last speech of presentation

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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• By Illiya Vjestica
• - January 23, 2023

10 Powerful Examples of How to End a Presentation

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.

Think about colours. You want to capture the audience’s attention before closing the presentation. Make sure the fonts you choose are clear and easy to read.

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.

Illiya Vjestica

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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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Best Ways to Conclude a Presentation

Last Updated: October 4, 2023 Fact Checked

Strategies for Wrapping up a Presentation

Other best practice presentation tips, public speaking advice, how should you end a presentation.

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz and by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A. . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 5,856 times.

You’ve just spent the last hour or so preparing a super thorough and detailed presentation. Now it’s time to add the finishing touches and come up with an attention-grabbing and memorable closer. What strategies can you use to make sure that people really remember what you've said? Keep reading to learn all the most effective methods you can use to conclude your presentation in a way that’ll really stick with your audience. We'll cover different strategies you can mix and match to end your presentation with a bang, then follow up with public speaking tips. Let's dive in!

Things You Should Know

• Bring your presentation to a close by first giving a clear indication that you’ll be wrapping up, followed by a short summary of your main ideas.
• Grab your audience’s attention with a strong call to action and an explanation of what good things will happen when they listen to your message.
• Make your presentation memorable by embellishing it with a powerful quote, a story, or a surprising statistic or fact.
• Get your audience involved by running a poll or survey at the end of your presentation.

• “In conclusion…”
• “In summary…”
• “As I conclude my presentation, let me ask you a question.”
• “This brings me to the end of my presentation today.”
• “In respect of time, allow me to wrap up my last comments.”

• “That brings me to the conclusion of my presentation. If you’re to take anything away from my presentation today, let it be the three Cs of credit that we talked about: character, capacity, and capital.”
• "Above all else, remember the acronym RAM: redesign, application, and management."

• “When you volunteer for this program, you will build your skills and gain valuable experiences.”
• “You will participate in the increased profitability of our company by joining this new program.”
• “Make this company a more inclusive and healthy place to work by taking just a few minutes out of your day to do these small actions.”

• “As the Greek historian Plutarch once said, ‘The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.’ Let’s kindle the fire within our minds and make the changes we want to see.”
• “I’ll leave you today with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt: ‘Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.’”
• “Work hard to inspire not only those around you, but yourself as well.”

• Pair this statistic or fact with a memorable visual, such as an illustrated graph, a video, or a picture. The more visual your presentation is, the more memorable it will be to your audience.

• Another way to go about telling a story is to start it in your presentation’s intro and end it during the conclusion. Your audience will be curious to know how the story ends.

• “What do you think the word ‘success’ means?”
• “How can we make an impact every day through the work we do?”
• “Why do you think people are so afraid of change and questioning the way things have always been done?”
• Asking a question at the beginning of your presentation and answering it during the conclusion is another strategy to consider. Just be sure that you don’t forget to answer this question and accidentally leave your audience hanging.

• “What’s your usual mood during the workday?”
• “Have you ever presented your supervisor with a new idea or suggestion?”
• “Do you see yourself participating in this new program?”

• What they liked and disliked about the presentation
• What improvements could be made
• One memorable thing they took away from your presentation

• Before your presentation, go and talk with some of the audience members. This will give them a chance to warm up to you and can help you feel more relaxed once you get up and start presenting.

• Using hand gestures also shows the audience that you’re in control of the space around you, and makes you appear much more confident and at ease.

Expert Q&A

• Keep in mind that your presentation gives you the chance to be a messenger. Give your audience something meaningful to walk with at the end of your speech. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/worst-ways-to-end-a-presentation-2014-7
• ↑ https://www.washington.edu/doit/presentation-tips-0
• ↑ https://www.wilmu.edu/edtech/documents/the-science-of-effective-presenations---prezi-vs-powerpoint.pdf
• ↑ https://www.mentimeter.com/blog/awesome-presentations/ways-to-end-a-presentation-and-tools
• ↑ https://www.niu.edu/presentations/organize/index.shtml
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/11/02/15-methods-of-every-effective-public-speaker/?sh=3a911bdd3047
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Home Blog Presentation Ideas Key Insights on How To End a Presentation Effectively

Key Insights on How To End a Presentation Effectively

A piece of research by   Ipsos Corporate Firm  titled “Last Impressions Also Count” argues that “our memories can be governed more by  how an experience ends than how it begins .” A lasting final impression can be critical to any presentation, especially as it makes our presentation goals more attainable. We’re covering  how to end a presentation , as it can certainly come through as an earned skill or a craft tailored with years of experience. Yet, we can also argue that performing exceptionally in a presentation is conducting the proper research. So, here’s vital information to help out with the task.

