying Key Points
Start by recognizing what you want your audience to remember. Think about the main ideas that shaped your talk. Make a list like this:
- The problem your presentation addresses.
- The evidence that supports your argument.
- The solution you propose or the action you want the audience to take.
These key points become the pillars of your core message.
Contextualizing the Presentation
Provide context by briefly relating back to the content of the whole presentation. For example:
- Reference a statistic you shared in the opening, and how it ties into the conclusion.
- Mention a case study that underlines the importance of your message.
Connecting these elements gives your message cohesion and makes your conclusion resonate with the framework of your presentation.
30 Example Phrases: How to Conclude a Presentation
- 1. “In summary, let’s revisit the key takeaways from today’s presentation.”
- 2. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s move forward together.”
- 3. “That brings us to the end. I’m open to any questions you may have.”
- 4. “I’ll leave you with this final thought to ponder as we conclude.”
- 5. “Let’s recap the main points before we wrap up.”
- 6. “I appreciate your engagement. Now, let’s turn these ideas into action.”
- 7. “We’ve covered a lot today. To conclude, remember these crucial points.”
- 8. “As we reach the end, I’d like to emphasize our call to action.”
- 9. “Before we close, let’s quickly review what we’ve learned.”
- 10. “Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to our next steps.”
- 11. “In closing, I’d like to thank everyone for their participation.”
- 12. “Let’s conclude with a reminder of the impact we can make together.”
- 13. “To wrap up our session, here’s a brief summary of our discussion.”
- 14. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to present to you. Any final thoughts?”
- 15. “And that’s a wrap. I welcome any final questions or comments.”
- 16. “As we conclude, let’s remember the objectives we’ve set today.”
- 17. “Thank you for your time. Let’s apply these insights to achieve success.”
- 18. “In conclusion, your feedback is valuable, and I’m here to listen.”
- 19. “Before we part, let’s take a moment to reflect on our key messages.”
- 20. “I’ll end with an invitation for all of us to take the next step.”
- 21. “As we close, let’s commit to the goals we’ve outlined today.”
- 22. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s keep the conversation going.”
- 23. “In conclusion, let’s make a difference, starting now.”
- 24. “I’ll leave you with these final words to consider as we end our time together.”
- 25. “Before we conclude, remember that change starts with our actions today.”
- 26. “Thank you for the lively discussion. Let’s continue to build on these ideas.”
- 27. “As we wrap up, I encourage you to reach out with any further questions.”
- 28. “In closing, I’d like to express my gratitude for your valuable input.”
- 29. “Let’s conclude on a high note and take these learnings forward.”
- 30. “Thank you for your time today. Let’s end with a commitment to progress.”
Summarizing the Main Points
When you reach the end of your presentation, summarizing the main points helps your audience retain the important information you’ve shared. Crafting a memorable summary enables your listeners to walk away with a clear understanding of your message.
Effective Methods of Summarization
To effectively summarize your presentation, you need to distill complex information into concise, digestible pieces. Start by revisiting the overarching theme of your talk and then narrow down to the core messages. Use plain language and imagery to make the enduring ideas stick. Here are some examples of how to do this:
- Use analogies that relate to common experiences to recap complex concepts.
- Incorporate visuals or gestures that reinforce your main arguments.
The Rule of Three
The Rule of Three is a classic writing and communication principle. It means presenting ideas in a trio, which is a pattern that’s easy for people to understand and remember. For instance, you might say, “Our plan will save time, cut costs, and improve quality.” This structure has a pleasing rhythm and makes the content more memorable. Some examples include:
- “This software is fast, user-friendly, and secure.”
- Pointing out a product’s “durability, affordability, and eco-friendliness.”
Reiterating the Main Points
Finally, you want to circle back to the key takeaways of your presentation. Rephrase your main points without introducing new information. This reinforcement supports your audience’s memory and understanding of the material. You might summarize key takeaways like this:
- Mention the problem you addressed, the solution you propose, and the benefits of this solution.
- Highlighting the outcomes of adopting your strategy: higher efficiency, greater satisfaction, and increased revenue.
Creating a Strong Conclusion
The final moments of your presentation are your chance to leave your audience with a powerful lasting impression. A strong conclusion is more than just summarizing—it’s your opportunity to invoke thought, inspire action, and make your message memorable.
Incorporating a Call to Action
A call to action is your parting request to your audience. You want to inspire them to take a specific action or think differently as a result of what they’ve heard. To do this effectively:
- Be clear about what you’re asking.
- Explain why their action is needed.
- Make it as simple as possible for them to take the next steps.
Example Phrases:
- “Start making a difference today by…”
- “Join us in this effort by…”
- “Take the leap and commit to…”
Leaving a Lasting Impression
End your presentation with something memorable. This can be a powerful quote, an inspirational statement, or a compelling story that underscores your main points. The goal here is to resonate with your audience on an emotional level so that your message sticks with them long after they leave.
- “In the words of [Influential Person], ‘…'”
- “Imagine a world where…”
- “This is more than just [Topic]; it’s about…”
Enhancing Audience Engagement
To hold your audience’s attention and ensure they leave with a lasting impression of your presentation, fostering interaction is key.
Q&A Sessions
It’s important to integrate a Q&A session because it allows for direct communication between you and your audience. This interactive segment helps clarify any uncertainties and encourages active participation. Plan for this by designating a time slot towards the end of your presentation and invite questions that promote discussion.
- “I’d love to hear your thoughts; what questions do you have?”
- “Let’s dive into any questions you might have. Who would like to start?”
- “Feel free to ask any questions, whether they’re clarifications or deeper inquiries about the topic.”
Encouraging Audience Participation
Getting your audience involved can transform a good presentation into a great one. Use open-ended questions that provoke thought and allow audience members to reflect on how your content relates to them. Additionally, inviting volunteers to participate in a demonstration or share their experiences keeps everyone engaged and adds a personal touch to your talk.
- “Could someone give me an example of how you’ve encountered this in your work?”
- “I’d appreciate a volunteer to help demonstrate this concept. Who’s interested?”
- “How do you see this information impacting your daily tasks? Let’s discuss!”
Delivering a Persuasive Ending
At the end of your presentation, you have the power to leave a lasting impact on your audience. A persuasive ending can drive home your key message and encourage action.
Sales and Persuasion Tactics
When you’re concluding a presentation with the goal of selling a product or idea, employ carefully chosen sales and persuasion tactics. One method is to summarize the key benefits of your offering, reminding your audience why it’s important to act. For example, if you’ve just presented a new software tool, recap how it will save time and increase productivity. Another tactic is the ‘call to action’, which should be clear and direct, such as “Start your free trial today to experience the benefits first-hand!” Furthermore, using a touch of urgency, like “Offer expires soon!”, can nudge your audience to act promptly.
Final Impressions and Professionalism
Your closing statement is a chance to solidify your professional image and leave a positive impression. It’s important to display confidence and poise. Consider thanking your audience for their time and offering to answer any questions. Make sure to end on a high note by summarizing your message in a concise and memorable way. If your topic was on renewable energy, you might conclude by saying, “Let’s take a leap towards a greener future by adopting these solutions today.” This reinforces your main points and encourages your listeners to think or act differently when they leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some creative strategies for ending a presentation memorably.
To end your presentation in a memorable way, consider incorporating a call to action that engages your audience to take the next step. Another strategy is to finish with a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact that resonates with your listeners.
Can you suggest some powerful quotes suitable for concluding a presentation?
Yes, using a quote can be very effective. For example, Maya Angelou’s “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” can reinforce the emotional impact of your presentation.
What is an effective way to write a conclusion that summarizes a presentation?
An effective conclusion should recap the main points succinctly, highlighting what you want your audience to remember. A good way to conclude is by restating your thesis and then briefly summarizing the supporting points you made.
As a student, how can I leave a strong impression with my presentation’s closing remarks?
To leave a strong impression, consider sharing a personal anecdote related to your topic that demonstrates passion and conviction. This helps humanize your content and makes the message more relatable to your audience.
How can I appropriately thank my audience at the close of my presentation?
A simple and sincere expression of gratitude is always appropriate. You might say, “Thank you for your attention and engagement today,” to convey appreciation while also acknowledging their participation.
What are some examples of a compelling closing sentence in a presentation?
A compelling closing sentence could be something like, “Together, let’s take the leap towards a greener future,” if you’re presenting on sustainability. This sentence is impactful, calls for united action, and leaves your audience with a clear message.
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10 Powerful Examples of How to End a Presentation
- By Illiya Vjestica
- - January 23, 2023
Here are 10 powerful examples of how to end a presentation that does not end with a thank you slide.
How many presentations have you seen that end with “Thank you for listening” or “Any questions?” I bet it’s a lot…
“Thank you for listening.” is the most common example. Unfortunately, when it comes to closing out your slides ending with “thank you” is the norm. We can create a better presentation ending by following these simple examples.
The two most essential slides of your deck are the ending and intro. An excellent presentation ending is critical to helping the audience to the next step or following a specific call to action.
There are many ways you can increase your presentation retention rate . The most critical steps are having a solid call to action at the end of your presentation and a powerful hook that draws your audience in.
What Action do You Want Your Audience to Take?
Before designing your presentation, start with this question – what message or action will you leave your audience with?
Are you looking to persuade, inspire, entertain or inform your audience? You can choose one or multiple words to describe the intent of your presentation.
Think about the action words that best describe your presentation ending – what do you want them to do? Inspire, book, learn, understand, engage, donate, buy, book or schedule. These are a few examples.
If the goal of your presentation is to inspire, why not end with a powerful and inspiring quote ? Let words of wisdom be the spark that ignites an action within your audience.
Here are three ways to end your presentation:
- Call to Action – getting the audience to take a specific action or next step, for example, booking a call, signing up for an event or donating to your cause.
- Persuade – persuading your audience to think differently, try something new, undertake a challenge or join your movement or community.
- Summarise – A summary of the key points and information you want the audience to remember. If you decide to summarise your talk at the end, keep it to no more than three main points.
10 Examples of How to End a Presentation
1. Asking your audience to take action or make a pledge.
Here were asking the audience to take action by using the wording “take action” in our copy. This call to action is a pledge to donate. A clear message like this can be helpful for charities and non-profits looking to raise funding for their campaign or cause.
2. Encourage your audience to take a specific action, e.g. joining your cause or community
Here was are asking the audience to join our community and help solve a problem by becoming part of the solution. It’s a simple call to action. You can pass the touch to your audience and ask them to take the next lead.
3. Highlight the critical points for your audience to remember.
Rember, to summarise your presentation into no more than three key points. This is important because the human brain struggles to remember more than three pieces of information simultaneously. We call this the “Rule of Three”.
4. If you are trying to get more leads or sales end with a call to action to book a demo or schedule a call.
Can you inspire your audience to sign up for a demo or trial of your product? Structure your talk to lead your prospect through a journey of the results you generate for other clients. At the end of your deck, finish with a specific call to action, such as “Want similar results to X?”
Make sure you design a button, or graphic your prospect can click on when you send them the PDF version of the slides.
5. Challenge your audience to think differently or take action, e.g. what impact could they make?
6. Give your audience actions to help share your message.
7. Promote your upcoming events or workshops
8. Asking your audience to become a volunteer.
9. Direct your audience to learn more about your website.
10. If you are a book author, encourage your audience to engage with your book.
6 Questions to Generate an Ending for Your Presentation
You’ve told an engaging story, but why end your presentation without leaving your audience a clear message or call to action?
Here are six great questions you can ask yourself to generate an ending for your presentation or keynote talk.
- What impression would you want to leave your audience with?
- What is the big idea you want to leave them with?
- What action should they take next?
- What key point should you remember 72 hours after your presentation?
- What do you want them to feel?
- What is the key takeaway for them to understand?
What to Say After Ending a Presentation?
When you get to the end of a book, you don’t see the author say, “thank you for reading my last chapter.” Of course, there is no harm in thanking the audience after your presentation ends, but don’t make that the last words you speak.
Think of the ending of the presentation as the final chapter of an epic novel. It’s your chance to leave a lasting impression on the audience. Close with an impactful ending and leave them feeling empowered, invigorated and engaged.
- Leave a lasting impression.
- Think of it as the last chapter of a book.
- Conclude with a thought or question.
- Leave the audience with a specific action or next step.
How to End a Presentation with Style?
There are many great ways you can end your presentation with style. Are you ready to drop the mic?
Ensure your closing slide is punchy, has a clear headline, or uses a thought-provoking image.
You want to capture the audience’s attention before closing the presentation. Make sure the fonts you choose and are clear and easy to read. And What are the Best Colours for Your PowerPoint presentation? Use them wisely.
Do you need to consider adding a link? If you add links to your social media accounts, use icons and buttons to make them easy to see. Add a link to each button or icon. By doing this, if you send the PDF slides to people, they can follow the links to your various accounts.
What Should you Remember?
💡 If you take one thing away from this post, it’s to lose the traditional ending slides. Let’s move on from the “Thank you for your attention.” or “Any questions.” slides.
These don’t help you or the audience. Respect them and think about what they should do next. You may be interested to learn 3 Tactics to Free Your Presentation Style to help you connect to your audience.
Create stunning presentations with our templates, toolkits and guides.
Illiya Vjestica
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How to Close Your Presentation in English Powerfully [+ FREE Presentation Checklist]
May 9, 2018 | Business Professional English , Free Resource , Public Speaking & Presentations
This lesson has been updated from its original posting in 2016.
You’re giving your presentation in English. You have just two minutes left. And it’s time for the conclusion …
Did you know most people only remember the first and last things you tell them? It’s true.
If you are giving a presentation in English, then you definitely want people to remember what you say at the end. And this means your closing must be powerful!
You’ve worked hard on your presentation. You searched for information online. You couldn’t sleep at night. You felt nervous about making mistakes. You spent hours preparing. You reviewed the grammar and vocabulary. You worried about someone asking a question. You practiced and practiced and practiced.
And now it’s the last two minutes. This is the last opportunity for your audience to hear your key points. It is the last chance you have to help your audience remember your comments.
A closing in a presentation should be short and clear. It should summarize your key points. And, most importantly, it should be powerful.
In today’s lesson, you’re going to learn about 3 ways to make your closing more powerful. Plus you’ll learn useful key expressions you can use in your presentation.
3 steps to a powerful closing in your presentation.
Lesson by Annemarie
3 Strategies to Close Your Presentation Powerfully
Use these 3 strategies in your conclusion to:
- recapture your audience’s attention
- get your audience to focus and remember your key points
- help your audience connect with you and your topic
- end your presentation powerfully
One: Include a Call to Action (CTA)
Is there something you want your audience to do or think after your presentation. Do you want them to take action? Tell your audience exactly what you want them to do with a Call to Action.
Here’s my example:
“ After you finish today’s lesson, please take 2 minutes to leave a comment about your experience with presentations. You can share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments section at the bottom of this lesson – it’s the perfect place to join a discussion on this topic.”
A couple useful expressions to help you introduce your CTA is:
- To close, I’d like to ask you to do this one thing…
- And finally, before you leave the conference today, please take two minutes to…
Two: End with a Powerful/Inspirational Quote
Is there one thing you really want your audience to remember? Or is there a specific feeling you want your audience to have after your presentation?
Using a powerful quote can help you do that. You could introduce a great quote or interesting statistic with:
- I’d like to finish with this powerful/interesting/wonderful/inspiring/ quote from …
- And finally, let’s finish up today’s discussion with this surprising/useful/shocking/hopeful statistic …
Here are some example quotes that might help people be prepared to take action or to think differently. But remember! Always match the quote or statistic to your topic:
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. “Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.” – Alexander Graham Bell
Three: Add a Surprising Fact or Statistic
Is there something you’d love for your audience to think about after your presentation? Is there a statistic or fact that will help someone remember your key points?
A surprising fact can also help re-engage your audience, it will snap their attention back to you.
For example:
Did you know that the human brain’s capacity is limitless – that’s great new right? BUT … did you also know that a person is likely to remember only 25% of a presentation after 24 hours?
Uh oh. That is why it’s SO important to have a powerful ending! Remember: the key is to find a statistic or fact that connects directly to your topic.
Useful Language to Close Your Presentation
Summarize Your Key Points & Close Your Presentation
- That brings us to the end of the presentation. I’d like to summarize by saying …
- That concludes my presentation. However, I’d like to quickly summarize the main points or takeaways.
- And on that final note, that concludes my presentation.
- To quickly recap, I’d like you to remember these key points …
- To summarize …
- In conclusion …
- I’d like to bring this presentation to a close with …
- I’d like to close this talk with …
- So, this concludes the focus of discussion today. To end, I’d like to highlight …
- This concludes [name/title of the section] so let’s move on to the final comments.
Thank Your Audience
- I sincerely appreciate your attention today/this evening/this morning.
- And that brings us to the end. I’d like to thank you for your time and attention today.
- Thank you so much for your interest and attention.
- At this time, I’d like to have my colleague speak so I’ll finish up by saying thank you for your attention.
- I can see that our time is just about up so to finish I’d like to say thank you.
- I sincerely appreciate that I’ve had this opportunity to present to you.
- If there is one thing I would like you to remember from today’s presentation it’s …
Take Questions
- If anyone has any questions, I’d be happy to open up the discussion.
- If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask now and I’ll do my best to answer.
- Would anyone like to ask any questions?
- I would now be interested to hear from you with your thoughts or questions.
- Now let’s move on to some Q&A. (Q&A = Questions and Answers)
Provide Next Steps or Contact Information
- If you would like more information, here is a list of useful resources/websites.
