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 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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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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How to end a presentation
How to End a Presentation: Tailored Strategies for Different Types of Presentations
Ending a presentation effectively is crucial, whether you’re pitching to investors, leading a board meeting, or delivering a sales presentation. The conclusion is what lingers in the minds of your audience, influencing their decisions, actions, and perceptions.
1. Recap Your Key Points: Ideal for Board Meetings and Strategic Reviews
Board meetings often involve data-driven presentations where key decisions need to be made. A clear summary at the end ensures everyone is aligned and ready to take action based on the presented information.
“In summary, our Q3 performance exceeded expectations with a 15% increase in revenue, the launch of two new products, and an improved customer retention rate. Moving forward, our priorities should be expanding the marketing budget and accelerating our digital transformation strategy.”
Why It Works:
This approach ensures that decision-makers are reminded of critical points and can confidently proceed with informed discussions.
2. Use a Memorable Quote: Suitable for Inspirational Talks or Visionary Presentations
When giving a motivational speech or addressing a broad audience on visionary topics, a well-chosen quote can encapsulate your message and leave your listeners inspired.
Example (in a Leadership Seminar):
“As Peter Drucker famously said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ Let’s commit ourselves to building a future where innovation and leadership drive sustainable success.”
Quotes distill big ideas into a few words and are often shared, which helps your message resonate longer with the audience.
3. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question: Effective in Sales Presentations and Consultative Meetings
In sales pitches or consultative presentations, engaging the audience is crucial. Ending with a compelling question stimulates conversation and positions you as a thought leader.
Example (in a Sales Pitch):
“What would doubling your revenue in the next 12 months mean for your business? That’s exactly what our solution is designed to achieve.”
This question subtly pushes the prospect to envision success and frames your offering as the key to unlocking that potential.
4. Call to Action (CTA): Essential in Sales Pitches and Marketing Presentations
When driving conversions, a strong call to action is a must. Whether you’re asking for a sign-up, a purchase, or further engagement, your CTA should be direct and easy to act upon.
Example (in a Sales Presentation):
“Sign up today, and our team will give you a personalized demo to show how this solution can transform your operations within weeks.”
A clear CTA leaves no room for ambiguity and gives your audience a concrete next step.
5. Share an Anecdote or Story: Works Well in Funding Pitches and Investor Presentations
Investors are not just interested in numbers; they invest in people and stories. A well-crafted narrative that ties back to your business or solution can leave a strong emotional impact.
Example (in a Funding Pitch):
“Two years ago, we almost had to close our doors. But it was that pressure that pushed us to innovate and create the product we’re proud to present today—a solution that’s now poised to disrupt the industry.”
Stories humanize your message, making it relatable and memorable, which is key when seeking investment.
6. Use Humor: Effective in Light-Hearted Team Meetings or Creative Presentations
Humor can be a great way to conclude on a positive note, especially in internal team meetings or creative brainstorming sessions. It relaxes the atmosphere and leaves participants feeling connected.
Example (in a Creative Brainstorming Session):
“Now that we’ve revolutionized the way we think about coffee breaks, let’s go grab one ourselves!”
Humor breaks the ice and leaves everyone with a smile, fostering a positive team dynamic.
7. Offer a Solution: Ideal for Problem-Solving Presentations or Strategy Meetings
When you’re presenting on challenges, ending with a clear solution provides closure and direction. This is particularly effective in problem-solving workshops or strategy sessions.
Example (in a Strategy Meeting):
“In conclusion, to overcome our market share decline, we need to focus on three key strategies: optimizing our product line, enhancing customer experience, and increasing brand awareness through targeted campaigns.”
This approach creates a sense of resolution and action, helping teams to focus on next steps.
8. Use a Visual or Prop: Suitable for Creative Pitches and Marketing Campaigns
Sometimes visuals say more than words. Incorporating a powerful image or a symbolic prop can leave a lasting impression, especially in creative or marketing presentations.
Example (in a Marketing Campaign Pitch):
Holding up a symbolic item, like a lightbulb “This lightbulb represents our campaign’s core—sparking innovation in every household across the country.”
Visuals and props engage more senses, making your message more impactful and easier to recall.
9. End with an Inspiring Vision for the Future: Perfect for Visionary Keynotes and Product Launches
Painting a compelling picture of the future aligns your audience with your vision and leaves them motivated to be part of that journey.
Example (in a Product Launch Presentation):
“Imagine a world where connectivity is seamless, empowering everyone to achieve more—this is the future we’re building with our latest innovation.”
Inspiration is contagious. Ending with a visionary statement can create excitement and buy-in for your ideas.
10. Close with a Thank You and Q&A: Suitable for Formal Presentations and Academic Talks
A respectful and engaging close, followed by a Q&A, shows appreciation for your audience’s time and encourages interaction.
Example (in a Academic Lecture):
“Thank you for your attention. I’m happy to take any questions you have as we dive deeper into this fascinating topic.”
Expressing gratitude and opening up for questions demonstrates professionalism and signals that you value audience participation
BONUS TIP - 11: One more thing!
This is a classic technique pioneered by Apple founder Steve Jobs - a storyteller par excellence. If you were fortunate enough to watch any of the keynote presentations that Jobs delivered, especially around the launch of iconic products such as the iPhone, there was one playbook that he always followed. A technique that became as iconic as his trademark black turtleneck and blue jeans attire.
Just when the audience believed that the presentation was over, Jobs would quip, “One more thing”. You can see a compilation of these remarks here - https://youtu.be/cO-2NAl7Sm0?t=111 . Jobs always saved up one surprise element that he uncovered only at the end of the presentation so that the audience would be served with a powerful reminder or memory to take back home. Of course, it might not make sense to blindly copy a master storyteller like Steve Jobs but you can definitely think about the principle behind this technique and adapt it to your personality and context.
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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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Because First Impressions Aren’t Everything: 20 Tips and Ideas to End Your Presentation in Style
“After a while I went out and left the hospital and went back to the hotel in the rain.”
