3 Tips for Conclusions

Nothing is worse than listening to a speech or lecture that seems to never end--except maybe listening to a speech that has an ending that leaves, well, everything to be desired.  In order to control your audience, you must leave them with something to take home--we call this, "the clincher."  It is the end-all, be-all of your conclusion.

But, how do you get to that clincher statement?

A conclusion is just that--it concludes (or ends) your speech.  A solid conclusion needs to restate your points, summarize your speech, and give the audience something to take away with them.  To do this, I highly recommend what is called a reverse funnel.

Your introduction could be compared to a funnel: Start with a general statement and funnel down to your main points.  Your conclusion is, basically, the mirror opposite.  Start with your main points and funnel out to your general statement.  Here are 3 Tips for Solid Conclusions:

1. Restate Points.  If you have three main points, your introduction should state them in the order they appear (I, II, III).  Your conclusion, however, should restate them in reverse order (III, II, I).  Why?  Because you just told us your last point--remind us!  ("Today, we've examined why Sprint is the best choice for mobile carriers, what the differences are among the carriers, and who the available carriers are...")  By doing this, you reinforce to your audience what they just heard and subtly remind them what they're walking away with.
2. Summarize.  Summarize your speech in 3-4 good sentences.  In a persuasive speech, you'll summarize your position and remind the audience why your position is in their best interest.  
3. The Clincher.  Don't fudge on your ending.  The last thing you want to do is simply say, "Thanks for listening," or "Buy it now!"  Hitler did not win the blind trust of so many by simply saying, "Und das ist meine Rende. Folgen Sie mir!" (which is German for "And that's my speech.  Follow me!")  He left the people with something.  He was charismatic, yes, but he also knew how to end his speech with power--which is something you must do!  "Clearly, Sprint is the best choice in mobile carriers.  In fact, it's so clear, you can hear a pin drop."

If you're having trouble figuring out a good clincher statement, think of what would motivate you, or call you to action--get you thinking, etc.  You want the audience to remember you.  Make yourself memorable--leave an impact!

You can read about some of the great orators in William Mathews' book, Oratory and Orators from Amazon.com.