- If anyone who like more information or has questions, please feel free to contact me at: [include contact info]
- Here is a list for further reading on this topic. (Include the list of books or websites.)
Get the complete Presentations in English Series:
Part 1: How to Prepare for Your Presentation in English
Part 2: How to Start with a Great Introduction in Your Presentation
Part 3: How to Organize Your Presentation in English
Part 4: How to End Your Presentation Powerfully
After you’ve watched the video and reviewed the lesson, I’d love to hear from you!
Tell me about the best presentation you ever heard. Who gave the presentation? And why do you remember it? Share what you remember in the comments section below.
And for the bonus question!! Have you given a presentation in English? What tips or advice would you like to share with others? You can add your advice in the comments section.
Thank you so much for joining me!
~ Annemarie
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I’m glad to hear it was helpful!
This was very helpful
Thanks, Ma’am/Sir. This helped me a lot…
Same here ma’am
This is so helpful. Thank you so much
This helped a lot. Thank you so much <3
I accidentally found your page while working on my English video presentation. It’s really helpful. Thanks soooo much 🙂
I’m very glad to know it was helpful!
Hi! I found your page very insightful. Thank you very much!
I’m glad to hear it!
great video series. thank you so much. you mentioned that you had a downloadable checklist in the final video. where could I find this thanks?
Hi Ellie, I’m glad the series was helpful.
When you visit the lesson, there should be an image that pops up with an opportunity to get the download. If you don’t see it, please let me know so I can fix it.
Helped a lot! Thank you very much <33
thank you so much
I love your method
Hello, I have a 5 minute oral presentation of a fictional book, w/the main focus on the leadership traits of the characters. I enjoyed the book, and suspect others might, so to that end, is it OK to NOT share the ending? Thank you
Thanks for your help 🙂
Great website. I found a typo in on the presentation closings page “Useful Langauge to Close Your Presentation”.
Good eyes! Thanks so much for the note. We’ve fixed the typo.
Dear Annemarie, thank you so much for sharing.
Dear Annemarie, thank you so much for sharing. I learned so much from your 4 videos and I will work on improving my presentation skills. Love your spirit of excellence. For me as a presenter, its important i am passionate about the topic i share and audience will be able to apply some of the learnings in their life. Thank you Annemarie. I love your voice too. Stay blessed.
I watch continuously watched ur 4 videos and U r a great teacher.Thanks for making such purposeful videos.
I am so happy , I have more form you thank you very much
You are absolutely wonderful and your website is extremely useful and also quit impressive i habe my english A-levels in December i copied this text i sinisterly appreciate that i have had this opportunity to present to you and i also add something * it was a honor for me so thank you ☺️
Thanks, Jasmin! I’m so glad to know my lessons are helpful to you.
hey Annemarie could you help me in ending my presentation on mental health. it is a school presentation for MUN
If you’d like editing help, please see our options for 1:1 classes .
You are my favorite speaker. ☺
Hi Anna, that’s so kind of you. Thank you. 🙂
It’s so useful to us…… I’m so happy by this
I’m glad it was helpful to you, Kalpana.
I was holistically stuck about how to give my first ever presentation, but this gave me an impetus and confidence. Thanks a lot for this exquisite info
Awesome. I’m glad this helped you to move forward.
Thank YOU for tour tips. They are really inspiring. I Will try to put them into practise.
Hi Nancy, Wonderful! I’m glad they’re helpful to you!
It’s so useful to us…… I’m so happy by this
do you have Presentation course
Hi Hammad, I don’t at this time but it’s definitely something I’m thinking about.
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How to end a presentation in english: methods and examples.
- By Matthew Jones
Naturally, the way you end a presentation will depend on the setting and subject matter. Are you pitching an idea to your boss? Are you participating in a group presentation at school? Or are you presenting a business idea to potential investors? No matter the context, you’ll want to have a stellar ending that satisfies your audience and reinforces your goals.
So, do you want to learn how to end a presentation with style? Wondering how to end an informative speech? Or do you want to know how to conclude a Powerpoint presentation with impact? We’re here to help you learn how to end a presentation and make a great impression!
How to End a Presentation: 3 Effective Methods
Every presentation needs a great beginning, middle, and end. In this guide, we will focus on crafting the perfect conclusion. However, if you’d like to make sure that your presentation sounds good from start to finish, you should also check out our guide on starting a presentation in English .
Though there are many ways to end a presentation, the most effective strategies focus on making a lasting impression on your audience and reinforcing your goals. So, let’s take a look at three effective ways to end a presentation:
1. Summarize the Key Takeaways
Most presenters either make an argument (i.e. they want to convince their audience to adopt their view) or present new or interesting information (i.e. they want to educate their audience). In either case, the presentation will likely consist of important facts and figures. The conclusion gives you the opportunity to reiterate the most important information to your audience.
This doesn’t mean that you should simply restate everything from your presentation a second time. Instead, you should identify the most important parts of your presentation and briefly summarize them.
This is similar to what you might find in the last paragraph of an academic essay. For example, if you’re presenting a business proposal to potential investors, you might conclude with a summary of your business and the reasons why your audience should invest in your idea.
2. End with a CTA (Call-To-Action)
Ending with a Call-To-Action is one of the best ways to increase audience engagement (participation) with your presentation. A CTA is simply a request or invitation to perform a specific action. This technique is frequently used in sales or marketing presentations, though it can be used in many different situations.
For example, let’s say that you’re giving an informational presentation about the importance of hygiene in the workplace. Since your goal is to educate your audience, you may think that there’s no place for a CTA.
On the contrary, informational presentations are perfect for CTA’s. Rather than simply ending your presentation, you can direct your audience to seek out more information on the subject from authorities. In this case, you might encourage listeners to learn more from an authoritative medical organization, like the World Health Organization (WHO).
3. Use a Relevant Quote
It may sound cliche, but using quotes in your closing speech is both memorable and effective. However, not just any quote will do. You should always make sure that your quote is relevant to the topic. If you’re making an argument, you might want to include a quote that either directly or indirectly reinforces your main point.
Let’s say that you’re conducting a presentation about your company’s mission statement. You might present the information with a Powerpoint presentation, in which case your last slide could include an inspirational quote. The quote can either refer to the mission statement or somehow reinforce the ideas covered in the presentation.
Formatting Your Conclusion
While these 3 strategies should give you some inspiration, they won’t help you format your conclusion. You might know that you want to end your presentation with a Call-To-Action, but how should you “start” your conclusion? How long should you make your conclusion? Finally, what are some good phrases to use for ending a presentation?<br>
Examples of a Good Conclusion
In conclusion, I believe that we can increase our annual revenue this year. We can do this with a combination of increased efficiency in our production process and a more dynamic approach to lead generation. If we implement these changes, I estimate that annual revenue will increase by as much as 15%.
The example above shows a good conclusion for a business presentation. However, some people believe that the term in conclusion is overused. Here’s how to end a presentation using transition words similar to in conclusion .
Transition words help your audience know that your presentation is ending. Try starting your conclusion with one of these phrases:
- To summarize
However, transition words aren’t always necessary. Here are a few good ways to end a presentation using a different approach.
- Summarize Key Takeaways : There are two things that I’d like you to remember from today’s presentation. First, we are a company that consults startups for a fraction of the cost of other consultation services. And second, we have a perfect record of successfully growing startups in a wide variety of industries. If anything was unclear, I’d be happy to open the floor to questions.
- Make a Call-To-Action : I am very passionate about climate change. The future of the planet rests on our shoulders and we are quickly running out of time to take action. That said, I do believe that we can effect real change for future generations. I challenge you to take up the fight for our children and our children’s children.
- Use a Relevant Quote: I’d like to end my presentation with one of my favorite quotes: “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
As you can see, your conclusion does not need to be very long. In fact, a conclusion should be short and to the point. This way, you can effectively end your presentation without rambling or adding extraneous (irrelevant) information.
How to End a Presentation in English with Common Phrases
Finally, there are a few generic phrases that people frequently use to wrap up presentations. While we encourage you to think about how to end a presentation using a unique final statement, there’s nothing wrong with using these common closing phrases:
- Thank you for your time.
- I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today.
- I’ll now answer any questions you have about (topic).
- If you need any further information, feel free to contact me at (contact information).
We hope this guide helps you better understand how to end a presentation ! If you’d like to find out more about how to end a presentation in English effectively, visit Magoosh Speaking today!
Matthew Jones
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End of presentation: 7 examples for the perfect conclusion
Ending a presentation is like adding the last stroke of a painter's brush - it rounds off the overall picture and creates a lasting impression. But how do you create a powerful end to a presentation that the audience will remember? Let's discover the secret together in this article.
What do you say at the end of a presentation?
You have given a convincing presentation, addressed everything important and got your message across effectively. Now you are faced with the challenge of finding a successful conclusion. This is where the right words matter. A simple "That's it" or "Thank you for your attention" will probably not be remembered by your audience. Instead, you can use a summary of your main points, a call-to-action or a catchy conclusion to leave a strong impression.
Why the end of your presentation is so important?
The end of a presentation is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. It gives you the opportunity to reinforce your message and inspire your audience, or spur them into action. It's not just about wrapping up your presentation, it's about ending it with a bang. Use this opportunity to reiterate your core message and make a strong emotional connection with your audience.
The principle of the recency effect
The recency effect states that people remember best what they heard last. This underlines why the end of your presentation is so important. If you design the end of your presentation effectively, your audience is more likely to remember it. Use this psychological phenomenon to your advantage and ensure that your conclusions and calls to action are remembered.
Presentation end: 7 examples to leave a lasting impression
- Summarize the main points: Repeat the main points of your presentation to reinforce them.
- Call-to-action: Ask your audience to perform a specific action or take a next step.
- Quote: A relevant and powerful quote can leave a lasting impression.
- Story or anecdote: A short, relevant story or anecdote can create an emotional connection and stick in the audience's mind.
- Questions: Ask a rhetorical or open-ended question that is thought-provoking.
- Surprising statistic or fact: An impressive statistic or fact can make a strong impression.
- Humorous remark: A funny remark or joke can lighten the mood and ensure a positive ending.
How to formulate a strong presentation ending
Formulating a strong presentation ending requires practice and creativity. Try to convey your core message in a way that suits your audience and your topic. Remember that your goal is to leave a lasting impression. Be clear, concise and engaging. Use metaphors or stories to illustrate your points and use rhetorical devices such as repetition and triples to reinforce your message. Here are some examples of how you can conclude your presentation:
- Summary and outlook: "Today we discussed the challenges and solutions for our product development. By implementing these solutions, our company will be even more innovative and efficient in the future."
- Call to action: "Now you know the advantages of our product. Let's exploit the opportunities that arise from this together. Let's start implementing it today!"
- Interaction question: "What do you think of these suggestions? Which measures do you see as a priority to achieve our goals?"
- Inspirational quote: "As Albert Einstein said: 'Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you have to keep moving'. So let's keep moving and pursue our goals together."
- Positive outlook: "I am confident that with these strategies we can achieve our goals and continue our success."
Each of these closing formulations has its strengths. Choose the one that best suits your style, your audience and your topic. Find out here how you can structure your presentation to create the perfect ending.
Presentation end - Rhetorical questions as a tool
The dos and don'ts for a successful end to a presentation.
It is crucial to design this finale in such a way that it is effective and memorable. To help you do this, here's a clear list of dos and don'ts to keep in mind at the end of your presentation. These tips will give you guidance to captivate your audience until the curtain falls.
How long should the end of a presentation last?
Make the end of the presentation fun.
Humor can be a great way to end your presentation in a light and enjoyable way. A joke or funny anecdote can lighten the mood and make your audience laugh. However, make sure the humor is appropriate and relevant to your topic.
What comes at the end of the presentation?
The closing slide of your presentation is your last chance to make a lasting impression. It should summarize your main points and include a call-to-action. You can also include your contact details or links to further resources. Make the closing slide engaging and easy to read to reinforce your message.
Take your presentations to the next level with Collaboard
End of presentation: the art of making a lasting impression.
The end of your presentation is more than just a conclusion. It's your chance to leave a lasting impression, reinforce your message and inspire your audience to take action. Take advantage of this opportunity and use techniques such as repeating your main points, asking rhetorical questions or adding humor to end your presentation effectively. Remember the principle of the recency effect and design your presentation to be memorable. No matter which method you choose, be authentic and stay true to yourself. Your audience will thank you for it.
Checklist: Effective end of presentation
This checklist will help you evaluate the effectiveness of your presentation ending and make sure you've covered all the important aspects. From the clarity of your message to the emotional resonance, these points are crucial to captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impression.
- Clarity of message: Has the main message of your presentation been clearly communicated?
- Answering audience questions: Were relevant questions from the audience addressed during or at the end of your presentation
- Visual impact: Was a strong, powerful image or graphic used effectively to reinforce the message?
- Audience engagement: Were techniques such as direct questions, interactive elements or calls to action used to actively engage the audience?
- Emotional resonance: Did the end of your presentation evoke an emotional response, be it inspiration, thoughtfulness or joy?
- Summary of content: Were the main points of your presentation summarized clearly and concisely?
- Lasting impression: Does the end of your presentation leave a strong, lasting image in the minds of your audience?
Case study: Impressive presentation endings
There are presentations that continue to occupy and inspire us long after they have finished. It's often the ending that leaves a lasting impression. To understand how to design a professional presentation ending, let's take a look at two case studies.
Steve Jobs at Apple product launches
Jobs' famous "One More Thing..." technique was a masterstroke in the art of presentation. After introducing a series of products or features during the presentation, it seemed as if he had reached the end. But then came the moment everyone was waiting for: Jobs returned to the stage, often with the words "There's one more thing...". These words caused great anticipation and excitement in the audience. This approach was more than just a clever finish. It became a trademark of Apple events and a synonym for innovation and surprise. The "One More Thing..." moments were often the introduction of groundbreaking products or features that would shape the technology world. This technique not only enhanced the impact of the presentation, but also left a sense of awe and curiosity.
The power of storytelling in TED Talks
TED Talks have established themselves worldwide as a platform for some of the most inspiring and influential presentations. A key element that sets TED presentations apart is the way speakers end their talks - often with a personal story or transformative experience. These stories are not only poignant, but also a powerful tool to reinforce the message of the presentation.
Presentation end - Frequently asked questions & answers
How do you end a presentation appropriately.
A good ending to a presentation includes a summary of the main points, a convincing conclusion, words of thanks and a willingness to answer questions.
What phrases are suitable for closing a presentation?
Possible phrases could be: "To conclude...", "To summarize...", "In conclusion, I would like to say...", "This brings me to the end of my presentation...".
Should you ask questions at the end of the presentation?
Yes, it is common and recommended to open a Q&A session at the end of the presentation to clear up any ambiguities and encourage dialog.
How should you respond to questions that you cannot answer?
It is important to be honest and admit if you cannot answer a question. You can offer to provide the answer later or ask the audience if someone else can answer the question.
What should you do if no questions are asked?
If no questions are asked, you can ask some prepared questions to stimulate discussion or highlight other aspects of the topic.
How do you thank the audience at the end of a presentation?
A simple "Thank you for your attention" or "Thank you for taking the time to listen to my presentation" is an appropriate way to say thank you.
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10 Tips On How To End A Presentation [Examples + Templates]
Everyone agrees that the beginning of a presentation is crucial as it catches your audience’s attention and keeps them engaged, but what about the ending? The end of a presentation is as important as the start, which leaves a strong impression! A strong conclusion can transform a good presentation into a memorable one, but how do you end a presentation? That is exactly what this blog is going to help you with. In this blog, you will learn tips on how to end a presentation, a few common mistakes to avoid, and a lot more! So, what is the wait? Let’s dive in!
Why Is It Important To Have A Conclusion Slide In Your Presentation?
A conclusion is where, as a presenter, you have the opportunity to hammer the nail on its head and leave a memorable impression. But that is not all a conclusion should do; according to Business Communication: Process and Product should achieve three goals:
1. Summarize the main points of the slideshow. 2. Leaves the audience with a key takeaway. 3. Includes a statement that allows you to leave or pass on the mic.
A good conclusion is like the perfect punchline to a good joke; hence, you need to create a solid conclusion that drives your message home and everyone remembers it.
10 Tips On How To Conclude A Presentation
Now, let’s get onto the part that you have been waiting for! It’s time to discover the various tips on how to wrap up a presentation; these tips will not only help you craft a strong conclusion but also will help you learn various methods of delivering your conclusion!
1. Summarize key points
You have company if you struggle to remember what to say at the end of a presentation. Most people do not realize that an overall content summary is often the most fundamental part of an ending. One of the best ways to end a presentation is by summarizing 3-4 major points from your slideshow. This allows you to ensure that everyone present remembers these few points and their context and walks out with the message.
2. End on a Strong Note
While a summary ensures that your audience knows the key highlights of your presentation, it is equally important that your presentation stays memorable. An essential point on how to end and conclude your presentation is by giving it the conclusion it deserves. As the introduction mentions, an audience will often try to remember information by attempting to recall the beginning or end, so try to make the end memorable and even more important in the context of your entire presentation.
Example: If you started with a personal anecdote, revisit it and show how your presentation has provided the solution or insight.
3. Add a Call To Action
A CTA gives the audience something to do after the presentation. This could be as simple as visiting a social media page, signing up on a website, contacting the presenter for anything related to the presentation, or following up on a future presentation or event. This makes the audience an active part of your presentation rather than passive listeners and makes them feel included and involved, where they are participants rather than mere spectators.
4. Ask questions that make your audience think
Ask a rhetorical, thought-provoking question for which your audience must think back to your presentation for answers. Another way of doing this is by presenting your question at the beginning of the presentation and circling back to it by introducing the audience with enough information to answer it after the ending slide of the presentation. This allows you to make your presentation more interactive and helps you retain your audience’s attention.