If you are a big literature lover, you might recognize this sentence. If not, that’s okay too. In this article, however, we’re not talking about literary expertise but rather about a successful conclusion to a presentation.
How these two are related will be revealed in the final tip. However, you can truly benefit from it only if you have internalized the other tips as well.
Why the end of your presentation should be more than an afterthought
A great dessert is the perfect finish to a dinner. It has the power to elevate even the most mediocre of starters. A surprising, powerful ending to a film often stays with us longer than the rest of the story. Musicians close their concerts with something special to send their audiences off in high spirits. In a commercial, we always hear the key slogan at the end .
So why do so many presentations end with a terse, “Well, I guess that’s it. Thanks for your attention”, or some other lackluster phrase?
It could be due to that time-honored truth; most people just don’t like presenting. For many, it’s an annoying but necessary duty. For some, it’s an extremely unpleasant challenge. Add to that an audience that isn’t always filled with interested listeners and it’s no wonder most presenters rush through their conclusion.
Which is a shame. Because when you put a lot of effort into a presentation to convince and stand out, you deserve to end the presentation appropriately. Do justice to your efforts and don’t waste valuable points at the last moment! Attention is particularly high at the end, and what is said last remains in memory the longest. Of course, the focus of information is in the middle, but often it is not the information that makes the difference, but rather the emotion.
And at the end, you can trigger emotion effectively. A particularly compelling ending can even make the decisive difference. To assist you in creating such a presentation ending, we have listed 20 helpful tips for you below.
So here are 20 useful tips and tricks that will help you finish your presentation in style:
1. Have the courage to do it differently!
Look back on presentations you’ve sat through; you probably can’t remember much about their conclusions. There’s usually a slide thanking the audience for their attention and that’s it. Finding memorable, surprising, exciting or stirring ways to close a presentation is a challenge. But maybe that’s the key: Step out of your comfort zone and do it differently . Be creative. This is the best start for a memorable finish.
2. Continuity: Avoid a random ending to your presentation
Many speakers don’t spend a lot of time thinking about how to wrap up their presentations. As long as the content is there, the rest will follow. Remember, a non-committal, “So, I think that’s it from me” will be the last thing an audience remembers. And no one wants that kind of anticlimactic finish to a compelling presentation.
In short, it pays to spend time on your conclusion. Even the most eloquent and experienced presenters need to plan this last, decisive section of a presentation as carefully as the rest.
3. Put the cart before the horse : The goal remains the focus
This tip may sound a bit strange at first: When preparing presentations, it’s sometimes a good idea to take the last step first. Most people prepare their presentations like this: beginning, middle, end. It’s a logical approach but all too often, it leads to a conclusion that just fizzles out. So why not start there?
Ask yourself: Where am I going with this? Which core message should run through the entire presentation and be highlighted at the end? Once you’ve figured that out, you can start structuring the rest of your presentation.
Tip: In our blog, we have published a post that provides you with further valuable tips for the perfect preparation for your next presentation. You can directly access the blog post here .
4. Bookend your presentation
You think the beginning of your presentation has nothing to do with the end? Think again. One good way to bring your presentation full circle is to close the rhetorical circle and return to your key statement.
Bookending is the technique of starting and finishing a presentation with similar or related content. For example, you can start your presentation with a question, come back to it at the end of and answer it with your closing statement. This frames your presentation and brings your audience full circle.
5. Don’t announce the end
When a presentation is drawing to a close, an audience often hears, “As I slowly wrap things up,” or, “We’re almost at the end now.” or even, “You’re almost free of me now.” Phrases like these are used a lot, but are they really necessary? Truth is, t hey give the feeling that presenters and audience alike can’t wait for a presentation to be over. It sounds as if the presenter find his or her own presentation boring and way too long. It’s also an invitation for the audience to tune out, gather their things and plan the rest of their day.
But there are ways to announce the end without losing your audience. Phrases like, “Now for one final, key point.”, can help lead your audience and refocus their attention. But announcing the end of a presentation is, in general, not necessary. Your final summary or call to action is usually enough.
6. Compelling Storytelling: Building a Climactic Tension Curve
Just like a good book, your presentation needs a narrative arc that builds anticipation. Paint an exciting image of your company’s future or catch them by surprise with a contradictory or unexpected statement. Or build your presentation so that your strongest argument is at the end .
With this little trick, you can make sure that your key statement is the last impression you make on your audience. It’s a great way to refocus your audience and generate excitement.
Tip: There is already a separate post on our blog about storytelling as an approach for a more convincing presentation. You can find the post here .
7. To summarize or not
It depends! Not every presentation requires a traditional summary of what has been learned. Especially presentations that are structured using the storytelling method often have a different closing.
Skilled presenters allow their audience to experience an “aha” moment in their presentation by closing the rhetorical circle. For example, in this method, a guiding question that was raised at the beginning of the presentation could be answered at the end.
However, this is not the only way to structure a presentation. In particular, in speeches that explore many different aspects and bring together various lines of argumentation, a conclusion is still a popular tool.
A good conclusion summarizes all the important arguments and key points of your presentation and establishes the connections. At the end of your presentation , bring together all the information and highlight the bigger picture on a slide . This provides your audience with something concrete to remember as a conclusion.
8. Make it memorable
Just like advertising, effective presentations are often about anchoring something in people’s memory. The way to do this is through repetition. The more often we hear, experience or do something, the more likely we are to remember it for a long time.
The end of a presentation is a good time to repeat and emphasize important content. You can also try to introduce a few prompts that will help your audience remember your presentation later on. For instance, you could do this with a small suggestion: “When you’re on your way home, think back on my traffic lights metaphor.”
Or provide a helpful tip: “By the way, the little technique I just told you about can also help you with your kids.” This kind of connection to everyday life makes the presentation more interesting and relatable to the audience and helps keep the mood light.
Tip: Read here how to incorporate humour into your presentations in good doses.
9. Focus on the final phrase
The last sentence of a presentation is more significant than you might think. Even if some of your audience have mentally drifted off, they’re usually back at full attention by the end. So, make the most of this and pay close attention to your closing words.