This article goes over popular presentation types; it gives suggestions, defines the benefits and examples of different speech closing approaches, and lines all this information up following each presentation purpose.

We also included references to industry leaders towards the end, hoping a few real-life examples can help you gain valuable insight. Learn from noted speakers and consultants as you resort to SlideModel’s latest presentation templates for your efforts. We’re working together on more successful presentation endings that make a difference!

Table of Content

A presentation’s end is not a recap

The benefits of ending a presentation uniquely, the power of closing in persuasive presentations, informative presentations: the kind set out to convey, call to action presentations: trigger actions or kickoff initiatives, a final word on cta presentations, real-life examples of how to end a presentation, succeeding with an effective presentation’s ending.

We need to debunk a widespread myth to start. That’s why the ending of the presentation calls for an appealing action or content beyond just restating information that the speaker already provided.

A presentation’s end is not a summary of data already given to our audience.  On the contrary, a wrap-up is a perfect time to provide meaningful and valuable facts that trigger the desired response we seek from our audience. Just as important as knowing how to start a presentation , your skills on how to end a PowerPoint presentation will make a difference in the presentation’s performance.

Effective ways to end a presentation stem from truly seeking to accomplish – and excel – at reaching a presentation’s primary objective. And what are the benefits of that?

Considering the benefits of each closing approach, think about the great satisfaction that comes from giving an excellent presentation that ends well. We all intuitively rejoice in that success, regardless of the kind of audience we face. 

That feeling of achievement, when an ending feels right, is not a minor element, and it’s the engine that should drive our best efforts forward. Going for the most recommended way of ending a presentation according to its primary goal and presentation type is one way to ensure we achieve our purpose. 

The main benefit of cleverly unlocking the secret to presentation success is getting the ball rolling on what we set ourselves to achieve . Whether that’s securing a funding round, delivering a final project, presenting a quarterly business review, or other goals; there is no possible way in which handling the best presentation-ending approaches fails to add to making a skilled presenter, improving a brand or business, or positively stirring any academic or commercial context. 

The best part of mastering these skills is the ability to benefit from all of the above time and time again; for any project, idea, or need moving forward.

How to end a PowerPoint Presentation?

PowerPoint Presentations differ by dimensions. They vary not only tied to the diverse reasons people present, but they also separate themselves from one another according to: a- use, b- context, c- industry, and d- purpose. 

We’re focusing on three different types of presentation pillars, which are: 

• Informative
• Calls to action

As you can guess, the speaker’s intent varies throughout these types. Yet, there’s much more to each! Let’s go over each type’s diverse options with examples. 

In 2009,   “The New Rules of Persuasion,”  a journal article published by The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, determined that commercial persuasion was missing “the ability to think clearly about behavior goals and the mindset of starting small and growing what works.” Incorporating these thoughts is still equally valid in persuasive presentations today.

What hasn’t changed since, however, is this society’s good reminder that “the potential to persuade is in the hands of millions.” As they stated in that publication, “ordinary people sitting in dorm rooms and garages can compete against the biggest brands and the richest companies.” The proven reality behind that concept can be pretty inspiring.

According to this source, “ the first critical step in designing for persuasion is to select an appropriate target behavior. ” And, for behavior to occur, in their opinion, “three elements must converge at the same moment […]:  Motivation ,  Ability,  and  Trigger .” This theory signals a person is motivated through sensation, anticipation, or belonging when they can perform a particular action. This concept is at the backbone of setting the correct trigger to allow a group of people to react a certain way.

The above is of utmost importance as we seek to gear persuasive efforts. The more insight we get on the matter, the easier it is to define the precise actions that will effectively trigger a certainly required response – in any scenario.

Here are options on how to deliver a final punch in a persuasive presentation during different types of objectives:

Investment presentations

Whenever you seek funding,  that need  should be expressly clear during a pitch. Investors need to know what’s in it for them on a given investment. Highlight what interests them, and add what the  return for the investor  is. Mention dividends, equity, or the return method selected, for instance. Your final ask slide should show the exact amount you’re looking for during this funding stage.