5. Have brief answers ready
When you think of how to close a presentation, being ready with brief answers to questions that you might ask is the best way! Sometimes, less is more when facing a question at the end of your presentation. This means that you try to keep your answers as short and crisp as possible, as it shows how well-versed you are with the information and to keep your audience’s interest piqued. Practice on questions you have thought about to give you someplace to start and think about how the audience will receive the answers to prepare accordingly.
6. End with a quote
Another great way on how to end a PowerPoint presentation is by using quotes. When talking about quotes, we don’t mean the typical, overused “words of wisdom” you see in every presentation. To go out on a strong note, quote someone relatable or relevant to the context of your presentation; keep the quote as relatable as possible. Don’t go out of your way to find overly philosophical sayings that go over your audience’s head; instead, find something that gives your presentation a conclusion that speaks for itself.
7. Tell a story
One of the best ways to end a presentation is to take the audience on a narrative journey and bring it full circle to relate it to something you said in the beginning. This could be as easy as answering a question you laid out at the beginning of a simple quote that relates to the situation after the end of the presentation. This makes it seem like you have rehearsed and planned a complete conclusive presentation, which helps your reputation as a presenter.
8. Use strong visuals
We are all familiar with the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words,” which means that an image can strike a chord with the audience in a way that words simply cannot. Use vibrant colors and themes, maintain an aesthetic, and include background images and other elements to improve the quality of your presentations and make them more memorable with your audience. They are more likely to remember and recall a visual presentation rather than a boring, text-heavy presentation slide, making it a great method when you think about how to conclude a presentation.
9. Ask for feedback
One of the best ways to conclude a presentation is by asking for feedback from your audience right after thanking them. So, how can you ask them for feedback? It is pretty simple; all you have to do is ask everyone to share their thoughts about the presentation through a series of Q&A sessions, or you can approach people individually after the presentation. When you conclude a presentation by asking for feedback, it shows that you truly value their time and input as well, and it even helps you grow!
10. Use a conclusion slide
The last tip on how to end a presentation has to be to use a conclusion slide. Many people use a thank you slide, but those slides hardly help close a slideshow. You can end a presentation by saying ‘Thank You,’ but it won’t have the same effect as having a conclusion that summarizes everything. A good conclusion helps you deliver the message you have been conveying throughout the presentation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Ending A Presentation
Now that you know how to conclude a PowerPoint presentation, you should also be aware of a few mistakes you can make when creating a conclusion for your presentations.
1. Being overly lengthy
It is best if you keep it brief as a presenter. The last thing an audience wants to hear in a conclusion is a detailed overview of what they just went over. Limit yourself to just the key takeaways rather than a story similar to what has already been presented to ensure an audience listens to you rather than tuning themselves out.
2. Not having a precise meaning
Ending a presentation can quickly become very awkward if you have not prepared how to close a presentation as it transitions into an abrupt silence or unplanned conversation. Be sure to include a definite ending to your presentation so that there is no confusion between you and the audience, letting them know you have concluded your presentation.
3. Not thanking your audience and team
One of the last things you do as a presenter is thank all parties involved for all their contributions. This begins with thanking team members – those who compiled the slideshow, those who went through the efforts to find the relevant data and information, and those who are direct team members. This is an easy and efficient way to acknowledge those who have been involved with a project and give them the credit that they deserve for the work that they have put in.
Finally, thank the audience for their time, patience, efforts, and respect to ensure they feel seen and understood at the end of the presentation. This is an etiquette for appreciating them and their participation. To add to your visuals, add a Thank You slide after your conclusion that encompasses your brand identity. Interestingly, you can combine it with the Contact Us page to make it more streamlined and include all vital information in a single slide.
How To End A Presentation Slides And Examples
If you are curious about what a good conclusion slide looks like, you can take a look at a few of SlideUpLift’s conclusion PowerPoint templates . These templates work as an inspiration and can be used directly in your presentation as well, as they are 100% customizable, allowing you to make the template into your slide.
Now that you know how to end a presentation like a pro, it is time for you to start creating slideshows that have conclusions that achieve all three goals a conclusion should. While knowing how to end a presentation, it is also great to learn how to create a title slide that will captivate your audience. So, get out there and create stunning presentations that portray everything you want!
How do you end a presentation?
To begin wrapping up your presentation, start by providing a summary of the presentation and key points, and follow that up with one of the CTA, Quotes, or Questions. Anticipate what the audience may ask, and provide contact details that will let the audience reach out to you. Finally, thank the audience and your team for all their efforts and time.
Should I end a presentation with a joke?
Ending a presentation with a joke is a very situational instance where you can afford to make a joke casually and informally with your peers. However, jokes may backfire with executives and team leaders in a more formal setting.
How can I make my presentation conclusion more memorable?
Using a quote or statistic, you can make your presentation conclusion more memorable. You can also tell a relatable story or anecdote while asking a thought-provoking question. Additionally, add visual elements to incorporate the message you are sending.
What do you say at the end of a presentation?
A few common phrases that you can say at the end of a presentation include:
- Thank you for your time.
- I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today.
- I’ll now answer any questions you have.
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Blog Marketing How To End A Presentation & Leave A Lasting Impression
How To End A Presentation & Leave A Lasting Impression
Written by: Krystle Wong Aug 09, 2023
So you’ve got an exciting presentation ready to wow your audience and you’re left with the final brushstroke — how to end your presentation with a bang.
Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a profound and lasting impression that resonates long after the lights dim and the audience disperses.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the art of crafting an impactful conclusion that resonates with 10 effective techniques and ideas along with real-life examples to inspire your next presentation. Alternatively, you could always jump right into creating your slides by customizing our professionally designed presentation templates . They’re fully customizable and require no design experience at all!
Click to jump ahead:
Why is it important to have an impactful ending for your presentation?
10 effective presentation closing techniques to leave a lasting impression, 7 things to put on a conclusion slide.
- 5 real-life exceptional examples of how to end a presentation
6 mistakes to avoid in concluding a presentation
Faqs on how to end a presentation, how to create a memorable presentation with venngage.
People tend to remember the beginning and end of a presentation more vividly than the middle, making the final moments your last chance to make a lasting impression.
An ending that leaves a lasting impact doesn’t merely mark the end of a presentation; it opens doors to further exploration. A strong conclusion is vital because it:
- Leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
- Reinforces key points and takeaways.
- Motivates action and implementation of ideas.
- Creates an emotional connection with the audience.
- Fosters engagement, curiosity and reflection.
Just like the final scene of a movie, your presentation’s ending has the potential to linger in your audience’s minds long after they’ve left the room. From summarizing key points to engaging the audience in unexpected ways, make a lasting impression with these 10 ways to end a presentation:
1. The summary
Wrap up your entire presentation with a concise and impactful summary, recapping the key points and main takeaways. By doing so, you reinforce the essential aspects and ensure the audience leaves with a crystal-clear understanding of your core message.
2. The reverse story
Here’s a cool one: start with the end result and then surprise the audience with the journey that led you to where you are. Share the challenges you conquered and the lessons you learned, making it a memorable and unique conclusion that drives home your key takeaways.
Alternatively, customize one of our cool presentation templates to capture the attention of your audience and deliver your message in an engaging and memorable way
3. The metaphorical prop
For an added visual touch, bring a symbolic prop that represents your message. Explain its significance in relation to your content, leaving the audience with a tangible and unforgettable visual representation that reinforces your key concepts.
4. The audience engagement challenge
Get the audience involved by throwing them a challenge related to your informational presentation. Encourage active participation and promise to share the results later, fostering their involvement and motivating them to take action.
5. The memorable statistic showcase
Spice things up with a series of surprising or intriguing statistics, presented with attention-grabbing visual aids. Summarize your main points using these impactful stats to ensure the audience remembers and grasps the significance of your data, especially when delivering a business presentation or pitch deck presentation .
Transform your data-heavy presentations into engaging presentations using data visualization tools. Venngage’s chart and graph tools help you present information in a digestible and visually appealing manner. Infographics and diagrams can simplify complex concepts while images add a relatable dimension to your presentation.
6. The interactive story creation
How about a collaborative story? Work with the audience to create an impromptu tale together. Let them contribute elements and build the story with you. Then, cleverly tie it back to your core message with a creative presentation conclusion.
7. The unexpected guest speaker
Introduce an unexpected guest who shares a unique perspective related to your presentation’s theme. If their story aligns with your message, it’ll surely amp up the audience’s interest and engagement.
8. The thought-provoking prompt
Leave your audience pondering with a thought-provoking question or prompt related to your topic. Encourage reflection and curiosity, sparking a desire to explore the subject further and dig deeper into your message.
9. The empowering call-to-action
Time to inspire action! Craft a powerful call to action that motivates the audience to make a difference. Provide practical steps and resources to support their involvement, empowering them to take part in something meaningful.
10. The heartfelt expression
End on a warm note by expressing genuine gratitude and appreciation for the audience’s time and attention. Acknowledge their presence and thank them sincerely, leaving a lasting impression of professionalism and warmth.
Not sure where to start? These 12 presentation software might come in handy for creating a good presentation that stands out.
Remember, your closing slides for the presentation is your final opportunity to make a strong impact on your audience. However, the question remains — what exactly should be on the last slide of your presentation? Here are 7 conclusion slide examples to conclude with a high note:
1. Key takeaways
Highlight the main points or key takeaways from your presentation. This reinforces the essential information you want the audience to remember, ensuring they leave with a clear understanding of your message with a well summarized and simple presentation .
2. Closing statement
Craft a strong closing statement that summarizes the overall message of your presentation and leaves a positive final impression. This concluding remark should be impactful and memorable.
3. Call-to-action
Don’t forget to include a compelling call to action in your final message that motivates the audience to take specific steps after the presentation. Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, trying a product or conducting further research, a clear call to action can encourage engagement.
4. Contact information
Provide your contact details, such as email address or social media handles. That way, the audience can easily reach out for further inquiries or discussions. Building connections with your audience enhances engagement and opens doors for future opportunities.
Use impactful visuals or graphics to deliver your presentation effectively and make the conclusion slide visually appealing. Engaging visuals can captivate the audience and help solidify your key points.
Visuals are powerful tools for retention. Use Venngage’s library of icons, images and charts to complement your text. You can easily upload and incorporate your own images or choose from Venngage’s library of stock photos to add depth and relevance to your visuals.
6. Next steps
Outline the recommended next steps for the audience to take after the presentation, guiding them on what actions to pursue. This can be a practical roadmap for implementing your ideas and recommendations.
7. Inspirational quote
To leave a lasting impression, consider including a powerful and relevant quote that resonates with the main message of your presentation. Thoughtful quotes can inspire and reinforce the significance of your key points.
Whether you’re giving an in-person or virtual presentation , a strong wrap-up can boost persuasiveness and ensure that your message resonates and motivates action effectively. Check out our gallery of professional presentation templates to get started.
5 real-life exceptional examples of how to end a presentation
When we talk about crafting an exceptional closing for a presentation, I’m sure you’ll have a million questions — like how do you end a presentation, what do you say at the end of a presentation or even how to say thank you after a presentation.
To get a better idea of how to end a presentation with style — let’s delve into five remarkable real-life examples that offer valuable insights into crafting a conclusion that truly seals the deal:
1. Sheryl Sandberg
In her TED Talk titled “Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders,” Sheryl Sandberg concluded with an impactful call to action, urging men and women to lean in and support gender equality in the workplace. This motivational ending inspired the audience to take action toward a more inclusive world.
2. Elon Musk
Elon Musk often concludes with his vision for the future and how his companies are working towards groundbreaking advancements. His passion and enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of technology leave the audience inspired and eager to witness the future unfold.
3. Barack Obama
President Obama’s farewell address concluded with an emotional and heartfelt expression of gratitude to the American people. He thanked the audience for their support and encouraged them to stay engaged and uphold the values that define the nation.
4. Brené Brown
In her TED Talk on vulnerability, Brené Brown ended with a powerful quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” This quote reinforced her message about the importance of embracing vulnerability and taking risks in life.
5. Malala Yousafzai
In her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Malala Yousafzai ended with a moving call to action for education and girls’ rights. She inspired the audience to stand up against injustice and to work towards a world where every child has access to education.
For more innovative presentation ideas , turn ordinary slides into captivating experiences with these 15 interactive presentation ideas that will leave your audience begging for more.
So, we talked about how a good presentation usually ends. As you approach the conclusion of your presentation, let’s go through some of the common pitfalls you should avoid that will undermine the impact of your closing:
1. Abrupt endings
To deliver persuasive presentations, don’t leave your audience hanging with an abrupt conclusion. Instead, ensure a smooth transition by providing a clear closing statement or summarizing the key points to leave a lasting impression.
2. New information
You may be wondering — can I introduce new information or ideas in the closing? The answer is no. Resist the urge to introduce new data or facts in the conclusion and stick to reinforcing the main content presented earlier. By introducing new content at the end, you risk overshadowing your main message.
3. Ending with a Q&A session
While Q&A sessions are valuable , don’t conclude your presentation with them. Opt for a strong closing statement or call-to-action instead, leaving the audience with a clear takeaway.
4. Overloading your final slide
Avoid cluttering your final slide with too much information or excessive visuals. Keep it clean, concise and impactful to reinforce your key messages effectively.
5. Forgetting the call-to-action
Most presentations fail to include a compelling call-to-action which can diminish the overall impact of your presentation. To deliver a persuasive presentation, encourage your audience to take specific steps after the talk, driving engagement and follow-through.
6. Ignoring the audience
Make your conclusion audience-centric by connecting with their needs and interests. Avoid making it solely about yourself or your achievements. Instead, focus on how your message benefits the audience.
What should be the last slide of a presentation?
The last slide of a presentation should be a conclusion slide, summarizing key takeaways, delivering a strong closing statement and possibly including a call to action.
How do I begin a presentation?
Grabbing the audience’s attention at the very beginning with a compelling opening such as a relevant story, surprising statistic or thought-provoking question. You can even create a game presentation to boost interactivity with your audience. Check out this blog for more ideas on how to start a presentation .
How can I ensure a smooth transition from the body of the presentation to the closing?
To ensure a smooth transition, summarize key points from the body, use transition phrases like “In conclusion,” and revisit the main message introduced at the beginning. Bridge the content discussed to the themes of the closing and consider adjusting tone and pace to signal the transition.
How long should the conclusion of a presentation be?
The conclusion of a presentation should typically be around 5-10% of the total presentation time, keeping it concise and impactful.
Should you say thank you at the end of a presentation?
Yes, saying thank you at the end of a PowerPoint presentation is a courteous way to show appreciation for the audience’s time and attention.
Should I use presentation slides in the concluding part of my talk?
Yes, using presentation slides in the concluding part of your talk can be effective. Use concise slides to summarize key takeaways, reinforce your main points and deliver a strong closing statement. A final presentation slide can enhance the impact of your conclusion and help the audience remember your message.
Should I include a Q&A session at the end of the presentation?
Avoid Q&A sessions in certain situations to ensure a well-structured and impactful conclusion. It helps prevent potential time constraints and disruptions to your carefully crafted ending, ensuring your core message remains the focus without the risk of unanswered or off-topic questions diluting the presentation’s impact.
Is it appropriate to use humor in the closing of a presentation?
Using humor in the closing of a presentation can be appropriate if it aligns with your content and audience as it can leave a positive and memorable impression. However, it’s essential to use humor carefully and avoid inappropriate or offensive jokes.
How do I manage nervousness during the closing of a presentation?
To manage nervousness during the closing, focus on your key points and the main message you want to convey. Take deep breaths to calm your nerves, maintain eye contact and remind yourself that you’re sharing valuable insights to enhance your presentation skills.
Creating a memorable presentation is a blend of engaging content and visually captivating design. With Venngage, you can transform your ideas into a dynamic and unforgettable presentation in just 5 easy steps:
- Choose a template from Venngage’s library: Pick a visually appealing template that fits your presentation’s theme and audience, making it easy to get started with a professional look.
- Craft a compelling story or outline: Organize your content into a clear and coherent narrative or outline the key points to engage your audience and make the information easy to follow.
- Customize design and visuals: Tailor the template with your brand colors, fonts and captivating visuals like images and icons, enhancing your presentation’s visual appeal and uniqueness. You can also use an eye-catching presentation background to elevate your visual content.
- Incorporate impactful quotes or inspiring elements: Include powerful quotes or elements that resonate with your message, evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression on your audience members
- Utilize data visualization for clarity: Present data and statistics effectively with Venngage’s charts, graphs and infographics, simplifying complex information for better comprehension.
Additionally, Venngage’s real-time collaboration tools allow you to seamlessly collaborate with team members to elevate your presentation creation process to a whole new level. Use comments and annotations to provide feedback on each other’s work and refine ideas as a group, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded presentation.
Well, there you have it—the secrets of how to conclude a presentation. From summarizing your key message to delivering a compelling call to action, you’re now armed with a toolkit of techniques that’ll leave your audience in awe.
Now go ahead, wrap it up like a pro and leave that lasting impression that sets you apart as a presenter who knows how to captivate, inspire and truly make a mark.
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How to End a Presentation The Right Way (+ 3 Downloadable Creative PowerPoint Conclusion Slides)
Ausbert Generoso
Ever been in a presentation that started strong but fizzled out at the end? It’s a common frustration. The conclusion is where your message either sticks or fades away.