Your final phrase should reflect your core message. Also, ask yourself what thought or feeling you want to leave your audience with.
Here are a few ideas to help you formulate your closing statement:
- Always align your final message to the rest of the presentation.
- Keep it short.
- Address your audience on an emotional level . Try to create positive feelings, powerful calls to action, make thoughtful or humorous comments.
- A slogan or a message that you already established as a core statement in the presentation can be brought back at the end.
- Using stylistic devices, such as alliterations, can be an effective way to get the message across.
- Frequent presenters can also create a closing statement that they use as a catchphrase for each presentation. TV presenters and news anchors do this often. (A well-known example: Walter Cronkite would close news broadcasts with, “And that’s the way it is,” followed by the date.)
- The final phrase doesn’t have to be yours. A quote from a well-known person can underline your statements wonderfully. Even a famous, perhaps slightly modified proverb can provide a meaningful and memorable close.
- The final sentence doesn’t even have to be a sentence. An image or perhaps a short video can also be an effective, atmospheric conclusion.
10. Create a feeling of community
We humans are social beings and feel comfortable when we form a harmonious community. Therefore, it is particularly appropriate to focus on creating harmony and unity at the end in order to evoke positive emotions.
Be mindful of not creating a barrier between yourself and the audience with your final words. This can be easily achieved by using inclusive language.
Instead of saying, “I conclude that…” or “You have now learned that…,” say “We can now see that…” or “It is clear to us now that…”. This creates a sense of unity and agreement, and reinforces the idea that you are on the same side as the audience.
11. Keep calm and carry on – right to the very end
It’s important to maintain poise and confidence throughout a presentation. That means the conclusion, too. Avoid the tendency to seek approval and don’t over-apologize for any fumbles you may have made. Mistakes and faux pas happen and when they do, simply acknowledge them, correct them and keep going. And whatever you do, don’t bring them up again at the end of your presentation. You audience will have already forgotten them and moved on. And so should you.
This sounds easier than it is, because negative phrases such as “Sorry I couldn’t explain topic xy in more detail” or “I hope I didn’t bore you too much” come really naturally to most of us. You’ll need to practice a little self-control to leave your inner critic where it belongs: inside.
12. End of presentation = end of topic
An end can also be a new beginning – but not in this case. Don’t end your presentation with a new idea. This can just confuse your audience and dilute your core message. If you remember something you forgot, leave it out or add it to any follow-up material you may send by email.
An exception to this tip is when the presentation is followed by a discussion or Q&A session . This is when new ideas can be brought up and explored.
13. Call your audience to action
Give your audience a clear and direct call to action at the end of your presentation. Now’s the time to plug your product, services, your new website or podcast. When done right, these “plugs” will sound less like self-promotion and more like a friendly offer: “If you’d like to learn more, feel free to check out my book.”
14. Transition smoothly to a discussion or Q&A session
Let your audience know at the beginning of your presentation whether questions can be asked during or saved for after. If you’re planning a Q&A session or discussion at the end of the presentation, make sure you create a smooth and confident transition.
Anyone who starts with a simple, “Are there any questions?” or even just a brief, “Questions?” can expect to be met with awkward silence. Get the conversation started by referencing a point you made in your presentation (“What are your thoughts on…”). This also allows you to steer the conversation and revisit some important points from the presentation.
15. The final slide
When all has been said, most presentations still have a slide that, in a way, announces the end. Sometimes it just says End , or Questions? or the infamous, Thank you for your attention in large letters. You can do it that way, but you can also do it better.
The last slide can be a picture, a meme or a comic, which can loosen things up and arouse emotions. You can also choose no concluding slide at all or a completely black slide. This can provide the space for a transition to the Q&A session or a discussion: “As you can see, I’ve reached the end of my presentation. Now it’s your turn.”.
Tip: If you want to speed things up, you can also use our “Closing Slides / Thank You Slides” templates for PowerPoint for your last slide. Click here to go directly to the product.
16. Thank you?
Do you thank the audience for their attention at the end of a presentation or not? Opinions differ a little on this. For many, it’s common practice and, well, simply good manners. For others, it’s a mundane, overused phrase that brings little value at the end of a presentation . So, what to do?
You can of course leave a final “thank you” out. No one will think less of your presentation if you do. But, if you’re like me and can’t imagine not thanking an audience for their time, forgo the thank you slide, use one of the other tips to give your presentation a strong finish, then say give a simple and sincere “thank you”.
17. Add a personal touch
Personal words create a sense of familiarity and communicate appreciation. A friendly farewell can help ensure you and your presentation won’t be quickly forgotten. A quick goodbye doesn’t cut it. Instead, try something like, “I hope you get home safe and sound in this weather.”
You can also connect your personal message to your presentation topic: “I hope you enjoy implementing my method as much as I did. Send me an email to let me know how it goes.” Of course, your content should score points, but don’t underestimate the power of likeability.
18. Take your time
It’s natural to feel relieved after a successful presentation. Unfortunately, this often leads to speakers fleeing the scene. No sooner have the last words been spoken, than the laptop is shut down, the projector switched off and the presenter is dashing out the door before the applause has ended. Nobody gains from this. The presenters doesn’t allow him or herself to enjoy audience recognition and the audience has the feeling that the presenter has lost interest and just wants to go home.
Take your time. Enjoy the applause, maintain eye contact with the audience, acknowledge them and smile. There will be time to pack up later.
By the way: Also pay attention to the speed of your speech. Many presenters, without realizing it, tend to speak more quickly as they approach the end of a presentation.
19. Manage your time
Anyone else remember that awkward moment at the end of almost every university lecture? The professor is still talking, yet the majority of fellow students are already loudly packing up and leaving the room. Pretty rude behavior. However, there may be a valid excuse for it.
Students have other classes to get to, papers to write and exams to study for. In other words, their time is precious. Among your audience will often be clients, managers and colleagues who have back-to-back meetings that day. For them, time is truly of the essence; they’ve planned their day to the last minute.
