15 grand finales for your next presentation

Sure, a socko-boffo opening for your talk grabs your audience’s attention, but if your final words fail to motivate them to take the desired action, all that sizzle turns to fizzle. Try these tactics.

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Do you want audience members to get involved in your advocacy efforts? Reconsider previously held views? Have a more complete or nuanced understanding of your topic?

Here are 15 memorable ways to end a speech on a high note:

1. The summary close

This close, which recaps your main points, can ensure that the audience leaves with clarity on your biggest ideas. Because this isn’t the most creative option, it can be improved by combining it with another type of closer.

2. The illustrative close

You can end by using a first- or third-person anecdote, case study or fable; an apocryphal (fictional but plausible) tale; or another storytelling device that illustrates the main points you made during your talk. Many talks begin and end in this manner.

3. The personal close

Many speakers discuss their personal tie to the speech topic well before the close, but if you don’t highlight your own ties to the topic sooner, doing so at the end can reinforce that connection.

4. The bookend close

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