But how often have you left a presentation wondering, “Was that it?” A lackluster ending can undermine the impact of an entire presentation. In the digital age, a strong conclusion isn’t just a courtesy; it’s your secret weapon to make your message unforgettable.
In this blog, we’re diving into the art of crafting a powerful ending, making sure your audience doesn’t just understand but gets inspired. Let’s explore the key on how to end a presentation in a way that lingers in your audience’s minds.
Table of Contents
Why having a good presentation conclusion matters.
Understanding why a conclusion is not merely a formality but a critical component is key to elevating your presentation game. Let’s delve into the pivotal reasons why a well-crafted conclusion matters:
🎉 Lasting Impression
The conclusion is the last note your audience hears, leaving a lasting impression. It shapes their overall perception and ensures they vividly remember your key points.
🔄 Message Reinforcement
Think of the conclusion as the reinforcement stage for your central message. It’s the last opportunity to drive home your main ideas, ensuring they are understood and internalized.
📝 Audience Takeaways
Summarizing key points in the conclusion acts as a guide, ensuring your audience remembers the essential elements of your presentation.
💬 Connection and Engagement
A well-crafted conclusion fosters engagement, connecting with your audience on a deeper level through thought-provoking questions, compelling quotes, or visual recaps.
🚀 Motivation for Action
If your presentation includes a call to action, the conclusion plants the seeds for motivation, encouraging your audience to become active participants.
🌟 Professionalism and Polishing
A strong conclusion adds professionalism, showcasing attention to detail and a commitment to delivering a comprehensive and impactful message.
6 Unique Techniques and Components to a Strong Conclusion
As we navigate the art of how to end a presentation, it becomes evident that a powerful and memorable conclusion is not merely the culmination of your words—it’s an experience carefully crafted to resonate with your audience. In this section, we explore key components that transcend the ordinary, turning your conclusion into a compelling finale that lingers in the minds of your listeners.
1. Visual Storytelling through Imagery
What it is: In the digital age, visuals carry immense power. Utilize compelling imagery in your conclusion to create a visual story that reinforces your main points. Whether it’s a metaphorical image, a powerful photograph, or an infographic summarizing key ideas, visuals can enhance the emotional impact of your conclusion.
How to do it: Select images that align with your presentation theme and evoke the desired emotions. Integrate these visuals into your conclusion, allowing them to speak volumes. Ensure consistency in style and tone with the rest of your presentation, creating a seamless visual narrative that resonates with your audience.
2. Interactive Audience Participation
What it is: Transform your conclusion into an interactive experience by engaging your audience directly. Pose a thought-provoking question or conduct a quick poll related to your presentation theme. This fosters active participation, making your conclusion more memorable and involving your audience on a deeper level.
How to do it: Craft a question that encourages reflection and discussion. Use audience response tools, if available, to collect real-time feedback. Alternatively, encourage a show of hands or open the floor for brief comments. This direct engagement not only reinforces your message but also creates a dynamic and memorable conclusion.
3. Musical Closure for Emotional Impact
What it is: Consider incorporating music into your conclusion to evoke emotions and enhance the overall impact. A carefully selected piece of music can complement your message, creating a powerful and memorable ending that resonates with your audience on a sensory level.
How to do it: Choose a piece of music that aligns with the tone and message of your presentation. Introduce the music at the right moment in your conclusion, allowing it to play during the final thoughts. Ensure that the volume is appropriate and that the music enhances, rather than distracts from, your message.
4. Intentional and Deliberate Silence
What it is: Sometimes, the most impactful way to conclude a presentation is through intentional silence. A brief pause after delivering your final words allows your audience to absorb and reflect on your message. This minimalist approach can create a sense of gravity and emphasis.
How to do it: Plan a deliberate pause after your last sentence or key point. Use this moment to make eye contact with your audience, allowing your message to sink in. The strategic use of silence can be particularly effective when followed by a strong closing statement or visual element.
5. Narrative Bookending
What it is: Create a sense of completeness by bookending your presentation. Reference a story, quote, or anecdote from the introduction, bringing your presentation full circle. This technique provides a satisfying narrative structure and reinforces your core message.
How to do it: Identify a story or element from your introduction that aligns with your conclusion. Reintroduce it with a fresh perspective, revealing its relevance to the journey you’ve taken your audience on. This technique not only creates coherence but also leaves a lasting impression.
6. Incorporating Humor for Memorable Impact
What it is: Humor can be a powerful tool in leaving a positive and memorable impression. Consider injecting a well-timed joke, light-hearted anecdote, or amusing visual element into your conclusion. Humor can create a sense of camaraderie and connection with your audience.
How to do it: Choose humor that aligns with your audience’s sensibilities and the overall tone of your presentation. Ensure it enhances, rather than detracts from, your message. A genuine and well-placed moment of humor can humanize your presentation and make your conclusion more relatable.
[Bonus] Creative Ways on How to End a Presentation Like a Pro
1. minimalist conclusion table design.
One of the many ways to (aesthetically) end your PowerPoint presentation is by having a straightforward and neat-looking table to sum up all the important points you want your audience to reflect on. Putting closing information in one slide can get heavy, especially if there’s too much text included – as to why it’s important to go minimal on the visual side whenever you want to present a group of text.
Here’s how you can easily do it:
- Insert a table. Depending on the number of points you want to reinforce, feel free to customize the number of rows & columns you might need. Then, proceed to fill the table with your content.
- Clear the fill for the first column of the table by selecting the entire column. Then, go to the Table Design tab on your PowerPoint ribbon, click on the Shading drop down, and select No Fill.
- Color the rest of the columns as preferred. Ideally, the heading column must be in a darker shade compared to the cells below.
- Insert circles at the top left of each heading column. Each circle should be colored the same as the heading. Then, put a weighted outline and make it white, or the same color as the background.
- Finally, put icons on top each circle that represent the columns. You may find free stock PowerPoint icons by going to Insert, then Icons.
2. Animated Closing Text
Ever considered closing a presentation with what seems to be a blank slide which will then be slowly filled with text in a rather captivating animation? Well, that’s sounds specific, yes! But, it’s time for you take this hack as your next go-to in ending your presentations!
Here’s how simple it is to do it:
- Go to Pixabay , and set your search for only videos. In this example, I searched for the keyword, ‘yellow ink’.
- Insert the downloaded video onto a blank PowerPoint slide. Then, go to the Playback tab on the PowerPoint ribbon. Set the video to start automatically, and tick the box for ‘Loop until stopped’. Then, cover it whole with a shape.
- Place your closing text on top of the shape. It could be a quote, an excerpt, or just a message that you want to end your PowerPoint presentation with.
- Select the shape, hold Shift, and select the text next. Then, go to Merge Shapes, and select Subtract.
- Color the shape white with no outline. And, you’re done!
3. Animated 3D Models
What quicker way is there than using PowerPoint’s built-in 3D models? And did you know they have an entire collection of animated 3D models to save you time in setting up countless animations? Use it as part of your presentation conclusion and keep your audience’ eyes hooked onto the screens.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Design a closing slide. In this example, I’m using a simple “Thank You” slide.
- Go to Insert, then click on the 3D Models dropdown, and select Stock 3D Models. Here, you can browse thru the ‘All Animated Models’ pack and find the right model for you
- Once your chosen model has been inserted, go to the Animations tab.
- In this example, I’m setting a Swing animation. Then, set the model to start with previous.
- For a final touch, go to Animation Pane. From the side panel, click on the Effect Options dropdown and tick the check box for Auto-reverse. Another would be the Timing dropdown, then select Until End of Slide down the Repeat dropdown.
Get a hold of these 3 bonus conclusion slides for free!
Expert Tips on How to End a Presentation With Impact
🔍 Clarity and Conciseness
Tip: Keep your conclusion clear and concise. Avoid introducing new information, and instead, focus on summarizing key points and reinforcing your main message. A concise conclusion ensures that your audience retains the essential takeaways without feeling overwhelmed.
⏩ Maintain a Strong Pace
Tip: Control the pacing of your conclusion. Maintain a steady rhythm to sustain audience engagement. Avoid rushing through key points or lingering too long on any single aspect. A well-paced conclusion keeps your audience focused and attentive until the very end.
🚀 Emphasize Key Takeaways
Tip: Clearly highlight the most critical takeaways from your presentation. Reinforce these key points in your conclusion to emphasize their significance. This ensures that your audience leaves with a firm grasp of the essential messages you aimed to convey.
🔄 Align with Your Introduction
Tip: Create a sense of cohesion by aligning your conclusion with elements introduced in the beginning. Reference a story, quote, or theme from your introduction, providing a satisfying narrative arc. This connection enhances the overall impact and resonance of your presentation.
🎭 Practice, but Embrace Flexibility
Tip: Practice your conclusion to ensure a confident delivery. However, be prepared to adapt based on audience reactions or unexpected changes. Embrace flexibility to address any unforeseen circumstances while maintaining the overall integrity of your conclusion.
📢 End with a Strong Call to Action (if applicable)
Tip: If your presentation includes a call to action, conclude with a compelling and actionable statement. Clearly communicate what you want your audience to do next and why. A strong call to action motivates your audience to take the desired steps.
🙏 Express Gratitude and Closure
Tip: Express gratitude to your audience for their time and attention. Provide a sense of closure by summarizing the journey you’ve taken together. A gracious and thoughtful conclusion leaves a positive final impression.
Final Thoughts
In wrapping up your presentation, the conclusion serves as the final touch, leaving a strong and lasting impression. Think of it as the last puzzle piece that completes the picture. Ensure your conclusion goes beyond a simple summary, using visuals and engagement to make it memorable. Express gratitude sincerely as you bring your talk to an end, acknowledging the shared experience and setting the stage for what follows.
In these closing moments, aim for more than just a conclusion; create a connection that lingers in the minds of your audience.
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How to End a Presentation? [Top 8 Strategies with Examples]
Guru - May 9, 2023 - Leave your thoughts. 9 min read
animaker deck , presentation , presentation ideas , Presentation Software , presentation tips
How you end a presentation is just as crucial as its opening. It can make or break the impression that you leave on your audience.
A strong conclusion can reinforce your key message and ensure that your audience remembers it even after the presentation is over.
A well-concluded presentation can leave your audience impressed, energized, and motivated to take action.
So now, are you wondering what’s the best way to conclude your presentation? Don’t worry! You have come to the right place!
To help you make a powerful ending to your presentation, we have compiled a list of 8 different strategies in this blog post.
Each of these strategies is designed to help you create a memorable and impactful conclusion to your presentation.
By choosing the most appropriate one for your presentation, you can ensure that your audience remembers your key message and feels motivated to take action.
Let’s jump right in,
1. Emphasize the core message 2. Mirror your opening statement 3. Pose an open-ended question 4. End with a Call to action 5. Thank the audience 6. End with a powerful quote 7. Acknowledge your contributors 8. Ask for feedback
1. Emphasize the core message:
One of the most important aspects of any presentation is ensuring your audience understands your core message.
Reiterating your main points and summarizing your message at the end of your presentation can reinforce this and leave a lasting impression.
It helps to ensure that your audience understands the purpose of your presentation and has a clear takeaway from the information you have provided.
In this video, the speaker restates her topic to conclude her speech firmly and gives a pause, resulting in tremendous applause from the audience.
Similarly, by restating your core message, you can also create a sense of cohesion and give your presentation a firm closure.
This can be particularly important if you want to motivate your audience to take action or influence their behavior in some way.
However, it's important not to repeat EVERYTHING you have said. Instead, focus on the most crucial elements and highlight them in a concise and clear manner.
2. Mirror your opening statement:
A great way to end your presentation is by mirroring your opening statement in your conclusion.
Highlighting your presentation's key message at the end and emphasizing the central idea you aimed to communicate will help your audience to retain it in their memory.
During the conclusion of the presentation, the speaker effectively utilized the technique of mirroring the opening example she had presented - ordering a pizza on the phone by herself.
The speaker demonstrated the remarkable transformation she had undergone in terms of personal growth and confidence, which strongly reinforced her message to the audience.
By mirroring her opening example, she created a sense of familiarity and connection with her audience while simultaneously driving home the key message of her presentation.
This technique allowed the audience to understand better and relate to the speaker's personal journey and the message she was conveying.
Similarly, you can also use this strategy to conclude your presentation. This can be particularly effective if you are trying to reinforce a specific theme or idea throughout your presentation.
3. Pose an open-ended question:
One of the best ways to conclude your presentation is to elicit a response from your audience using an open-ended question that can effectively engage them and make your presentation more memorable.
Look at how the speaker concludes her speech with an open-ended question in this video.
Similarly, you can also raise open-ended questions to help your audience look from a different perspective and encourage them to investigate more thoroughly on the information presented.
Most importantly, ensuring that your question is relevant to your presentation and doesn't detract from your overall message is essential when eliciting a response.
So make sure that you kindle your audiences’ thoughts and ideas with the open-ended question at the end. This helps create a good long-lasting impression of your presentation.
4. End with a Call to action:
One of the best ways to end your presentation is by concluding with a call to action slide.
Incorporating a call to action into your presentation can be a powerful way to encourage your audience to take the next step.
Whether it's signing up for a program, making a purchase, or supporting a cause, a clear call to action is essential to achieving your desired outcome.
Similarly, according to your type of presentation, you can include a relevant call to action.
For example, this might involve providing specific instructions or offering an incentive for taking action, such as a discount or free trial.
It's essential that you understand their pain points and make your call to action compelling. Ensure that your core message and the needs of your audience are aligned so that they are motivated enough to act.
5. Thank the audience:
At the end of your presentation, it's essential to recognize that your audience has taken time out of their busy schedules to attend and listen to your message.
Thanking your audience for their time and attention can create a positive impression and make them feel appreciated.
It's essential to make your gratitude genuine and sincere rather than a superficial gesture. For example, consider expressing your gratitude with a personal anecdote or acknowledging specific individuals in the audience.
This simple act of gratitude can also create a sense of personal connection and signal to your audience that the presentation has reached its conclusion, paving the way for future interactions with them.
6. End with a powerful quote:
One effective strategy to end your presentation on a high note is by leaving the audience with a powerful quote.
However, it's crucial to choose a quote that is not only impactful but also unique and relevant to your topic.
Using a commonly known quote may come across as unoriginal and irrelevant, losing the attention and interest of your audience in most cases.
In this presentation, Steve Jobs concludes his speech with an inspiring and powerful message, “Stay Hungry! Stay Foolish”. Thereby emphasizing that you should never stop learning, pursue more goals, and never stop being satisfied.
Similarly, in your conclusion, consider using a relevant quote to make an impact.
7. Acknowledge your contributors:
Another best way to conclude your presentation is by showing gratitude to your contributors.
For example, if you deliver a business presentation on behalf of a team or a department, it's essential to recognize the collective effort that went into creating the presentation.
The concluding moments of your speech are the perfect opportunity to acknowledge your team members' hard work and dedication.
You can express gratitude to your team as a whole, thanking them for their contribution to the presentation.
However, if you want to ensure that the individual efforts of team members are recognized, highlighting specific contributions may be a better approach.
Some examples include:
"Join me in giving a round of applause to my incredible team, who played a significant role in arranging this pitch deck."
"Finally, I would like to mention that my tech team experts provided me with insight into the technical nuances, and without their contribution, this presentation would not have been as informative as it is now."
"As I conclude, I want to express my gratitude to Mark and Serene from the Marketing team, whose assistance in gathering the data and designing the slides was invaluable."
By acknowledging individual team members, you are demonstrating your appreciation for their work and giving them the recognition they deserve.
This will not only make them feel valued but also motivate them to continue contributing to the success of future presentations.
So be sure to end your presentation with the required acknowledgment for all the contributions.
8. Ask for feedback:
You can conclude your presentation seamlessly by thanking the audience and asking for feedback from them.
Encouraging feedback from your audience can greatly benefit your future presentations. It allows you to understand how your message was received and how you can improve for the next time.
So, how can you gather feedback effectively?
Firstly, ask attendees to share their thoughts on your presentation after you finish speaking. This can be done by initiating a Q&A session or by approaching individuals directly.
Another option is to set up a QR code near the exit and ask people to scan and jot down their thoughts on the online form as they leave. This allows attendees to provide their feedback in a confidential and hassle-free manner.
Also, consider having a suggestion box for handwritten feedback notes or creating an anonymous online survey that links to your presentation slides. This method is beneficial if you want to gather feedback from a large audience or if you prefer to have quantitative data.
By actively seeking feedback, you show your audience that you value their input and are committed to improving your presentation skills.
However, this strategy does not apply to all the general presentations. So use this way of concluding your presentation where it makes more sense to you and the audience.
In summary, an impactful conclusion is vital to wrap up your presentation successfully.
Each of these strategies serves a unique purpose, and by combining them, you can create a conclusion that is both engaging and impactful.
By incorporating the 8 critical strategies mentioned in this guide, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience, ensuring that your message stays with them even after the presentation has ended.
Now that you have learned the pro strategies of how to end a presentation, take a look at this guide on “How to start a presentation” as well and nail your presentation from start to end!
If you are still uncertain about how to make a presentation from the ground up, we suggest checking out Animaker Deck - the world's first avatar-driven presentation software.
With over 40 distinct and creatively designed templates at your disposal, we are confident you will find it worth trying!
We hope this article was helpful. Do let us know your thoughts on which strategy worked best for you, and also suggest your own ways of ending a presentation.
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Learn the Phrases to Conclude your Presentation
How you end your presentation is as important as how you start your presentation Yet, many presenters finish simply because their time limit is up or they have nothing more to say. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Many audience members only begin paying attention to a presentation once they hear the words “In conclusion…” or “Finally…” The conclusion is where things crystallise and where you summarise your main points. It is an excellent opportunity to leave a lasting impression. It’s how your audience will remember you, so it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
In this Business English lesson, you will learn the Phrases on the topic of ‘Concluding a Presentation.’ Watch the lesson and then read the article for definitions and examples.