This same kind of careful planning and thorough time management should be applied to your presentation. Timeboxing allocates a certain amount of time to an activity in advance to complete it within that time frame. Practice your presentation in advance with friends or relatives and time yourself. Allocate enough time for each part of your presentation and plan some buffer time so you don’t have to rush through your closing statement. Timeboxing your presentation will give it an easy, comfortable pace. Your audience will thank you for it.
20. No pain, no gain!
Let’s return to our quote from the beginning: “After a while I went out and left the hospital and went back to the hotel in the rain.” This is the last sentence from Ernest Hemingway’s novel, In Another Country . So, what does this have to do with a presentation or its conclusion for that matter? Actually, nothing at all. But Hemingway is said to have changed and rewritten this one last sentence 39 times before finally settling on it. He was obviously aware of the importance of a good ending and was willing to invest time and effort to make it unique and memorable. Be like Hemingway. It’s worth it!
If you need assistance with your presentation ending, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are a nationally and internationally successful PowerPoint agency with years of practical expertise in the business sector. We would be happy to help. Please contact us via email at [email protected] .
On that note, thanks for reading. ;-)
These articles might be interesting for you:
- Kick start your presentation: 16 ideas
- Preparing PowerPoint presentations
- 10 types of PowerPoint slides
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- Filed under: Featured articles , Public speaking articles , Public speaking tips and tricks , Speaking tips , Speech delivery
In my experience, a lot of my public speaking students give much more attention to how they start their speech rather than how to end it. Many of them don’t realize that how you end a speech is of paramount importance, too. After all, the last things your audience hears from you may make the biggest lasting impression.
What are some powerful ways how to end a presentation? There are some proven techniques for ending a presentation, like giving your audience a call to action or using the rule of three. You may also use some lesser-known ways like giving visual imagery or asking them a question.
Now, let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
How to End Your Presentation in a Powerful Way?
Today, I am going to show you 13 proven tips that I have found highly effective for ending your speech in a powerful way. And when I am done, you will be able to confidently give an ending to any presentation.
#1 Give Your Audience a “Call to Action”
A call to action is not only one of the most common ways to end a speech , but it is certainly one of the most powerful. The type of call to action you will give your listeners is based upon the tone and subject of your presentation.
The first step to planning this type of ending is to know what kind of action you want your audience to take. Then, find a way to tell them to take that action. Don’t just assume people will figure that out on their own; it’s okay to tell them, too.
Are you giving a marketing talk with the intention of selling a product or service to your audience members? Maybe your call to action is to encourage them to become a customer of yours.
Or maybe you are promoting a lifestyle of volunteering and helping others. Your call to action could be telling your audience how they should get involved with charity at a local level. Do you see where I’m going with this?
One common way of doing this is to give your audience two possible actions they could take, and the outcomes of each. First, you should give them a negative action.
This is the thing you don’t want them to do. Elaborate what might happen if they take this action. Then, tell them the action you want them to take, and what positive outcome they may have. Here is an example:
“Let’s say that you decide not to invest in a retirement account today. What will your future look like after age 65? How will you know you will have enough to live on without a retirement account? You could end up still working into your 70’s without the ability to fully retire.
Or, you could invest in your future today. And when it is time for you to retire, you will be able to enjoy those years without worrying about how you will make ends meet. If this is the future you want for yourself and your family, stop by one of our local branches today to talk about opening a retirement account.”
Can you see where we are giving the negative action choice and the positive action choice in the example above? Remember, the positive action choice is the action that you want your audience to take.
#2 End With a Quote
Do you know of a good quote by a trusted source that would help drive your point home? Or do you have a self-written quote you wish to share? Your presentation ending may be a good time to use a relevant quote.
People love quotes , and they provide a satisfying ending. But make sure that your quote is appropriate for the tone and message of your speech .
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If you give a quote about an unrelated matter, you are no longer delivering a powerful ending. Instead, you may just end up baffling your audience.
If you plan on writing a quote, devote a lot of your speech-planning time to coming up with just the right one. Or maybe you want to give a quote that you have already used on social media, in a book, in a previous presentation, or somewhere else. That is fine, as long as it is relevant.
#3 Give a Quick Summary of Your Message
This is one of the more common methods that I see recommended to the beginners when it comes to ending a speech.
What is the message of your speech? Once you can effectively answer that question, write a brief summary ending that is based on that message.
After all, this is the thing you want your audience to remember most about your presentation. Ending with it will help drill the message into their minds. Don’t leave them walking away, confused about the purpose of your talk.
One easy way you can do this is by setting up a question at the beginning of your talk, and then answering it at the very end. This has the added benefit of keeping your audience hooked throughout your presentation , waiting for you to deliver that answer!
#4 Offer a Visual Image
Visual imagery is incredibly powerful to the human mind. That is why it might be a good idea to show an image to your audience that relates to your point when you are giving your closing.
While this may be easier if you are giving a PowerPoint slideshow during your talk , there are certainly other ways to incorporate this method.
Ask yourself what kind of image relates to the purpose of your talk, and might also be a good thing for your audience to see before they walk out the door? What will help solidify your message in their memories?
#5 Don’t End With a Question and Answer Session
Many good presentations include a question and answer session at some point to allow the audience to ask questions and get answers from the speaker.
And while many speakers usually have a question and answer period after making their main points, they will open up the floor. However, you should not make this the last thing you do during a presentation.
A lot of speakers don’t realize that this sort of ending is not powerful, nor is it memorable . It makes you go off track, and after all those questions?
Well, your audience may lose sight of the purpose of your speech . A negative question from an audience member can also leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth if it is the last thing they hear before they exit.
Don’t get me wrong, it is always a good idea to open the floor up to answer questions from your audience. But after that is done, end the question and answer period to give a proper ending. This will make a much greater, and more positive, impact.
#6 Ever Heard of the “Rule of Three”?
If you’ve attended a lot of public speaking events, chances are that you have heard someone use the rule of three before. But what exactly does this term refer to? There is a whole school of thought that says that our words are more powerful when we present information in sets of threes.
