The way that you end your speech will resonate with your audience long after your presentation has ended. By using advanced presentation skills when you close your speech, you can deliver a speech conclusion that will set you apart as an expert orator. Here are some quick tips to ensure that you hit them with a grand finale!

1. Don’t Quit; Close

Your entire speech is a journey that you are undertaking with your audience. Don’t leave them disappointed that you quit right before the culmination. Work the group to a conclusion that you come to together. If you have delivered your speech effectively, you should know exactly what they are thinking in that moment. Now you can engage them one last time by asking them for a response that will cause them to self-reflect and take action.

Some good endings to consider:

“Now that you know the problem, can we count on you to help with the solution?”

“How will your contributions help us get to our goal?”

“I ask you, are you up for the challenge?”

2. Preparation Is Key

Think of your speech like a Broadway performance. The actors don’t just step on stage opening night without any practice, do they? They have long rehearsals daily, they know every step they will make on stage, and they memorize the script inside and out. By the time performance night comes, they could run on autopilot. The same applies to your speech closing. You should know every nuance of your closing, including how much time it will take to deliver it with the biggest impact. Practice your closing until you can do it in your sleep.

3. Expect The Unexpected

Not everything goes according to plan, which is why you should be able to conclude from anywhere in your speech. Nothing is worse than getting the “5 minutes” signal and realizing that you still have 15 minutes left in your speech. Developing a transition from any segment of your talk to your wrap-up can save you from fumbling and trying to decide which information to include and leave out. Practice your transitions from any part of the speech so it flows smoothly.

4. Add A Final Touch

One of the advanced presentation skills that will set you apart could be including a succinct quote that summarizes your viewpoint, or even a piece of poetry to leave them in the mood you established. While touches like these aren’t vital, they add class and impact.