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Example Phrases to help Conclude your Presentation…
Indicating the end of your presentation.
“That completes my presentation/talk.” “I’m now nearing the end of my presentation/talk.” ”That’s everything I wanted to say about…” ”Well, this brings me to the end of my presentation/talk.”
Summarising Points
“Let me just look at the key points again.” ”To conclude/In conclusion, I’d like to…” ”I’ll briefly summarise the main issues.” ”To sum up (then), we….”
Making Recommendations
“It’s recommended that…” ”We’d suggest…” ”It’s my opinion that we should…” ”Based on these findings, I’m recommending that…”
Closing your Presentation
“Thank you for your attention/time.” ”Before I end, let me just say…” ”Thank you for listening.”
Inviting Questions
“Do you have any questions?” ”Now we have time for a few questions.” ”If you have any questions, please do ask.” ”And now, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.”
LESSON END.
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A piece of research by Ipsos Corporate Firm titled “Last Impressions Also Count” argues that “our memories can be governed more by how an experience ends than how it begins .” A lasting final impression can be critical to any presentation, especially as it makes our presentation goals more attainable. We’re covering how to end a presentation , as it can certainly come through as an earned skill or a craft tailored with years of experience. Yet, we can also argue that performing exceptionally in a presentation is conducting the proper research. So, here’s vital information to help out with the task.
This article goes over popular presentation types; it gives suggestions, defines the benefits and examples of different speech closing approaches, and lines all this information up following each presentation purpose.
We also included references to industry leaders towards the end, hoping a few real-life examples can help you gain valuable insight. Learn from noted speakers and consultants as you resort to SlideModel’s latest presentation templates for your efforts. We’re working together on more successful presentation endings that make a difference!
Table of Content
A presentation’s end is not a recap
The benefits of ending a presentation uniquely, the power of closing in persuasive presentations, informative presentations: the kind set out to convey, call to action presentations: trigger actions or kickoff initiatives, a final word on cta presentations, real-life examples of how to end a presentation, succeeding with an effective presentation’s ending.
We need to debunk a widespread myth to start. That’s why the ending of the presentation calls for an appealing action or content beyond just restating information that the speaker already provided.
A presentation’s end is not a summary of data already given to our audience. On the contrary, a wrap-up is a perfect time to provide meaningful and valuable facts that trigger the desired response we seek from our audience. Just as important as knowing how to start a presentation , your skills on how to end a PowerPoint presentation will make a difference in the presentation’s performance.
Effective ways to end a presentation stem from truly seeking to accomplish – and excel – at reaching a presentation’s primary objective. And what are the benefits of that?
Considering the benefits of each closing approach, think about the great satisfaction that comes from giving an excellent presentation that ends well. We all intuitively rejoice in that success, regardless of the kind of audience we face.
That feeling of achievement, when an ending feels right, is not a minor element, and it’s the engine that should drive our best efforts forward. Going for the most recommended way of ending a presentation according to its primary goal and presentation type is one way to ensure we achieve our purpose.
The main benefit of cleverly unlocking the secret to presentation success is getting the ball rolling on what we set ourselves to achieve . Whether that’s securing a funding round, delivering a final project, presenting a quarterly business review, or other goals; there is no possible way in which handling the best presentation-ending approaches fails to add to making a skilled presenter, improving a brand or business, or positively stirring any academic or commercial context.
The best part of mastering these skills is the ability to benefit from all of the above time and time again; for any project, idea, or need moving forward.
How to end a PowerPoint Presentation?
PowerPoint Presentations differ by dimensions. They vary not only tied to the diverse reasons people present, but they also separate themselves from one another according to: a- use, b- context, c- industry, and d- purpose.
We’re focusing on three different types of presentation pillars, which are:
- Informative
- Calls to action
As you can guess, the speaker’s intent varies throughout these types. Yet, there’s much more to each! Let’s go over each type’s diverse options with examples.
In 2009, “The New Rules of Persuasion,” a journal article published by The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, determined that commercial persuasion was missing “the ability to think clearly about behavior goals and the mindset of starting small and growing what works.” Incorporating these thoughts is still equally valid in persuasive presentations today.
What hasn’t changed since, however, is this society’s good reminder that “the potential to persuade is in the hands of millions.” As they stated in that publication, “ordinary people sitting in dorm rooms and garages can compete against the biggest brands and the richest companies.” The proven reality behind that concept can be pretty inspiring.
According to this source, “ the first critical step in designing for persuasion is to select an appropriate target behavior. ” And, for behavior to occur, in their opinion, “three elements must converge at the same moment […]: Motivation , Ability, and Trigger .” This theory signals a person is motivated through sensation, anticipation, or belonging when they can perform a particular action. This concept is at the backbone of setting the correct trigger to allow a group of people to react a certain way.
The above is of utmost importance as we seek to gear persuasive efforts. The more insight we get on the matter, the easier it is to define the precise actions that will effectively trigger a certainly required response – in any scenario.
Here are options on how to deliver a final punch in a persuasive presentation during different types of objectives:
Investment presentations
Whenever you seek funding, that need should be expressly clear during a pitch. Investors need to know what’s in it for them on a given investment. Highlight what interests them, and add what the return for the investor is. Mention dividends, equity, or the return method selected, for instance. Your final ask slide should show the exact amount you’re looking for during this funding stage.
Throughout, explain what an investor’s return on investment (ROI) will be. And make sure you do so according to provable calculations. Here, the goal is to display current figures and future opportunities in your speech.
You mustn’t make up this data. In this setting, presenters are naturally assessed by their ability to stay within real options fully supported by proven and concise reliable information.
Focus on showing an ability to execute and accomplish expected growth. Also, be precise on how you’re using any trusted funds . For that, mention where they’ll be allocated and how you foresee revenue after investing the funds in your idea, product, or company.
Pitch Presentations
Pitches are also another form of persuasive presentation. Presenters are expected to wow in new ways with them, be engaging in their approach, and deliver valuable, market-impacting data. When someone delivers a pitch, it seeks a particular kind of action in return from the audience. Being fully engaged towards a presentation’s end is crucial.
Make sure you give the presentation’s end a Call to Action slide in sales. You’re certainly looking to maximize conversion rates here. Bluntly invite your audience to purchase the product or service you’re selling, and doing so is fair in this context. For example, you can add a QR code or even include an old-fashioned Contact Us button. To generate the QR code, you can use a QR code generator .
According to Sage Publishing , there are “four types of informative speeches[, which] are definition speeches, demonstration speeches, explanatory speeches, and descriptive speeches.” In business, descriptive speeches are the most common. When we transport these more specifically to the art of presenting, we can think of project presentations, quarterly business reviews, and product launches. In education, the definition and demonstration speeches are the norm, we can think in lectures and research presentations respectively.
As their name suggests, these presentations are meant to inform our audiences of specific content. Or, as SAGE Flex for Public Speaking puts it in a document about these kinds of speeches, “the speaker’s general goal is always to inform—or teach—the audience by offering interesting information about a topic in a way that helps the audience remember what they’ve heard.” Remember that as much as possible, you’re looking to, in Sage’s words, give out “information about a topic in a way that’s easy to understand and memorable.” Let’s see how we manage that in the most common informative presentation scenarios mentioned above.
Project Presentations
For projects, presentations should end with an action plan . Ensure the project can keep moving forward after the presentation. The best with these conclusion slides is to define who is responsible for which tasks and the expected date of completion. Aim to do so clearly, so that there are no remaining doubts about stakeholders and duties when the presentation ends. In other words, seek commitment from the team, before stepping out of these meetings. It should be clear to your audience what’s expected next of them.
As an addition, sum up, your problem, solution, and benefits of this project as part of your final message.
Quarterly Business Review Presentations (QBR)
By the end of the presentation type, you would’ve naturally gone over everything that happened during a specific quarter. Therefore, make sure you end this quarterly review with clear objectives on what’s to come for the following term. Be specific on what’s to come.
In doing so, set figures you hope to reach. Give out numbers and be precise in this practice. Having a clear action plan to address new or continuing goals is crucial in this aspect for a recent quarter’s start out of your QBR. Otherwise, we’re missing out on a true QBR’s purpose. According to Gainsight , “If you go into a QBR without a concrete set of goals and a pathway to achieve them, you’ll only waste everyone’s time. You won’t improve the value of your product or services for your customers. You won’t bolster your company’s image in the eyes of key stakeholders and decision-makers. You won’t better understand your client’s business objectives.” As they put it, “Lock in solid goals for the next quarter (or until your next QBR)” and secure your way forward as the last step in presenting these kinds of data. Visit our guide on How to Write an Effective Quarterly Business Review for further tips on this type of presentation.
Research presentations
Your research has come this far! It’s time to close it off with an executive summary.
Include the hypothesis, thesis, and conclusion towards the presentation’s end.
How do you get the audience to recall the main points of all this work? Let this guiding question answer what to insert in your final slide, but seek to reinforce your main findings, key concepts, or valuable insight as much as possible. Support your statements where necessary.
Most commonly, researchers end with credits to the collaborating teams. Consider your main messages for the audience to take home. And tie those with the hypothesis as much as possible.
Product Launch Presentation
Quite simply, please take out the product launch’s roadmap and make it visible for your presentation’s end in this case.
It’s ideal for product launch presentations to stir conversations that get a product moving. Please don’t stick to showcasing the product, but build a narrative around it.
Steve Jobs’ example at the bottom might help guide you with ideas on how to go around this. A key factor is how Apple presentations were based on a precise mix of cutting-edge, revolutionary means of working with technology advancements and a simple human touch.
Elon Musk’s principles are similar. People’s ambitions and dreams are a natural part of that final invitation for consumers or viewers to take action. What will get your audience talking? Seek to make them react.
Lecture for specific classes / educational presentation
When it comes to academic settings, it’s helpful to summarize key points of a presentation while leaving room for questions and answers.
If you’re facing a periodic encounter in a class environment, let students know what’s coming for the next term. For instance, you could title that section “What’s coming next class,” or be creative about how you call for your student body’s attention every time you go over pending items.
If you need to leave homework, list what tasks need to be completed by the audience for the next class.
Another option is to jot down the main learnings from this session or inspire students to come back for the following class with a list of exciting topics. There’s more room for play in this setting than in the others we’ve described thus far.
Harvard Business Review (HBR) concisely describes the need at the end of a call to action presentation. HBR’s direct piece of advice is that you should “use the last few moments of your presentation to clarify what action [an audience] can take to show their support.” And what’s key to HBR is that you “Also mention your timeframe” as, for them, “a deadline can help to urge [the audience] into action.” Having a clear view of specific timelines is always fruitful for a better grasp of action items.
In her book Resonate, Nancy Duarte explains that “No matter how engaging your presentation may be, no audience will act unless you describe a reward that makes it worthwhile. You must clearly articulate the ultimate gain for the audience […] If your call to action asks them to sacrifice their time, money, or ideals, you must be very clear about the payoff.”
Business plan presentations
Here, we need to speak of two different presentation types, one is a traditional approach , and the second is what we call a lean approach .
For the traditional business plan presentation, display each internal area call to action. Think of Marketing, Operations, HR, and even budgets as you do so. Your PowerPoint end slide should include the rewards for each of the areas. For example, which will benefit each area when achieving the targets, or how will the company reward its employees when attaining specific goals? Communicating the reward will help each of the responsible entities to trigger action.
On the other hand, for your lean business plan, consider a business model canvas to bring your presentation to an end.
Job interview presentations
You can undoubtedly feel tons of pressure asking for a specific position. For a great chance of getting that new job, consider closing your case with a 30 60 90 day plan as a particular hiring date. The employer will see its reward in each of the 30-day milestones.
Also, show off what you’ll bring to the role and how you’ll benefit the company in that period, specifically. Again, to a certain extent, we’re seeking to impress by being offered a position. Your differentiator can help as a wrap-up statement in this case.
Business Model Presentation
The pivot business model fits perfectly here for a presentation’s grand finale. The reward is simple; the business validated a hypothesis, and a new approach has been defined.
Though the setting can be stressful around business model presentations, you can see this as simply letting executives know what the following line of steps will need to be for the business model to be scalable and viable. Take some tension off this purpose by focusing on actions needed moving forward.
Your call to action will center around a clear business model canvas pivot here.
We need to work hard at ending presentations with clear and concise calls to action (CTA) and dare be creative as we’re doing so! Suppose you can manage to give out a specific CTA in a way that’s imaginative, appealing, and even innovative. In that case, you’ll be showing off priceless and unique creative skills that get people talking for years!
Think of Bill Gates’ releasing mosquitoes in a TED Talk on malaria, for example. He went that far to get his CTA across. Maybe that’s a bit too bold, but there’s also no limit!
Now that we can rely on a broader understanding of how to conclude a presentation successfully, we’ll top this summary off with real-life examples of great endings to famous speakers’ presentations. These people have done a stellar job at ending their presentations in every case.
We’re also going back to our three main pillars to focus on a practical example for each. You’ll find an excellent example for an informative speech, a persuasive pitch, and a successful investor pitch deck. We’re also expanding on the last item for a guiding idea on ending a pitch directly from Reid Hoffman.
Informational Presentation: A product launch of a phone reinvention
The first is what’s been titled “the best product launch ever.” We’re going back to the iconic Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch dated more than a decade ago. You can see how to end a presentation with a quote in this example effectively. The quote resonates with the whole presentation purpose, which was not “selling” the iPhone as a “hardware phone” but as the “hardware” platform for “great software.” Closing with a quote from a famous personality that summarizes the idea was a clever move.
Little words are needed to introduce Steve Jobs as a great speaker who effectively moved the business forward every time he went up on a stage to present a new product. No one has ever been so revolutionary with a calm business spirit that has changed the world!
Persuasive Presentation: The best pitch deck ever
We’re giving you the perfect example of a great pitch deck for a persuasive kind of presentation.
Here’s TechCrunch’s gallery on Uber’s first pitch deck .
As you can see, the last slide doesn’t just report the status to date on their services; it also accounts for the following steps moving forward with a precise date scheduled.
Check the deck out for a clearer idea of wrapping up a persuasive business presentation.
Call to Action Presentation: LinkedIn’s Series B pitch deck by Reid Hoffman
As mentioned before, here’s an expanded final sendoff! Reid Hoffman is an established entrepreneur. As a venture capitalist and author, he’s earned quite a remarkable record in his career, acting as co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn.
We’re highlighting LinkedIn’s series B pitch deck to Greylock Partners mainly because these slides managed to raise a $10 M funding round. Yet, moreover, we’re doing so because this deck is known to be well-rounded and overall highly successful.
LinkedIn may be famous now for what it does, but back in 2004, when this deck made a difference, the company wasn’t a leader in a market with lots of attention. As Reid highlights on his website, they had no substantial organic growth or revenue. Yet, they still managed to raise a considerable amount.
In Reid’s words for his last slide, “The reason we reused this slide from the beginning of the presentation was to indicate the end of presentation while returning to the high line of conceptualizing the business and reminding investors of the value proposition.” In his vision, “You should end on a slide that you want people to be paying attention to,” which he has tied with the recommendation that you “close with your investment thesis,” as well. A final note from him on this last slide of LinkedIn’s winning pitch is that “the end is when you should return to the most fundamental topic to discuss with your investors.” Quite a wrap-up from a stellar VC! Follow the linked site above to read more on the rest of his ending slides if you haven’t ever done so already.
The suggestions above are practical and proven ways to end a presentation effectively. Yet, remember, the real secret is knowing your audience so well you’ll learn how to grasp their attention for your production in the first place.
Focus on the bigger picture and add content to your conclusion slide that’s cohesive to your entire presentation. And then aim to make a lasting final impression that will secure what you need. There is a myriad of ways to achieve that and seek the perfect-suiting one.
Also, be bold if the area calls for it. As you see above, there is no shame, but an actual need to state the precise funding amount you need to make it through a specific stage of funding. Exercise whatever tools you have at your disposal to get the required attention.
Also, being sure about whatever decision you make will only make this an easier road to travel. If your head is transparent about what’s needed, you’ll be more confident to make a convincing case that points your audience in the right direction.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to make a presentation .
Ending a presentation effectively is crucial as it leaves a lasting impression on the audience, reinforces the key message, and significantly influences the audience’s perception and actions following the presentation.
No, instead of simply recapping, use the end of your presentation to provide meaningful and valuable facts that trigger the desired response from your audience. The ending should reinforce your main message and encourage action.
A strong presentation ending can increase engagement, ensure your key points are remembered, motivate the audience to take action and leave a positive impression that enhances your credibility and effectiveness as a presenter.
For persuasive presentations, ensure you highlight the benefits for the audience, such as return on investment for investors or clear actions for a pitch. Focus on motivation, ability, and triggers to encourage the desired behavior.
End informative presentations with a clear summary of the key points, an action plan, or specific goals for the future. For example, project presentations should end with an action plan, and quarterly business reviews should conclude with objectives for the next term.
End a CTA presentation by clearly stating what action you want the audience to take and by providing a specific timeframe. Highlight the benefits of taking action and make the request compelling and urgent.
A CTA slide encourages the audience to take specific actions, such as contacting you, purchasing, or supporting a project. Make it clear, compelling, and actionable.
Use creative and engaging methods such as storytelling, quotes, visual aids, or a compelling call to action. Tailor your ending to your audience’s needs and interests to ensure it resonates with them.