Look up famous quotes , and notice most of them present information in sets of threes. For example, you can say something like, “ Retirement accounts can provide three things for your future: financial stability, peace of mind, and something to fall back on during hard times”.
Three-word slogans or using the same memorable word three times can also both work. You can tailor the rule of three ideology to fit your own specific needs, but the principle remains the same.
#7 Ending With a Story
This tactic may take some extra planning, but it creates a very relatable experience for your listeners. After all, sharing a story with your audience gives a personal touch that lets them feel closer to you when you are speaking.
And if you have read any of my other articles , you know I’m a big fan of storytelling.
When you end with a story, try to make it brief. You don’t want to start something that is going to be long and drawn-out when you are trying to bring everything to a close.
In order to make this method really compelling, be sure to choose a story that is both personal and emotionally compelling. This creates a more powerful impact on your audience.
If you’re looking to take this a step further, I can offer you a more advanced tip. Start your story at the beginning of your presentation, and promise your audience you will get back to it later.
Then, end your speech with the rest of that same story. This will keep them hooked throughout your speech, waiting for you to finish that story!
#8 Have a Unique Tagline? Use it
Not all speakers have a personal tagline associated with them. But if you do have one, you should probably consider using it during your closing.
And what do I mean by a unique tagline? Well, do you have a catchphrase for you or your brand ? Have you coined a well-known saying in the business world or on social media?
If there is a tagline that you consistently use, you should consider using it as an ending for your speech. This helps to both reinforce your message in the short term, and build your brand in the long term.
In between the times that you give public speeches , I recommend that you constantly use this unique tagline as much as you can on social media and in other outlets.
#9 Go Back to the Beginning
Many students are baffled when I tell them to end their presentation by going back to the beginning . But when you think about it, this is a practice that really works.
Did you use a specific hook during your opening? Use that during your closing. Did you open with a quote or interesting fact? Restate it. Do you need to wrap up something that you started at the beginning? Wrap it up.
This can also work in reverse, as a lot of speakers use the content of their ending to decide what their beginning will be. This is why proper planning can help make a speech perfect.
#10 Ask Your Audience a Compelling Question
Many speeches are actually ended with the speaker asking the audience a compelling question that is relevant to the main topic. Because when you ask a question, people are automatically c ompelled to think about the topic in order to give a worthwhile answer.
Plan out a solid question related to your topic that will make your audience members think more in-depth about it.
For example, asking your audience what they think life will be like after retirement without a retirement account will certainly get people thinking about retirement funds.
#11 Don’t be Afraid to Use Humor
Maybe you would rather use a joke instead of a story or quote to end your presentation. Depending on your personality and the tone of your talk, this may actually be the most appropriate approach.
Examples of this include if you are known for your humorous personality, or if your talk is playful and friendly instead of professional and serious.
Humor is a good way to show your audience that you are trying to relate to them on a personal and authentic level. It is also a good feeling when everyone is walking away smiling and laughing. After all, laughter releases feel-good chemicals in the brain!
It almost goes without saying that you should not choose a joke that is sexually inappropriate, or culturally offensive to anyone. While these may seem funny to some of us in our personal lives, you should never use an offensive joke during a presentation.
#12 Plan Your Ending in Advance
If you know me, then you know I am a big fan of planning ahead. Rehearsing, planning and speech-writing can be incredibly effective tools for making sure your presentation is ultimately successful.
And if your speech is not an on-the-spot kind of thing, it should be easy for you to take time to plan the entire thing. This includes giving careful attention to the ending.
You could even take out a piece of paper with a pen, and write a list of possible endings to use . From there, you can make a proper decision. Once you have chosen, start fleshing out your ending plan with more details.
#13 No Matter What, Offer a Clear Sign You’ve Ended
You don’t want your audience still sitting in their chairs long after you’ve finished, uncertain of whether you are done or not.
I am surprised by the number of students I have taught who will walk off stage before making a clear ending. If you want to keep your audience coming back to see future presentations of yours, you have to give a clear and satisfying ending.
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.
And here’s an extra tip…
I want my readers to feel like they are getting all the information they need when they come to my blog. And that is why I am going to give you an extra tip in addition to the 13 that I have given you above.
Picture yourself as part of the audience instead of the speaker. You have just spent the better part of an afternoon of your life listening to a speaker giving a presentation on stage in front of you.
Throughout their presentation, you have listened intently, you took notes, and you applauded at the appropriate times. You even raised your hand and asked that burning question that was in the back of your mind all throughout the first part of the speech.
But before the speaker walks off stage, they take a brief moment to thank the audience members for coming out, listening, asking questions, and staying until the very end.
Whether you realize it or not, this speaker has just made a connection with you.
An important part of giving any speech is making your audience feel valued. That is why you should make sure you always thank your audience after a presentation. I explain to my students all the time that there are many reasons why this is a major key to giving a successful speech.
Without an audience, you would be speaking to an empty room of no one but yourself. Be sure to thank them each and every time.
The Tone Sets the Ending
So, what kind of presentation are you giving?
Clearly define the purpose of your speech long before you even begin or end it. This is important whether you are talking with or without notes .
Are you giving a persuasive speech on behalf of your business with the hopes of gaining more clients? Or is it a commencement speech at a college graduation? Or maybe an impromptu speech?
Obviously, you can see how these two types of talks have two distinctly different tones. It would not look very tasteful if you were trying to sell a product or service during a commencement speech.
And vice-versa, not using any sales techniques during a business speech may not be effective for trying to promote your services.
What kind of ending you should choose?
The tone of your presentation even can be important when you are deciding what to wear. A business talk demands a professional look, while a more casual gig may not.
And the reason I bring up tone is that it is an important part of deciding what kind of ending you should choose. If you’re giving a more informal presentation, then a joke or personal story may be most appropriate.
On the other hand, an incredibly formal, business-oriented company presentation for a room of potential clients may demand a much different kind of ending.
Take a few minutes to sit down and think about the tone of your message. If possible, do it with a co-worker, trusted friend, or mentor.
