How to End a Speech Memorably

Are you aware that knowing how to end a speech is just as important as knowing how to begin?

Research tells us that people most commonly remember the first and last things they've been told as part of a speech. Therefore if you want your speech to create an impression finishing with: 'Well, that's all I've got say. Thank you for listening', isn't going to do it!

So what will?

Here are three effective alternatives. Each ensures your speech ends powerfully rather than a fading away.

1. Summary of your most important points ending with a powerful quotation
2. Summary of your most important points ending with a challenge
3. Summary of your most important points ending with a call back

To work out which of these to use, ask yourself what you want people to do or feel as a result of listening to your speech.

• Do you want to motivate them to work harder?


• Do you want them to join the cause you are promoting?


• Do you want them to remember a person and their unique qualities?

Let's look at three different scenarios so you can see these endings in action.

1. How to end a speech with a powerful quotation
   
   Your speech purpose is to inspire people to join your cause.
   
   You've summarised the main points and want to finish with a statement to propel the audience into action.
   
   Borrowing words from a revered and respected leader aligns your cause with those they fought for powerfully blending the past with the present. For example:
   
   'Martin Luther King, Jr said 'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.' Now is the time to decide. Now is the time to act. Now. Where do you stand?'



2. How to end a speech with a challenge
   
   Your speech purpose is to motivate your sales force.
   
   You've covered the main points in the body of it including introducing an incentive - a holiday as a reward for the best sales figures. You've reiterated those main points and have reached the closing sentences. The end is a challenge.
   
   'You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours. Can you do it? Will you do it? The kids will love it. Your wife will love it. Do it now!'



3. How to end a speech with a call back
   
   Your speech purpose is to honor the memory of a dear friend who passed away.
   
   You've briefly revisited the principal points of your speech and wish to leave the audience with a happy compelling image to dwell on. Earlier in the speech you told a poignant story, it's that you return to or call back. Here's an example of what you could say:
   
   'Remember that picnic tale? Every blue sky summer's day I'll see Amy in my mind. Her red picnic rug will be spread on green grass under the shade of an old oak tree. There'll be food, friends and laughter. I'll see her smile, her pleasure at sharing the simple things and I know what she'd say too. I can hear it. 'Come on, try a piece of pie. My passing is not the end of the world you know.'

Visit this page for more about structuring a speech. You'll find information on writing the body, opening and conclusion as well as those all important transitions.

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