Avoid being vague or indecisive. Do not merely recap the presentation. Instead, provide a clear, compelling, actionable conclusion reinforcing your main message.
Understand your audience, clearly define your presentation goals, and plan your ending to align with those goals. Practice delivering your conclusion to ensure it’s impactful and confident.
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Business | Storytelling
How to end your presentation with style.
Written by Kai Xin Koh
“I’ve come to the end of my presentation. Any questions?” you ask, hoping to hear a response from your audience. Unfortunately, you get nothing but an awkward silence.You think you pulled off a pretty great presentation, but then find yourself falling flat at the end. In this article, we endeavor to de-mystify how to end a presentation with style.
Let’s face the truth. Unless you present like Steve Jobs , the likelihood of an audience remembering your public speaking performance from start to end is extremely low. But this doesn’t mean that it is impossible to make a lasting impression. Studies have shown that when an audience is given a series of information, they have a tendency to remember the first and last items best. So use this to your advantage, and make an impact with your closing statement. Not only will you create a memorable moment, but your audience will also have an easier time retaining the message you’re trying to bring across.
We’ll show you 5 proven ways on how to end your presentation.
1. Inspire Your Audience with a Quote
Quotes are one of the most commonly used methods and with good reason. It has been a tried-and-tested way to reach out to your audience and connect with them on a deeper level. But here’s the thing: You need to figure out what resonates with them, and choose one that fits the presentation theme. If you’re up to it, you can round off the quote with your own thoughts as well.
For a great example, take a look at Sir Ken Robinson’s TED Talk, ‘How to escape education’s death valley’. When he was concluding his presentation, he used Benjamin Franklin’s quote:
There are three sorts of people in the world: Those who are immovable, people who don’t get it, or don’t want to do anything about it; there are people who are movable, people who see the need for change and are prepared to listen to it; and there are people who move, people who make things happen.
However, instead of ending it there, he then continued, “And if we can encourage more people, that will be a movement. And if the movement is strong enough, that’s, in the best sense of the word, a revolution. And that’s what we need.”
Not only did he use the quote to inspire the audience, he also added his own thoughts to provide perspective and illustrate his point further.
The quotes you share do not have to be from well-known authors. In fact, unusual quotes that have been rarely used can work in your favor by providing a different perspective. Just remember, it pays to exercise caution, as an inappropriate quote in the wrong situation may backfire instead.
2. End with a Compelling Image
We all know the saying, ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. It’s pretty cliché, but true – Images do help to bring your message across in an impactful way. Ever heard of the ‘The Burning Monk’? In 1963, photographer Malcolm Browne captured a stunning photo of a monk who self-immolated in protest against the persecution of Buddhists. That award-winning photo sparked outrage around the world, and brought the situation into focus for many who were previously unaware of the situation.
Image Credit: rarehistoricalphotos.com
If the news had been reported without this image, would it have the same impact? Unlikely. Of course, information can’t be shared without text, but ultimately, images are the ones that leave the biggest impression.
When you’re selecting an image to put on your final slide, ask yourself these questions to guide you along.
- What do you want to show your audience?
- What are you trying to illustrate?
- How should they feel after looking at the image?
3. Leave With a Question
While it is not often encouraged to leave your audience hanging, suspense can be a fantastic way to create a memorable ending if you use it appropriately. Round off with a question that they can reflect on after the presentation, to keep them thinking about what you’ve shared. Keep it closely related to your topic, and use it to put the spotlight on a point you which to bring across.
Take a look at Scott Dinsmore’s TEDx talk, ‘How to find and do work you love’. In his presentation, he talked about discovering what matters to us, and then start doing it. For his conclusion, he ended by asking the audience, “What is the work you can’t not do?”
This ending can also useful if you know that you will be following up with a second presentation that will answer the question. Pose a thought-provoking question, then hint that you will be answering it in your next presentation, to give them something to look forward to.
4. Encourage Action
Sometimes, it’s great to be straightforward, and tell the audience what you’d like them to do. Would you like them to try doing something? Buy a product you’re selling? Commit to an event?
When you’re inviting the audience to act on something, be sure to make a clear statement. Ensure that your words are not vague or misleading, and bring your point across in a confident and firm manner.
Don’t make it tough for your audience to do an action. Who likes to leap through dozens of obstacles to get things done? Get your audience moving by starting slow. For example, if you’re presenting about environmental protection, don’t ask them to cut out all wastage immediately, that’s an impossible task. Instead, ask them to start by recycling whenever they can.
Alternatively, if you’re daring enough, make a bold statement. Share your belief in something, and involve the audience in it.
Not sure how you can do it? Watch Kakenya Ntaiya’s talk, ‘A girl who demanded school’. In her concluding statement, she passionately declared:
“I want to challenge you today. You are listening to me because you are here, very optimistic. You are somebody who is so passionate. You are somebody who wants to see a better world. You are somebody who wants to see that war ends, no poverty. You are somebody who wants to make a difference. You are somebody who wants to make our tomorrow better. I want to challenge you today that to be the first , because people will follow you. Be the first. People will follow you. Be bold. Stand up. Be fearless. Be confident. ”
5. Reiterate Your Message
You’ve spent a lot of time preparing the message you’re sharing, and now it’s time to reinforce it. To do that, summarize the key points of your presentation, and repeat them so that your audience remembers it once more.
A great technique to use when you’re repeating your message is the Rule of Three, a rule that suggests that people generally tend to remember concepts or ideas presented in threes better. Some commonly used examples would be ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ and ‘Mind, Body and Spirit’. Think of your presentation, and distil your key message into three words, phrases or sentences, before structuring your conclusion.
Neil Pasricha’s TEDx talk, ‘The 3 A’s of awesome’, is a fantastic example to learn from. In it, he talks about 3 secrets to lead an awesome life, i.e., Attitude, Awareness and Authenticity, which form the message for his entire presentation. But to further strengthen his message, he then repeats it at his conclusion by saying:
“And that’s why I believe that if you live your life with a great attitude , choosing to move forward and move on whenever life deals you a blow, living with a sense of awareness of the world around you, embracing your inner three year-old and seeing the tiny joys that make life so sweet and being authentic to yourself, being you and being cool with that, letting your heart lead you and putting yourself in experiences that satisfy you, then I think you’ll live a life that is rich and is satisfying, and I think you’ll live a life that is truly awesome.”
Sounds great, isn’t it? Not only did he reinforce his points, but he also captured his audience’s attention with a positive statement.
As presenters, we always hope that our presentations will end off on a high note. So now that you know how to end a presentation with style, take some time to prepare and practice, and you’re good to go. All the best!
Article Written By: Kai Xin Koh
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How to End a Presentation (+ Useful Phrases)
Table of Contents
Most people are aware of the power of first impressions.
However, our appearance and the first words we utter are only one part of the impact we have on others.
Arguably, the final words we exchange during an interaction can have an even more lasting effect . And that applies to public speaking, too.
Obviously, the way you introduce yourself and the topic you’ll be discussing is important.
However, the end of a presentation should also be recognized as a crucial part of the experience .
With that in mind, this article will walk you through some:
- Things you should consider before drafting your conclusion,
- Tips for ending a presentation memorably,
- Mistakes you should avoid, and
- Phrases you can use to wrap up your speech.
But, before we discuss how to end a presentation, let’s establish why having an impactful conclusion is so essential.
Why is it important to have an impactful ending for your presentation?
In our article about starting a presentation , we explained how the steps of the motivated sequence framework correspond to the structure of the average presentation or speech.
As we have established, the introduction of a presentation mirrors the first step of that model. That means that one of its main goals is to get the listeners’ attention .
The central part of the speech, or the body , corresponds to the second, third, and fourth steps of the motivated sequence framework. In other words, it has to:
- Introduce the audience’s need (or identify a problem the listeners are having),
- Offer a way to satisfy (or resolve) that need, and
- Help the listeners visualize the successful implementation of the speaker’s solution.
Having checked off these points, we arrive at the conclusion , i.e., the subject of this article.
That stage of a presentation corresponds to the final step of the motivated sequence model — which consists of the call to action .
So, the conclusion of a presentation allows the speaker to drive their point home and nudge the audience toward performing a specific action.
However, that’s not the only purpose of a conclusion.
According to the authors of Business Communication: Process & Product , the final section of a presentation should achieve 3 goals . It should:
- Summarize the main themes of the presentation,
- Leave the audience with a specific and noteworthy takeaway (i.e. propose a specific course of action), and
- Include a statement that allows the speaker to leave the podium (or pass the mic) gracefully.
Above all, the ending of a presentation should be memorable , akin to the punchline of a joke.
Having said that, let’s talk about some factors you should consider as you’re writing the conclusion of your speech.
Things to consider before crafting the conclusion of your presentation
If you’re trying to figure out how to end a presentation, knowing the goals of a conclusion should help.
However, those objectives are only one part of the puzzle. To get the others, you should also consider:
- Your audience’s demographic breakdown,
- The general purpose of your presentation ,
- The specific purpose of your presentation , and
- Your thesis statement .
With that in mind, let’s see how each of these factors can help you develop an impactful conclusion for your presentation.
Factor #1: The demographic breakdown of the audience
As we have noted in our article about starting presentations, understanding the demographic breakdown of one’s audience is a crucial part of drafting a speech .
After all, the audience affects all of the choices we make — from the way we present ourselves to the vocabulary and the supporting materials we use during our presentations.
In our quest to learn more about the effect an audience can have on a presentation, we spoke to Persuasion Strategist Juliet Huck .
Having spent a significant portion of her professional career preparing people to take the witness stand, Huck knows a thing or two about adjusting one’s messaging to fit the preferences of one’s audience. She says:
“[The] ending [of] every presentation should be different and always based on the background of your audience. This should not be a blanket statement. It also depends on if you are educating your audience or persuading them to make a decision in your favor. You must do the homework on your audience prior to giving a presentation and end by leading them to your desired conclusion by giving them a conclusion they can relate to.”
But, if you’re not entirely sure how to take your audience into account when drafting your conclusion, consider the following questions:
- How will your audience connect to the topic you’re discussing?
- How can you relate the information you’re sharing to the listeners’ needs?
- What would make your audience think back on your presentation in positive terms?
- What would be the most effective way to get your point across to this specific audience?
Knowing whether your audience is friendly, neutral, uninterested, or hostile will also help you adjust your approach.
If nothing else, it’ll tell you whether you should stick to the facts or feel free to deliver a more casual or rousing speech.
Examples of different audience breakdowns
In our article about starting a presentation, we demonstrated our tips through 3 fictional speakers. So, let’s use the same presenters to illustrate this point.
- Nick Mulder is talking about the dangers of phishing. He introduced himself as the head of the security department. So, we can assume that he’s speaking to an audience of fellow employees, perhaps even through video conferencing software. Therefore, he was addressing an internal problem the company was having in front of a fairly receptive audience.
- Joan Miller is talking about how artificial intelligence is changing the future of the marketing industry. In her introduction, she mentioned having over four decades of experience in marketing. Consequently, we can infer that she’s speaking to an audience of marketing specialists who were previously unaware of her credentials.
- Milo Green is talking about employee retention. In his introduction, he indicated that the audience may know him as the founder of Green & Co. So, he’s probably famous enough to be recognized by at least a portion of his audience. Between that and the subject of his presentation, we can assume that he’s talking to the upper management of other companies.
From our examples, we can see how the identity of the speaker and their level of familiarity with the listeners might affect the way they prepare their presentations .
Factor #2: The general purpose of your presentation
Understanding the general purpose of a speech brings you one step closer to knowing how to end a presentation.
According to the authors of Communicating at Work , most presentations can be sorted into one of 3 categories based on that factor. In that regard, your presentation could be:
- Informative , aiming to expand the listeners’ knowledge and/or help them acquire a specific skill,
- Persuasive , with the goal of changing the listeners’ opinions or encouraging them to behave a certain way, or
- Entertaining , which is good for getting the audience to relax and look forward to upcoming speakers or events.
The general purpose of your presentation will naturally affect your conclusion because it will change what you choose to emphasize.
💡 Pumble Pro Tip
The basic goal of your presentation could correspond with the type of presentation you’re giving. To learn more about presentation types and styles, check out this article:
- Presentation types and styles explained
Examples of defining the general purpose of a presentation
Let’s see how our imaginary presenters would define the general purpose of their presentations.
- The general purpose of our phishing expert’s presentation is informative . The speaker’s primary goal is to teach his coworkers how to recognize and defend themselves against phishing attempts.
- Our marketing expert’s presentation is persuasive . She wants to change her listeners’ minds and make them more open to using AI in their marketing campaigns.
- The last speaker’s presentation about employee retention is also persuasive . After all, the speaker is attempting to show his listeners how they can increase the employee retention rate at their own companies. However, depending on the circumstances surrounding the speech, it could also take on some entertaining qualities.
Factor #3: The specific purpose of your presentation
The specific purpose of a presentation is essentially the outcome you’re looking to achieve with your speech. Defining this goal will require you to know the answers to the following questions :
- Who do you want to influence?
- What do you want them to think or do?
- How, when, and where do you want them to do it?
Ideally, the specific goal you come up with should be realistic and highly specific .
To that end, the authors of Communicating at Work recommend setting measurable goals . So, for example, instead of thinking: “ I want to get approval for my project. ”,
“I want my manager to let me set aside one day per week to work on this project. I also want them to let me ask one or two other people to help me with it.”
Having this kind of goal in mind will help you figure out how to wrap up your presentation.
Examples of defining the specific purpose of a presentation
So, how would our 3 speakers specify the desired outcomes of their presentations in measurable terms? Let’s see:
“I want the people in my company to understand the dangers of phishing attacks. They should learn the exact steps they need to take when they see a suspicious email in their inbox.”
“I want these marketing experts to be more knowledgeable about the way artificial intelligence works right now and understand how they can incorporate that software into their professional practice.”
“I want managers and HR professionals to know how they can make their companies a better place to work so they can keep their employee retention rate high.”
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Factor #4: Your thesis statement
Ultimately, defining the general and specific goals of your presentation is a great way to keep yourself on track when crafting your speech.
However, the audience doesn’t need to know those goals.
Instead, they can hear your thesis statement — a summary of your overall message .
You can treat this statement as the throughline of your presentation. It will appear at least once in the introduction, followed by a few repetitions throughout the body of the presentation.
Finally, you’ll also want to include that same idea in your conclusion at least once.
In addition to keeping you, as the speaker, grounded, that repetition also keeps your audience from wondering what your presentation is about .
Examples of defining the thesis statement of a presentation
So, what would a thesis statement look like in practice? Let’s hear it from our fictional presenters:
“Identifying and reporting phishing emails will save the company’s information and money in the long term.”
“Right now, artificial intelligence isn’t as advanced as people think it is. However, we can still use it for marketing purposes as long as we make sure the process doesn’t begin and end with AI.”
“Improving your employee retention rate makes employees more engaged with their work and saves the company time and money that would otherwise go to training new personnel.”
How to end a presentation with a bang: 10 tips + examples
Now that we know why having an impactful conclusion is so crucial, it’s time to find the right way to achieve your goals.
To that end, we have highlighted 10 tips that might help you wrap up your presentation .
- Reiterate the key points and your core message.
- Mirror your opening statement.
- Elicit a response.
- Engage the audience.
- Call to action.
- Hand out materials.
- Acknowledge your contributors.
- Provide contact information.
- Thank the audience.
- Ask for feedback.
Of course, many of these methods we’ll discuss can be combined. However, your choices may be limited depending on the factors we have previously mentioned.
Tip #1: Reiterate the key points and your core message
Making sure the audience remembers your main points is one of the most important objectives your conclusion should accomplish.
With that in mind, you should dedicate some time at the end of your speech to reinforcing what you were trying to say throughout your presentation.
Take it from Mark Beal , Assistant Professor of Professional Practice, Communication, at Rutgers University:
“Every presentation should deliver and consistently reinforce three key message points. Most audience members will not recall more than three messages. Some may only recall one or two. With that [in mind], an engaging and effective presentation should conclude with the three messages the presenter wants the audience to take away.”
In essence, you’ll want to summarize your presentation by reiterating up to 3 key points and then repeating your thesis statement.
You could even translate this tip to your presentation slides. As Juliet Huck says:
“Your last slide should always draw your audience to your desired conclusion. [It] should be your billboard message , as we remember 70% of what we see and 20% of what we hear.”
We can see what that might look like through the example of our imaginary presentation on the dangers of phishing, below.
Tip #2: Mirror your opening statement
According to the authors of Communicating at Work , splitting a narrative between the introduction and the conclusion of your presentation is a good way to keep your audience’s attention.
Assistant Professor of Rhetorical Communication at the State University of New York, Dr. Lee M. Pierce , agrees:
“Psychological closure is looping back to the beginning to give the audience a sense of a closed circle. Don’t add new information in the conclusion, just tie the presentation up with a bow. [For example,] I always customize my closings based on the opening of the speech. During a TEDx Talk on Beyoncé’s ‘Formation,’ I began by walking out to the introduction to the song, and then I ended by walking off to the end of the song.”
The above quote demonstrates that this tip can be useful no matter which method you used to start your presentation .
You can use it to put a new spin on a statistic you shared in the introduction, give a story you told a different ending, or finish the punchline of a joke you started with.
Overall, coming back to the theme you introduced at the beginning of your speech should make your presentation seem more complete and intentional .
Phrases you can use to reflect the introduction of your presentation in the conclusion
With all that being said, let’s see how our imaginary speakers would mirror the opening lines of their presentations in their conclusion.