Try to put your thoughts down on paper so you can better organize them. Then, try to list various appropriate endings that you think you might be able to use for your presentation.
So, how much thought are you giving to your closing statement now? What method of closing do you prefer best? And what have you learned about the tone of your speeches?
After this, you should be able to end your speech with confidence , and send a powerful message to your audience. I have given you tips such as using the rule of three, asking a compelling question, and making sure you clearly mark your ending.
If you have any other tips that you would like to share, feel free to leave them in the comment section below!
Does public speaking cause you to get all teared up? Check out my article about how to give a speech without crying.
Related Questions
What does the term “closing” refer to? The ending to your speech is often referred to as closing. Learning how to give a powerful closing to your speech is just as important as any other part of the presentation itself.
How do I effectively start a presentation? While it may sound like a paradox, you can add information from your written conclusion to your opening statement. Make sure that you have planned a clear ending before you take this approach. This also works in reverse, as many speakers tend to go back to the beginning for their closing.
How do I write a witty closing remark? Don’t force it, or it will sound awkward. After you’ve written a draft, ask a speaking friend or trusted mentor for feedback. Remember what the overall tone of your presentation is before you get started.
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My name is Janek Tuttar , and I am the founder and author of Speak and Conquer website.
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Hi! My name is Janek Tuttar, and I am the founder and author of SpeakAndConquer.com.
I have been teaching and blogging about public speaking since spring 2007. Here, I am sharing the wisdom of how to cope in different public speaking situations.
Send me an e-mail: [email protected]
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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.”
Improve communication and collaboration for increased team efficiency with Pumble.
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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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 conclude a presentation | end your presentation on a good note
Lasting impression, reinforces key points, motivates action; ending shapes overall perception, leaving positive impact.
How to conclude a presentation
Table of content:.
- 5 Ways to Close Your Presentation With Style
- Few tools to Help You Create a captivating Presentation
- How to Start a Presentation like a Pro
- Some of the top Presentation Mistakes to Avoid
5 Ways to Close Your Presentation With Style 👌
- Incorporate a Compelling Call-to-Action (CTA): When concluding your presentation, the importance of a strong call-to-action cannot be overstated. As a business owner, your ultimate goal is to inspire your audience to take specific actions. Don't leave this to chance; instead, use powerful and definitive language to direct your audience. Phrases like "Begin the journey" or "Join the fight" cut through ambiguity, clearly conveying what you want your audience to do. By providing a decisive call-to-action, you not only guide your audience but also increase the likelihood of them acting upon your message.
- Avoid Concluding with a Q&A Session: Concluding a presentation with a Q&A session might seem like a traditional approach, but it often results in a less memorable ending. Since you can't control the questions you'll receive, consider integrating questions throughout your presentation. This approach ensures that the questions asked are directly relevant to the information being shared, maintaining the flow and engagement. If a structured Q&A at the end is necessary, allocate time afterward to reinforce key takeaways and leave your audience with a strong, lasting impression.
- Conclude with a Compelling Story: Just as a compelling story can captivate your audience at the beginning, closing with one can creatively encapsulate the information you've presented. However, it's essential to choose a story that resonates emotionally and effectively summarizes your message. Avoid the temptation to conclude with a case study, as these are more suitable for the middle of your presentation. A well-crafted story at the end can leave a lasting imprint on your audience, making your message memorable over the long term.
- Reinforce Main Points: As your presentation draws to a close, take the opportunity to reinforce your main points. Offering a concise summary using a simple formula—tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you told them—provides a structured and comprehensive overview. Take the time to not only list key points but also demonstrate how each point connects to others. This approach enhances clarity, ensuring your audience leaves with a strong understanding of the core messages you aimed to convey.
- Express Gratitude and Acknowledge Contributions: Signaling the conclusion of your presentation requires finesse, and expressing gratitude to your audience is a powerful way to achieve this. Include a dedicated thank-you slide to convey appreciation for their time and attention. Additionally, take a moment to acknowledge any individuals or companies that played a role in preparing your presentation. This act of recognition not only demonstrates professionalism but also reinforces a sense of collaboration and shared success.
T ools🔨 to Help You Craft a captivating Presentation
- Versatile design tool suitable for various graphic design projects, including presentations.
- User-friendly interface, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced designers.
- Extensive library of templates, graphics, and customization options for a visually appealing presentation.
- Limited advanced design features compared to specialized design tools.
- Collaborative features may be restricted in the free version.
- Canva offers a free version with basic features.
- Canva Pro subscription, starting at $9.95 per month, provides additional features and collaboration options.
- Drag-and-drop interface.
- Template library for quick design.
- Collaboration tools for team projects.
- Non-linear approach offers a dynamic and engaging way to present information.
- Unique design style sets presentations apart from traditional slide decks.
- Suitable for those seeking a creative and visually impactful presentation.
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with non-linear presentation styles.
- Free version has limited features.
- Prezi offers a free version with basic features.
- Prezi Plus subscription, starting at $7 per month, provides more storage and advanced features.
- Prezi Business subscription, starting at $19 per month, is designed for teams and includes collaboration features.
- Non-linear presentation style.
- Zooming and panning effects for a dynamic presentation.
- AI-driven design aids in creating polished layouts quickly.
- User-friendly with templates and content blocks for ease of use.
- Ideal for those prioritizing time efficiency in the presentation creation process.
- Limited customization options compared to more advanced design tools.
- Free version has limitations.
- Slidebean offers a free version with basic features.
- Slidebean Premium subscription, starting at $9 per month, provides additional features, including privacy settings.
- AI assistance for layout design.
- Time-saving templates and content blocks.
Google Slides:
- Simplistic and accessible, allowing presentations to be created from any device.
- Compatibility with widely used presentation software like Microsoft PowerPoint and Keynote.
- Collaboration in real-time with team members.
- Limited offline functionality.
- Less advanced features compared to standalone design tools.
- Google Slides is free to use with a Google account.
- Cloud-based collaboration.
- Seamless integration with Google Drive.
Microsoft PowerPoint:
- Feature-rich with a wide range of design options and templates.
- Integration with other Microsoft Office applications for seamless workflow.
- Robust collaboration features for team projects.
- Requires a Microsoft Office subscription for full access to advanced features.
- Learning curve for users new to the software.
- Part of the Microsoft Office suite, available through subscription plans starting at $69.99 per year.
- Extensive template library.
- Advanced design and animation options.
Start your Presentation like a Pro 😎
- Make a Bold Assertion:
- Craft a compelling, confident statement that demands attention.
- Emphasize the value and expertise you bring to the audience.
- Provide the Unexpected:
- Break the mold by defying expectations in your opening.
- Incorporate humor or surprise elements to captivate your audience.
- Pique Curiosity:
- Pose thought-provoking questions that stir curiosity.
- Harness the brain's affinity for curiosity to enhance engagement.
- Employ the "confession" technique used by many successful Ted Talk presenters.
- Pose Thoughtful Questions:
- Present questions that prompt deep reflection and engagement.
- Craft inquiries that require more than a simple yes or no response, encouraging active participation.
- Tell a Compelling Story:
- Initiate your presentation with a gripping narrative.
- Utilize the universal appeal of storytelling to instantly engage and connect with your audience.
Presentation Mistakes to Avoid 🤫
Importance of ending presentation on a positive note
Conclusion:
Frequently asked questions:, blogs you might like:.
- How to convert PPT to PDF online: https://www.magicslides.app/blog/How-to-convert-PPT-to-PDF-online
- How To Duplicate A Power Point: https://www.magicslides.app/blog/how-to-duplicate-a-power-point
- How To Create PPT With Just A Topic Name: https://www.magicslides.app/blog/How-to-create-PPT-with-just-a-topic-name
- How To Make Presentations Interactive: Top 10 Tips: https://www.magicslides.app/blog/How-to-Make-Presentations-Interactive-Top-10-tips
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Blog > 10 creative Ideas for your Title- and End-Slides in Presentations
10 creative Ideas for your Title- and End-Slides in Presentations
11.13.19 • #powerpointtips #presentation.
Of all the slides in a PowerPoint presentation, the ones that are without a doubt the most important ones are the first and the last one. It makes perfect sense – the title slide sets the general tone. Make it boring and you’ll loose your audience’s attention within the first few minutes. If you’re making it exciting and innovative on the other hand, you’re taking a big step towards giving an amazing presentation and having an engaged audience. It is very similar with the final slide. It will be the one that people are going to remember most, the one that is supposed to make people leave the room thinking ‘Wow! What a great presentation!’ A bad ending could even mess up what would otherwise be a good performance overall (just think of a good TV show with a bad ending…).
The most common mistakes for title and final slides
If you asked 100 people what belongs on your PowerPoint’s title slide, the majority would answer ‘The title, maybe a subtitle, the presenter’s name and company, the date’. That kind of title slide is alright, but you usually say all of these things in the beginning of a presentation anyway. Also, it is very likely that most of your attendees know these things – they usually signed up for it after all. So what’s the point in listing all of that information on your title slide, when you could also use it for making a stunning first impression? Not only the title slide is commonly designed in an uncreative and conventional way. Too often, you can see PowerPoint presentations ending with the ‘Any Questions?’ or even worse – the ‘Thank you for your attention’ slide. ‘Thank you for your attention’ is a set phrase that has been said so many times it can’t possibly be delivered in an authentic way anymore. Therefore, it’s better to think of something else for your grand final. Finding an unconventional ending that suits your presentation style makes you seem much more charismatic and authentic than using an empty phrase.
1. An inspiring quote
An inspiring quote on your slide is a perfect way to both start and finish your presentation. Well, it does not have to be inspiring. It could be any quote that is somehow connected to your presented topic. Just have fun looking through books and the internet to find interesting quotes that you want your audience to hear. Good pages to look at for inspiration are goodreads and brainyquotes.com .
2. A blank slide
This might seem strange to some people, but a blank slide can be really powerful if you want to have your audience’s full attention. You can use the advantage of blank slides by incorporating them at the beginning, in the end or even in between your regular slides. You can either use a blank slide of your regular template (so there will still be some design elements on it) or go all in and make the slide completely black (or white).
3. A call to action
If the goal of your presentation is to really make your audience act in some kind of way, there is no better way to start – or better yet end your presentation than with a call to action. This can be literally anything from little trivial things like “Drink enough water during the presentation so your brain stays intact!” – which will lighten up the mood – to more serious calls like “Help reducing waste by recycling whenever possible!”.
4. A question
Usually, it is the audience that asks questions after a presentation. However, you can also turn that around and ask your attendees instead. However, it’s important to ask a question that can be answered easily and individually – the best questions involve previous experiences and personal opinions (asking about facts or questions that are hard to understand can often lead to silence and no one wanting to answer).
5. An interactive poll
Nothing engages the audience like a live poll. Conduct one right at the beginning to get everybody envolved, and/or wait until the end to get your audience’s opinion on something. Icebreaker polls are the perfect way to start, as they lighten the mood. You can easily create polls for free with interactive software tools such as SlideLizard .
6. A funny picture, meme, or quote
I’m pretty sure that every student nowadays has that teacher that just tries a little too hard to be cool by throwing in a meme on literally every single slide. That may be a bit too much. But just a little comedy at the beginning or in the end can make you seem very charismatic and entertaining and catch the attention of your listeners. Open (or close) with a joke, a funny picture or a quote – whichever you feel comfortable with. It is usually best if it has something to do with the topic you’re presenting.
7. An interesting fact
Catch the audience’s attention by putting an interesting fact concerning the topic on one of your slides – ideally at the beginning, but maybe also in the end (to keep up the audience’s interest even after the presentation is done).
8. The title, but with a twist
If you feel like you need to put the presentations name/topic on the front slide, but still want that little creative twist, just change the title slightly. According to what I’m proposing, rather dull presentation titles like e.g. “Marine Biology – An Introduction to Organisms in the sea” can be transformed to “Marine Biology – Diving Deep” (or something less cheesy if you prefer). Make it either funny or over-the-top spectacular and catch the audience’s attention!