Having started with a phishing statistic, our first speaker might say:
“Going back to the number we started with, remember that the Anti-Phishing Working Group has recorded 1,270,883 individual phishing attacks in the third quarter of 2022 — and that number is always on the rise. Luckily, you now have all the information you need to avoid becoming a part of that statistic.”
Our second speaker would have announced her plans to survey her listeners at the beginning of her presentation. In her conclusion, she might say:
“At the beginning of my presentation, I asked you to answer a quick survey on whether you’d be willing to work with AI. If you look back at your phones, you’ll see a different link in the #general channel on Pumble . Let’s see if this talk has managed to sway some opinions!”
Lastly, our final speaker might refer back to a humorous statement he made about chaining one’s employees to their desks to ensure that employee retention rates stay high.
“Once you start making your company a better place to work, your employees will happily perform their daily tasks — without being glued to their desks.”
Tip #3: Elicit a response
Making an audience experience strong emotions is always a good thing, but especially as the presentation comes to a close.
Putting the listeners in a contemplative mood or, even better, a cheerful one, means that they’ll be more likely to remember you and the points you made after your presentation ends.
On top of that, concluding your presentation in this manner would allow you to step off the stage gracefully, which is one of the main goals your conclusion should accomplish.
Now, depending on the type of presentation you’re delivering and, indeed, your style of presenting, you could elicit a response by:
- Ending with a short but powerful statement ,
- Asking a thought-provoking rhetorical question ,
- Relying on an impactful statistic or a quote , or even
- Inserting a funny picture or a meme on your final presentation slide.
Any one of these methods could help you solidify yourself and your message in the minds of the audience.
Phrases you can use to elicit a response from the audience
So, how would our 3 presenters try to get a response from their audiences? Well, they might use the following statements.
“Ultimately, the best defense against phishing attacks is human intelligence. You, alone, can ensure that your information remains secure by implementing the checklist I’ve shared today.”
“So, let me ask you again. Would you be willing to incorporate AI into your marketing campaign?”
“Hey, if the conditions you’re offering to your employees are good enough — there’s no need to keep them glued to their desks.”
Tip #4: Engage the audience
As we’ll discuss later on, having a Q&A session at the end of your presentation doesn’t always pan out the way you want it to.
Even so, getting your audience — or at least a few select listeners — to verbally respond to you can go a long way toward making you seem like a more engaging speaker.
Still, you can’t implement this tip without a strategy. You want to lead your audience to a certain type of response .
Professional speaker, career change consultant, and host of the Career Relaunch® podcast, Joseph Liu , had this to say:
“I often invite attendees to share what action they’re going to take amongst the potential ones I’ve covered throughout the presentation or to at least commit to taking some sort of action.”
Speaker, author, and editorial producer at CNN, Nadia Bilchik , agrees:
“If time allows, I always ask participants to share their biggest takeaway.”
The quote above also highlights the importance of being aware of the time as you are concluding a presentation — which is another thing we’ll talk about later.
For now, we’ll just boil this tip down to the following statement: if possible, try to make people verbalize or at least think about the knowledge they’re taking away from your speech .
Phrases you can use to engage the audience
Going back to our imaginary speakers, let’s see how this tip might work in practice.
“As we approach my conclusion, I’d like for us to reflect on everything we’ve learned here today. So, let me turn the spotlight on you all. Does anyone remember how to recognize a phishing email without opening it?”
“Now, I’m sure everyone here has some idea of how they might incorporate AI into their next marketing campaign. Is anyone willing to share their strategy?”
“Alright! Pop quiz time — don’t worry, I won’t grade you. Can you all shout out the main 3 ways to increase employee retention? Number 1?”
Tip #5: Call to action
Once you have finished reiterating your core message and making sure you have your audience’s attention, you need to be able to direct the listeners to the next step.
As Michelle Gladieux , author of Communicate with Courage and President of Gladieux Consulting, an employee coaching provider, would put it:
“What can the audience DO with the information you’ve shared? Suggest a positive, fruitful next step or, even better, suggest several, and let your presentation participants choose among options that have panned out well for others.”
In her workshops, Gladieux says:
“We ask participants to document at least one goal for behavior change that is specific, measurable, and time-based, and take a bonus step of inviting them to name one person they’ll tell about their goal for added accountability.”
According to the authors of Communicating at Work , there are 2 ways to deliver a call to action at the end of your presentation. Namely, you can either phrase it as:
- An appeal or a question (e.g. “If any of this sounds interesting, you can learn more by signing up for our newsletter through the link on the screen behind me.” ), or
- A challenge or a demand (e.g. “Now, you can keep doing what you’re doing and getting lackluster results. Or, you can sign up for our newsletter to receive tips that will help you upgrade your strategy.” ).
As always, your choice will depend on the factors we have listed at the top of this article.
Phrases you can use to call the audience to action
Let’s see what our fictional speakers’ calls to action might look like.
“Remember, even if you happen to open a phishing email, you’ll be able to deal with it easily by forwarding it to this email address. That’s the main thing you need to remember from this talk.”
“I bet many of you could come up with even more creative ways to incorporate AI into your marketing campaigns. So, how about this: if you fill out the form I’m about to send you, I’ll check in with you in about three months. Those of you who succeed in using AI in a meaningful way will get a chance to share your insights on this very stage next year!”
“I have a challenge for those of you who are ready to meet me at my level. I want you to sign a pledge, promising to boost your employee retention rate by 10% in the next year. We had a similar experiment at one of my talks a couple of years back, and even I was surprised by the results.”
If you decide to accompany this part of your speech with a call to action slide, keep Juliet Huck’s advice in mind:
“A call to action slide is not always persuasive. Persuasion is not a call to action — it is a directed action. To ‘call’ means someone can say no, but to ‘persuade’ [is to] direct your audience to your desired conclusion based on a number of steps.”
In effect, that means that your call to action should be the final step of your persuasion strategy.
You should start building to that desired outcome well before you get to the end of your presentation.
Tip #6: Hand out materials
The ending of a presentation is the perfect time to give the audience a keepsake of your speech .
But, keep in mind that a memento doesn’t have to be a physical item. As Michelle Gladieux would say:
“I like to direct my audiences to free downloadable resources on our website for those who want to continue their personal and professional growth as leaders and communicators.”
So, sharing resources through email or a business messaging app would work just as well.
Of course, you don’t have to hold off until the conclusion of your presentation to give your audience something to remember you by. Gladieux also shared a method she used in her workshops:
“[Most of our] participants have our high-quality original workbooks in hand during the presentation and available later as a tangible resource. Folks add notes, take short assessments, and work on case studies when we teach using workbooks. If we use presentation slides, we keep the content as engaging visually as possible and short on words.”
If your budget allows you to do something similar, that might be a good way to make the audience remember you.
Phrases you can use before handing out materials
In the scenarios we have conjured up, the speakers might introduce their additional materials like so.
“If you’re interested in learning more about phishing and how you can defend yourself from future attacks, you’ll find more information by following the link on the screen.”
“Now, at this point, I see that my associates have already started delivering some additional materials and miscellaneous goodies to you. I hope you’ll use them to workshop further ideas for using AI in your marketing strategies.”
“I’ll go ahead and forward these presentation slides as well as some additional resources for improving employee retention to you all.”
If you’re looking for a convenient way to deliver additional resources to the attendees of your speech, Pumble is a great option. This article offers some practical tips for using business messaging software for educational purposes — including online conferences:
- Using Pumble for teaching and learning
Tip #7: Acknowledge contributors
If you’re delivering a business presentation as a representative of a team or a department, you can also use the final moments of your speech to acknowledge everyone who worked on the presentation with you.
On the one hand, you could simply thank your team in general terms and leave it at that.
Alternatively, you could highlight the individual contributions of specific team members if you want to make sure their effort doesn’t go unnoticed.
Phrases you can use to acknowledge your contributors
Here’s how our fictitious presenters might acknowledge the people who helped them create their presentations:
“Before I sign off, I’d like to take a moment to thank Jill and Vanessa from the security team, who helped me compile the data and create the slides you just saw.”
“Finally, I’d like to acknowledge that this presentation wouldn’t be half as informative without the experts who helped me understand the technical side of AI.”
“Now, let’s all give it up for my wonderful team, who helped me organize this lecture.”
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Tip #8: Provide contact information
Business presentations often double as networking opportunities , both for presenters and for audience members.
With that in mind, you might want to put your contact information on one of your closing slides.
For one, doing so would show the audience how they can get in touch with you after your presentation ends. After all, they may have additional questions or even interesting business opportunities for you.
On top of that, putting your contact information on the last slide is also a good way to remind the audience of your name and credentials .
For that reason, our second imaginary speaker might have “Joan Miller — Chief Marketing Officer at Happy Media” on her final slide.
Phrases you can use to provide contact information
So, how would our presenters encourage their audience to keep in touch? Well, they might say:
“I’m always happy to answer any of your security or phishing-related questions on Pumble. You’ll find me by clicking the plus sign next to the direct messages section and searching my name, Nick Mulder.”
“If you all have any follow-up questions for me or one of the AI experts I’ve spoken to, you’ll find all of our contact information on this slide.”
“If you want to stay up to date on Green & Co’s latest news, follow us on LinkedIn.”
Tip #9: Thank the audience
Many presenters find a way to incorporate a “ thank you ” slide at the end of their presentations.
If you want to express your appreciation to your audience members , you could do the same thing.
However, as we’ll soon discuss, many of the experts we’ve spoken to would advise against having pointless visuals at the end of your presentation.
After all, you want to leave the audience with something memorable to take away from your speech.
Still, if you want to thank the audience, you could always make that final slide serve multiple functions .
For example, a “thank you” slide can also contain the speaker’s contact information, as well as additional resources.
This example “thank you” slide above features a QR code (you can create one using a QR code generator ) leading to more resources — it prompts the audience to find the speaker on various social media platforms.
Tip #10: Ask for feedback
Lastly, some speakers might benefit from knowing what the audience thinks about their delivery and other aspects of their presentation.
That’s why some of the experts we’ve spoken to suggest that conducting a brief survey of the audience could be a good activity to end a presentation with.
Rutgers University professor, Mark Beal, says that:
“Offering audience members the opportunity to take a concise survey at the conclusion of a presentation will result in valuable insights that will inform how to consistently evolve and improve a presentation. […] We use the last few minutes of seminars to allow participants to answer a few questions about what was most useful in our content and delivery, and what, in that individual’s opinion, could improve.”
Michelle Gladieux is also an advocate for audience surveys, saying:
“I’ve delivered thousands of training workshops and keynotes and never miss an opportunity to ask for feedback formally (in writing), informally (in conversation), or both. As you might guess, I advise every presenter reading this to do the same.”
You could encourage this type of feedback by:
- Asking attendees to share their thoughts on your presentation after you step off the stage,
- Setting up a notebook near the door and asking people to jot down their thoughts as they exit,
- Having a suggestion box for hand-written feedback notes, or
- Creating an anonymous survey online and linking to it on your presentation slides.
Most presenters nowadays tend to rely on technology to compile audience feedback, but the method you use will depend on the circumstances surrounding your presentation.
If you’ve never had to ask for feedback before, you might find this article interesting:
- How to ask your manager for feedback
The worst ways to end a presentation
Having gone through the best practices for concluding a presentation memorably, we also wanted to know what are some of the mistakes speakers should avoid as they reach the end of their speech.
The experts we have spoken to have identified 5 of the worst ways to end a presentation :
- Overloading your final slide.
- Settling for a lackluster closer.
- Ending with a Q&A session.
- Not having time for any questions at all.
- Going over your time.
So, let’s see what makes these mistakes so bad.
Mistake #1: Overloading your final slide
Overloading your presentation slides isn’t a mistake you can make only at the end of your presentation.
Professional speakers know that slides are only there to accompany your speech — they shouldn’t be the main event.
As Nadia Bilchik says:
“Slides are only there to support your message. Towards the end of the presentation, I may even stop the slideshow entirely and just have a black screen. At the very end of the presentation, my suggestion is to have a slide up with the next steps or a call to action.”
Dr. Lee M. Pierce also tends to use blank slides:
“I always end and begin with blank slides. As a speaker, you’re trying to build connection and rapport between you and the audience, not between the audience and your slide deck.”
Therefore, putting too much information onto a single slide can make the speaker seem unprepared, in addition to overwhelming the audience.
When in doubt, remember Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 rule :
- No more than 10 slides per presentation,
- Keep your presentations under 20 minutes, and
- The text on your slides should never be smaller than 30-point font.
Mistake #2: Settling for a lackluster closer
If your goal is to become a proficient speaker, you’ll have to stop using uninspired closers like:
- “Well, I guess that’s it.”
- “That’s pretty much all I had to say.”
- “That’s about it from me. Can we get some applause?”
The audience will respond if you say something deserving of a response.
Instead of using these bland lines, remember Juliet Huck’s advice:
“Never end your presentation without closing the loop of your beginning theme and being specific when asking for your desire conclusion.”
As we have established, it’s best to conclude your speech by bringing back your thesis statement and key points.
Finishing with weak visuals is similarly offensive — and here we’re not just talking about presentation slides.
Remember, body language is an important component of our communication .
Fidgeting as your presentation comes to a close or slumping your posture as soon as you’re finished speaking won’t do.
As Michelle Gladieux would say:
“Never end a presentation seeming happy to be done, even if you are! Be certain you’re happy to be the presenter before you begin, or find someone else to do it.”
In other words, try not to show signs of anxiety during your presentation .
Maintain a confident demeanor for as long as you remain on stage or as long as you’re on camera, in the case of virtual meetings .
Mistake #3: Ending with a Q&A session
One of the experts we have spoken to, Nadia Bilchik, was particularly adamant about not ending presentations with Q&A sessions.
“Never ever end a presentation on a question-and-answer session. I have seen numerous presenters end by asking ‘Any questions?’ Too often there are no questions, and the presenter is left looking deflated and muttering ‘Thank you.’ [If there are] no questions, you can always say ‘A question I’m often asked is…’ or ‘Something I would like to reiterate is…’ Never end your presentation without your audience being clear about what they are expected to do with the information you have just shared.”
Adding that you can:
“Ask for questions, comments, and concerns, and only then end with a quick wrap-up. The goal is to end with your audience being clear on their next steps.”
Even if the listeners do have questions, there’s a good reason not to have a Q&A session at the very end of your presentation.
Namely, there’s always a chance that someone will ask a question that completely derails the conversation.
If you have the Q&A portion right before your conclusion, you’ll have time to reiterate your core message and proceed with a memorable closing statement .
For reference, you can ask for questions by saying:
“Before I close out this lecture, do you guys have any questions for me?”
Then, if there are no questions, you can still proceed to your conclusion without losing face.
A Q&A session is one of the best ways to make your presentations more interactive — but it’s not the only way to go about it. To learn more, check out this article:
- 18 Ways to make presentations more interactive and engaging
Mistake #4: Not having time for any questions at all
Ending with a Q&A session could be a problem — but, perhaps, not as big of a problem as not taking questions at all.
As Mark Beal would say:
“Not giving the audience the opportunity to participate in the presentation via a question and answer session is another ineffective way to end a presentation. Audiences want to have a voice in a presentation. They will be more engaged with the presentation content and recall it more effectively if given the opportunity to participate in the presentation and interact with the presenter.”
Dr. Lee M. Pierce adds:
“It’s always good to leave at least 15 minutes for questions. Leaving 5 minutes is annoying and pointless. Also, be prepared that the audience may not have questions or not feel comfortable just jumping in, so have some of your own questions ready to offer them. You can say something like, ‘Just to put it out there, if I were going to ask me a question, I’d ask…’ ”
Now, both Nadia Bilchik and Lee M. Pierce have mentioned phrases you can use if no one comes forth with a question.
You’ll notice that the sentences they have come up with will require you to consider the questions you may be asked ahead of time .
In addition to helping you create a better presentation, doing this will also allow you to answer any questions effortlessly.
Mistake #5: Going over your time
Last but not least, many of the professional speakers we have interviewed have stressed the importance of ending one’s presentation on time.
Michelle Gladieux said it best:
“The best way to end a presentation is ON TIME. Respect others’ time commitments by not running over. You can always hang around for a while to speak with people who have more to say or more to ask.”
Dr. Lee M. Pierce agrees:
“The worst thing you can do is run over time. If you were given 45 minutes for a presentation plus 15 minutes for Q & A, you should end at 45 minutes — better if you end at 35 or 40.”
Then again, according to Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 rule, even going over the 20-minute mark could risk boring and alienating one’s audience.
Useful phrases for ending a presentation
In the course of our research, we’ve found many practical phrases one might use to wrap up a presentation.
We even had experts send in their suggestions. For example, Nadia Bilchik says:
“I always end with a very quick summary of the content, a definitive call to action, and a reiteration of the benefits to the audience. This is a superb model, and I have shared it with thousands of individuals who have found it immensely valuable. Use this as your framework: What I have looked at today… What I am asking you to do… The benefits are…”
Other phrases you might use at the end of your presentation include:
“To recap, we’ve discussed…”
“Throughout this presentation, we talked about…”
“In other words,…”
“To wrap up/conclude,…”
“In short, I’d like to highlight…”
“To put it simply,…”
“In conclusion…”
“In summary, the goal of my presentation…”
“If there’s one thing you take away from my presentation…”
“In bringing my presentation to a close, I wanted to…”
If you’d like to incorporate a call to action, you might say:
“I’m counting on you to…”
“After this presentation, I’d like to ask you to…”
“Please take a minute to…”
“Next time you (see a suspicious email), remember to (forward it to this email address).”
To end with a quote, you could say:
“Let me leave you with this quote…”
“That reminds me of the old saying…”
Lastly, more useful phrases include:
“Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.”