9. A bold statement, opinion, or piece of information
This is probably the best way to capture your audience from the beginning on. Start with a radical, crazy opinion or statement and then get your attendees hooked by telling them that during the presentation, they will learn why you’re right. It could be anything, really, as long as it goes well with your presented topic – from the statement “Everybody has the time to read 5 books a month” to “Going to college is a waste of time” or “The human species is not the most intelligent on earth” – Take whatever crazy, unpopular theory or opinion you have, throw it out there and (very important!) explain why you’re right. You’ll have your audience’s attention for sure and might even change some of their opinions about certain things.
10. No title and end slide at all
Yes, that’s a possibility as well. If you absolutely can’t think of any creative or otherwise good way to start and end your presentation – even after reading the tips mentioned above – then simply don’t. That’s right - no title and end slide at all. You can pull that of by simply introducing yourself in the beginning, then getting right into the topic (which makes a good impression, long introductions are usually rather tedious) and when you’re at your last slide just saying a simple ‘Goodbye, thank you and feel free to ask questions’.
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About the author.
Pia Lehner-Mittermaier
Pia works in Marketing as a graphic designer and writer at SlideLizard. She uses her vivid imagination and creativity to produce good content.
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‘Good Omens’ Ending With 90-Minute Episode, Neil Gaiman Not Involved in Production
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Good Omens will get a proper ending, but it will be with a shorter final season than expected.
The Prime Video series, which was originally going to be ending with a third and final season, will be wrapping up with one 90-minute episode. Neil Gaiman , who co-wrote the book on which it’s based with Terry Pratchett, will not be working on production following allegations of sexual assault against him . He has contributed to the writing of the series finale.
Production on the episode is expected to begin in early 2025 in Scotland. It will “bring to life a serendipitous conversation from almost 35 years ago, between the late Sir Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, where they mapped out ‘what happens next’ to the wonderful characters in the world of their internationally best-selling novel,” according to Prime Video.
The series follows Michael Sheen ‘s angel Aziraphale and David Tennant ‘s demon Crowley, beginning with them trying to stop the apocalypse in Season 1. Season 2 ended with the two separated, and Aziraphale heading off to Heaven to take the position of Supreme Archangel and Crowley turning down an offer to go with him and be an angel again. Instead, the demon wanted them to be “an us” and go off together, and the two parted ways following a heartbreaking kiss.
'Good Omens': 16 Most Romantic Crowley & Aziraphale Moments
“One of the extraordinary things about being a part of [ Good Omens ] is the audience, the fans, the fandom of it. You have to take it very seriously because people get really affected by it,” Sheen told TV Insider in August. “And seeing how people reacted to the end of Season 2 was extraordinary. So yeah, I hope, and I’m sure, that Season 3 will be a satisfying experience for everyone.”
Rob Wilkins of Narrativia, representing Terry Pratchett’s estate, as well as BBC Studios Productions’ head of comedy Josh Cole will executive produce. The new season is produced by Amazon MGM Studios, BBC Studios Productions, the Blank Corporation, and Narrativia.
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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.".
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.
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.
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.
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.
12. Use the title close technique. Another useful technique for how to end a presentation is to use the title of your presentation as the closing words. This creates a bookend to your entire presentation and can be used to bring your audience full circle. See the tip about coming full circle above. 13.
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.
Ending with a visionary statement can create excitement and buy-in for your ideas. 10. Close with a Thank You and Q&A: Suitable for Formal Presentations and Academic Talks. A respectful and engaging close, followed by a Q&A, shows appreciation for your audience's time and encourages interaction.
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 ...
Avoid a Q&A. Q&As tend to be left until the very end. But try and avoid this habit we all have of looking to the audience for questions and feedback right at the very end. You always want to hear from your audience but remember that this is your presentation and you want to end it on your terms and with your words.
At the end of your presentation, bring together all the information and highlight the bigger picture on a slide. This provides your audience with something concrete to remember as a conclusion. 8. Make it memorable. Just like advertising, effective presentations are often about anchoring something in people's memory.
Your presentation ending may be a good time to use a relevant quote. People love quotes, and they provide a satisfying ending. But make sure that your quote is appropriate for the tone and message of your speech. Recommended books. How to Deliver a TED Talk: Secrets of the World's Most Inspiring Presentations.
1. A Strong Call to Action. There is always a purpose/goal behind every speech. You engage the audience with your content and establish a connection to achieve that goal. A call to action is a prompt that motivates the target group to take the desired action at the end of your presentation. Some examples of CTA are-.
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 ...
Tip #9: Thank the audience. Tip #10: Ask for feedback. The worst ways to end a presentation. Mistake #1: Overloading your final slide. Mistake #2: Settling for a lackluster closer. Mistake #3: Ending with a Q&A session. Mistake #4: Not having time for any questions at all. Mistake #5: Going over your time.
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 ...
Importance of ending presentation on a positive note. 01 Leaving a Lasting Impression: Ending your presentation on a high note ensures that your audience remembers your key points, contributing to a lasting impression that lingers beyond the session. A strong conclusion cements your message in their minds.
7. An interesting fact. Catch the audience's attention by putting an interesting fact concerning the topic on one of your slides - ideally at the beginning, but maybe also in the end (to keep up the audience's interest even after the presentation is done). 8. The title, but with a twist.
Here are three techniques for creating a memorable ending include: 1. A quote. Use a quote that will stay with your audience members long after they leave the room. I saw a fantastic presentation ...
Emails should start and end strong. The problem is marketers often focus too much on intros, personalized first lines, or email icebreakers. Email closing lines become an afterthought. Closing lines aren't one-off sentences you copy and paste. There isn't a one-size-fits-all closing line. You need to consider the email recipient, tone, and ...
For exclusive news and updates, subscribe to our Good Omens Newsletter: Good Omens will get a proper ending, but it will be with a shorter final season than expected. The Prime Video series, which ...