“For more information, head to the link on the screen.”
“Thank you for your time/attention.”
“I hope you found this presentation informative/useful/insightful.”
Remember: the last words you say should make it abundantly clear that your presentation has ended.
What should your final slide look like?
If you don’t want to leave your final slide blank as some of the experts we have talked to would recommend, there are other ways to fill that space.
Joseph Liu told us:
“I tend to make it very clear the presentation is coming to an end by having a slide that says, ‘Closing Thoughts’ or something to that effect. I recommend ending with a recap of your content, reconnecting with the initial hook you used at the start, and finally, some sort of call to action.”
Mark Beal has a similar formula for his closing slides, saying:
“The final slides of my presentation include: A slide featuring three key messages/takeaways, A question and answer slide to engage the audience at the conclusion in the same manner a presenter wants to engage an audience at the start of a presentation, and A final slide including the presenter’s contact information and a website address where they can learn more information. This slide can include a QR code that the audience can screenshot and access the presenter’s website or another digital destination.”
Between these two suggestions and the many examples we have included throughout our guide, you ought to have a clear picture of what your final slide might look like.
End your presentations with a bang on Pumble
Knowing how to end a presentation effectively is a skill like any other — you’re bound to get better through practice and repetition.
To get the most out of your presentations, make sure to give them on Pumble.
Pumble — a team communication and collaboration app — allows you to have the most interactive, efficient presentations thanks to:
- The video conferencing feature that allows you to share your knowledge with a large group of people,
- The screen sharing feature that allows you share your presentation,
- The in-call message feature, to ensure your audience can participate (and send questions for the FAQ partition of the presentation, for example), and
- The blur background feature, that ensures your audience’s attention is always on you and you alone.
Secure, real-time communication for professionals.
Olga Milicevic is a communication researcher and author dedicated to making your professional life a bit easier. She believes that everyone should have the tools necessary to respond to their coworkers’ requests and communicate their own professional needs clearly and kindly.
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7 Powerful Ways To End a Presentation
by Janice Tomich, Public Speaking Coach
- Presentation Planning & Public Speaking Skills
Have you ever attended a presentation or speech and didn’t know when it was over? Maybe you were even unsure if it was time to clap or get up and leave?
Your audience not knowing when a presentation has finished is a clear sign that you need to work on your conclusion. If you ending isn’t clear the closing statements sputter. Don’t let your words fizzle out.
People attend your presentation or speech to learn from you. Your passion for what you’ll be sharing started long ago. Keep that passion clear from your personal introduction right through your conclusion if you want the impact of your words to continue well past the time you step off the stage.
It’s crucial you get both the open and close of your speech right.
The conclusion is especially pivotal, because if you’ve thoughtfully structured your presentation at the end you will influence your audience to be inspired to do what you had planned with the information you’ve shared.
There are many different ways to close a presentation effectively.
If you’re lost and unsure about how to make your presentation compelling, I can help.
I’ll start with explaining 7 powerful ways I’ve seen my public speaking coaching clients end their speeches, and then give you my advice about two common ways to close a presentation which you should avoid.
Table of Contents
7 Techniques for Ending Your Presentation Powerfully
1. end with a overt call to action.
The most overt type of close is the Call To Action or CTA. A call to action is a clear, direct statement to your audience of what you want them to do next. Use this type of presentation conclusion when you want to be perfectly clear about your message.
This closing technique transparently encourages your audience to do something as concrete as “buy my book” or “sign my petition” or “take on a challenge.”
I once had the privilege of seeing Dr Hans Rosling deliver a TED Talk . He is an excellent presenter and a master of the close. Based on his research, he clearly challenges his audience to take his data to make decisions about resources needed for population growth. The talk is worth watching if you’re planning out a closing statement, because it’s a brilliant example of a strong close.
2. End with a a Soft and Subtle Call To Action
Have you ever left a presentation inspired to do something differently, even if you were not specifically directed to take action? The closing technique you witnessed was probably a subtler version of a CTA.
For a masterful example of this closing technique, watch the end of Tim Urban’s TED Talk on procrastination. Notice that he never specifically tells you to take action – to stop procrastinating. Instead, he gets you onboard in a soft way, slowly building up his argument via a number of examples of his own experience with procrastination.
Then, close to the end, he shows a visual which leaves you reassessing your life and what you will do with the remainder of it.
Tim’s masterful presentation conclusion has prompted many people to take action and change their habits, but it’s subtle and leaves you thinking as if the conclusions you come to are you own idea, not his.
3. Use a Quote to End Your Presentation
Using a quote for your final words can be an effective way to end your presentation. Choose your quote carefully, however—the quote needs to align with your message and clearly communicate your key point. Never use an obscure or confusing quotation. Don’t make your audience work too hard to understand the relationship between the quote on your final slide and your overall message.
One of the most touching quotes I heard used to conclude an inspirational speech was the last lines of the Mary Oliver poem “Summer’s Day”: “Tell me, what is it you will do – With your one wild and precious life?”
It kept me thinking about the preciousness of the days, how I had permission to push limits, and what those limits might be.
4. Finish Your Presentation By Closing The Loop
Create intrigue with a story which takes your audience on a journey. Using storytelling in business presentations or in a speech, threading it throughout, is not only a good way to grab the audience’s attention and enhance engagement. It’s also a powerful way to come to a conclusion when you finish your story.
Dr. Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk uses the “close the loop” technique brilliantly. She begins her presentation telling us about an accident she had that impacted her ability to thrive in university. She worked hard to make progress. Under the mentorship of a professor she thrived.
Dr. Cuddy goes on to talk about her research into how we can build confidence through body language techniques. She winds her talk up by speaking about a student of hers that she mentored through a lack of confidence…and very craftily closes the loop.
5. End Your Speech Using the Rule of Three
A communication technique called the Rule of Three is a powerful way to end your speech. Using this technique to end your presentation will make your key message stick.
An example of the Rule of Three is this Winston Churchill quote, “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning”.
Using three concepts triggers your brain to recognize a pattern, which humans are wired to do. Pattern recognition is how we make sense of things, it’s how we connect the dots and make meaning from the message.
Use the Rule of Three if you want your closing remarks to be remembered long after your audience leaves their seats.
Sucheta Misra Associate VP Inclusion & Diversity and Social Impact Leader
6. Finish with a Thought Provoking Question
There is value in having your audience walk away thinking about the questions you asked in your conclusion—and their personal responses to them. We humans are natural problem solvers. A question is a sticky way to create a memorable ending.
In his TED Talk, What Baby Boomers Can Learn From Millennials & Vice-Versa , Chip Conley provides food for thought about how we can all be contributors in the workplace by creating generational bridges. He asks, “Personally, who can you reach out to to create a mutual mentorship relationship? And organizationally, how can you create the conditions to foster an intergenerational flow of wisdom?” It’s not a rhetorical question, it’s a call to action. Chip finishes his presentation by telling us that bridges are the true sharing economy.
7. Deliver a Summary to Close Your Presentation
Delivering a summary of your core message can be an effective way to conclude, but be careful. Using a summary to finish your presentation sometimes risks losing your audience’s attention. If you name the main message(s) by rote, as if you’re rattling off a series of bullet points, the conclusion is likely to flop. Instead, use your summary slide to close your speech inspirationally, reviewing the key message and critically “the why.” Without the why, your summary will be forgotten in minutes.
2 Things to Avoid in Your Conclusion
Preparing, writing, and delivering a powerful speech is difficult, and some speakers are unprepared when they approach their closing remarks. Here are two things to avoid:
1. Running Out of Time
A poorly thought out and only minimally practiced presentation usually results in you having to cram your final remarks into the last few minutes of your allotted time. Your audience won’t be able to digest your final concepts if your words come at double-speed.
When you rush to the finish line not only will you feel stressed, your audience will too. This can seriously mar your reputation as a polished and professional public speaker.
2. Finish with a Question and Answer Session
You’re the speaker. You’ve been invited to take the stage and the audience is there to hear your ideas. The impact of too many otherwise excellent presentations are dulled in the last minutes, when a presenter opens the floor to questions, which are sometimes commandeered by someone in the room whose motivations might not align with your own. Your audience will remember your response to the last question. End with a question and answer session and you’ve essentially let someone else write your conclusion for you.
Question and answer sections aren’t a bad thing, but don’t end with them. Finish up your presentation by having all eyes on you. Close on your own terms.
The final (and best) tip I can give you is no matter the closing technique you choose to end your presentation or keynote address , is to practice it until it is firmly embedded into your memory. You want to know it inside out (and upside down) with absolute full confidence so you won’t have to scramble to come to a full stop.
You don’t have to prepare a presentation alone. If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired by your presentation’s conclusion, I invite you to book a 1-hour presentation strategy session . I’ll help you create a powerful ending that will have your audience leaving inspired.
If you’d like help with the entire presentation, I do that too. We can work together, one on one, to develop and create your next presentation or speech so you can deliver it with confidence and ease -> Prepare For Your Upcoming Presentation, Speech, or Talk .
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Best Ways to Conclude a Presentation
Last Updated: October 4, 2023 Fact Checked
Strategies for Wrapping up a Presentation
Other best practice presentation tips, public speaking advice, how should you end a presentation.
This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz and by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A. . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 6,726 times.
You’ve just spent the last hour or so preparing a super thorough and detailed presentation. Now it’s time to add the finishing touches and come up with an attention-grabbing and memorable closer. What strategies can you use to make sure that people really remember what you've said? Keep reading to learn all the most effective methods you can use to conclude your presentation in a way that’ll really stick with your audience. We'll cover different strategies you can mix and match to end your presentation with a bang, then follow up with public speaking tips. Let's dive in!
Things You Should Know
- Bring your presentation to a close by first giving a clear indication that you’ll be wrapping up, followed by a short summary of your main ideas.
- Grab your audience’s attention with a strong call to action and an explanation of what good things will happen when they listen to your message.
- Make your presentation memorable by embellishing it with a powerful quote, a story, or a surprising statistic or fact.
- Get your audience involved by running a poll or survey at the end of your presentation.
- “In conclusion…”
- “In summary…”
- “As I conclude my presentation, let me ask you a question.”
- “This brings me to the end of my presentation today.”
- “In respect of time, allow me to wrap up my last comments.”
- “That brings me to the conclusion of my presentation. If you’re to take anything away from my presentation today, let it be the three Cs of credit that we talked about: character, capacity, and capital.”
- "Above all else, remember the acronym RAM: redesign, application, and management."
- “When you volunteer for this program, you will build your skills and gain valuable experiences.”
- “You will participate in the increased profitability of our company by joining this new program.”
- “Make this company a more inclusive and healthy place to work by taking just a few minutes out of your day to do these small actions.”
- “As the Greek historian Plutarch once said, ‘The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.’ Let’s kindle the fire within our minds and make the changes we want to see.”
- “I’ll leave you today with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: ‘Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.’”
- “Work hard to inspire not only those around you, but yourself as well.”
- Pair this statistic or fact with a memorable visual, such as an illustrated graph, a video, or a picture. The more visual your presentation is, the more memorable it will be to your audience.
- Another way to go about telling a story is to start it in your presentation’s intro and end it during the conclusion. Your audience will be curious to know how the story ends.
- “What do you think the word ‘success’ means?”
- “How can we make an impact every day through the work we do?”
- “Why do you think people are so afraid of change and questioning the way things have always been done?”
- Asking a question at the beginning of your presentation and answering it during the conclusion is another strategy to consider. Just be sure that you don’t forget to answer this question and accidentally leave your audience hanging.
- “What’s your usual mood during the workday?”
- “Have you ever presented your supervisor with a new idea or suggestion?”
- “Do you see yourself participating in this new program?”
- What they liked and disliked about the presentation
- What improvements could be made
- One memorable thing they took away from your presentation
- Before your presentation, go and talk with some of the audience members. This will give them a chance to warm up to you and can help you feel more relaxed once you get up and start presenting.
- Using hand gestures also shows the audience that you’re in control of the space around you, and makes you appear much more confident and at ease.
Expert Q&A
- Keep in mind that your presentation gives you the chance to be a messenger. Give your audience something meaningful to walk with at the end of your speech. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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- ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/worst-ways-to-end-a-presentation-2014-7
- ↑ https://www.washington.edu/doit/presentation-tips-0
- ↑ https://www.wilmu.edu/edtech/documents/the-science-of-effective-presenations---prezi-vs-powerpoint.pdf
- ↑ https://www.mentimeter.com/blog/awesome-presentations/ways-to-end-a-presentation-and-tools
- ↑ https://www.niu.edu/presentations/organize/index.shtml
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/11/02/15-methods-of-every-effective-public-speaker/?sh=3a911bdd3047
- ↑ https://youtu.be/VRJzvJ5XPQI?t=11
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30 Example Phrases: How to Conclude a Presentation. 1. "In summary, let's revisit the key takeaways from today's presentation.". 2. "Thank you for your attention. Let's move forward together.". 3. "That brings us to the end. I'm open to any questions you may have.".
10 Examples of How to End a Presentation. 1. Asking your audience to take action or make a pledge. Here were asking the audience to take action by using the wording "take action" in our copy. This call to action is a pledge to donate. A clear message like this can be helpful for charities and non-profits looking to raise funding for their ...
But how you end it can make all the difference in your presentation's overall impact. Here are some ways to ensure you end powerfully: Way #1: Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA) Way #2: Don't End With a Q&A. Way #3: End With a Memorable Quote. Way #4: Close With a Story. Way #5: Drive Your Main Points Home.
3 Strategies to Close Your Presentation Powerfully. Use these 3 strategies in your conclusion to: recapture your audience's attention. get your audience to focus and remember your key points. help your audience connect with you and your topic. end your presentation powerfully. One: Include a Call to Action (CTA)
Though there are many ways to end a presentation, the most effective strategies focus on making a lasting impression on your audience and reinforcing your goals. So, let's take a look at three effective ways to end a presentation: 1. Summarize the Key Takeaways. Most presenters either make an argument (i.e. they want to convince their ...
Presentation end: 7 examples to leave a lasting impression. Summarize the main points: Repeat the main points of your presentation to reinforce them. Call-to-action: Ask your audience to perform a specific action or take a next step. Quote: A relevant and powerful quote can leave a lasting impression. Story or anecdote: A short, relevant story ...
Thank the audience. The simplest way to end a speech, after you've finished delivering the content, is to say, "thank you.". That has the benefit of being understood by everyone. It's the great way for anyone to signal to the audience that it's time to applaud and then head home.
Summarize the main points of the slideshow. 2. Leaves the audience with a key takeaway. 3. Includes a statement that allows you to leave or pass on the mic. A good conclusion is like the perfect punchline to a good joke; hence, you need to create a solid conclusion that drives your message home and everyone remembers it.
Anecdotes can bolster a speech's ending. Here are some tips for using a story to conclude a presentation: Make sure the story is brief. Choose a story that relates to the main points of the presentation. Stories about a customer experience or successful case study are effective. Make sure the story is relatable and encourages empathy from your ...
3. Call-to-action. Don't forget to include a compelling call to action in your final message that motivates the audience to take specific steps after the presentation. Whether it's signing up for a newsletter, trying a product or conducting further research, a clear call to action can encourage engagement.
For a final touch, go to Animation Pane. From the side panel, click on the Effect Options dropdown and tick the check box for Auto-reverse. Another would be the Timing dropdown, then select Until End of Slide down the Repeat dropdown. Get a hold of these 3 bonus conclusion slides for free! Download Here.
8. Ask for feedback: You can conclude your presentation seamlessly by thanking the audience and asking for feedback from them. Encouraging feedback from your audience can greatly benefit your future presentations. It allows you to understand how your message was received and how you can improve for the next time.
Many audience members only begin paying attention to a presentation once they hear the words "In conclusion…" or "Finally…". The conclusion is where things crystallise and where you summarise your main points. It is an excellent opportunity to leave a lasting impression. It's how your audience will remember you, so it shouldn't ...
Key Insights on How To End a Presentation Effectively. A piece of research by Ipsos Corporate Firm titled "Last Impressions Also Count" argues that "our memories can be governed more by how an experience ends than how it begins.". A lasting final impression can be critical to any presentation, especially as it makes our presentation ...
3. Leave With a Question. While it is not often encouraged to leave your audience hanging, suspense can be a fantastic way to create a memorable ending if you use it appropriately. Round off with a question that they can reflect on after the presentation, to keep them thinking about what you've shared.
Mistake #5: Going over your time. Last but not least, many of the professional speakers we have interviewed have stressed the importance of ending one's presentation on time. Michelle Gladieux said it best: "The best way to end a presentation is ON TIME. Respect others' time commitments by not running over.
This can be tricky to master, but I promise you that it is worth it. Don't fidget with things, shuffle your note cards, move about awkwardly, or randomly leave the stage. Give your audience a verbal cue to indicate that you are finished, without sounding generic or cliche. Then, take a strong, confident stance.
5. End Your Speech Using the Rule of Three. A communication technique called the Rule of Three is a powerful way to end your speech. Using this technique to end your presentation will make your key message stick. An example of the Rule of Three is this Winston Churchill quote, "This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end.
How to End a Presentation: 5 Ways to End a Presentation. Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Feb 4, 2022 • 3 min read. While all aspects of a business presentation are important, the end of the presentation can determine whether you leave a lasting impression on your audience. Learn public speaking tips and some key takeaways for how to end ...
Make a clean transition from the body of your presentation to your conclusion with a clear statement. Some things you can say include: [1] "In conclusion…". "In summary…". "As I conclude my presentation, let me ask you a question.". "This brings me to the end of my presentation today.".