Throughout, explain what an investor’s return on investment (ROI) will be. And make sure you do so according to provable calculations. Here, the goal is to display current figures and future opportunities in your speech.

You mustn’t make up this data. In this setting, presenters are naturally assessed by their ability to stay within real options fully supported by proven and concise reliable information.

Focus on showing an ability to execute and accomplish expected growth. Also, be precise on how you’re using any trusted funds . For that, mention where they’ll be allocated and how you foresee revenue after investing the funds in your idea, product, or company.

Pitch Presentations

Pitches are also another form of persuasive presentation. Presenters are expected to wow in new ways with them, be engaging in their approach, and deliver valuable, market-impacting data. When someone delivers a pitch, it seeks a particular kind of action in return from the audience. Being fully engaged towards a presentation’s end is crucial.

Make sure you give the presentation’s end a Call to Action slide in sales. You’re certainly looking to maximize conversion rates here. Bluntly invite your audience to purchase the product or service you’re selling, and doing so is fair in this context. For example, you can add a QR code or even include an old-fashioned Contact Us button. To generate the QR code, you can use a QR code generator .

According to  Sage Publishing , there are “four types of informative speeches[, which] are definition speeches, demonstration speeches, explanatory speeches, and descriptive speeches.” In business, descriptive speeches are the most common. When we transport these more specifically to the art of presenting, we can think of project presentations, quarterly business reviews, and product launches. In education, the definition and demonstration speeches are the norm, we can think in lectures and research presentations respectively.

As their name suggests, these presentations are meant to inform our audiences of specific content. Or, as  SAGE Flex for Public Speaking  puts it in a document about these kinds of speeches, “the speaker’s general goal is always to inform—or teach—the audience by offering interesting information about a topic in a way that helps the audience remember what they’ve heard.” Remember that as much as possible, you’re looking to, in Sage’s words, give out “information about a topic in a way that’s easy to understand and memorable.” Let’s see how we manage that in the most common informative presentation scenarios mentioned above.

Project Presentations

For projects, presentations should end with an action plan . Ensure the project can keep moving forward after the presentation. The best with these conclusion slides is to define who is responsible for which tasks and the expected date of completion. Aim to do so clearly, so that there are no remaining doubts about stakeholders and duties when the presentation ends. In other words, seek commitment from the team, before stepping out of these meetings. It should be clear to your audience what’s expected next of them.

As an addition, sum up, your problem, solution, and benefits of this project as part of your final message.

Quarterly Business Review Presentations (QBR)

By the end of the presentation type, you would’ve naturally gone over everything that happened during a specific quarter. Therefore, make sure you end this quarterly review with clear objectives on what’s to come for the following term. Be specific on what’s to come.

In doing so, set figures you hope to reach. Give out numbers and be precise in this practice. Having a clear action plan to address new or continuing goals is crucial in this aspect for a recent quarter’s start out of your QBR. Otherwise, we’re missing out on a true QBR’s purpose. According to  Gainsight , “If you go into a QBR without a concrete set of goals and a pathway to achieve them, you’ll only waste everyone’s time. You won’t improve the value of your product or services for your customers. You won’t bolster your company’s image in the eyes of key stakeholders and decision-makers. You won’t better understand your client’s business objectives.” As they put it, “Lock in solid goals for the next quarter (or until your next QBR)” and secure your way forward as the last step in presenting these kinds of data. Visit our guide on  How to Write an Effective Quarterly Business Review  for further tips on this type of presentation.

Research presentations

Your research has come this far! It’s time to close it off with an executive summary.

Include the hypothesis, thesis, and conclusion towards the presentation’s end.

How do you get the audience to recall the main points of all this work? Let this guiding question answer what to insert in your final slide, but seek to reinforce your main findings, key concepts, or valuable insight as much as possible. Support your statements where necessary.

Most commonly, researchers end with credits to the collaborating teams. Consider your main messages for the audience to take home. And tie those with the hypothesis as much as possible.

Product Launch Presentation

Quite simply, please take out the product launch’s roadmap and make it visible for your presentation’s end in this case.

It’s ideal for product launch presentations to stir conversations that get a product moving. Please don’t stick to showcasing the product, but build a narrative around it.

Steve Jobs’ example at the bottom might help guide you with ideas on how to go around this. A key factor is how Apple presentations were based on a precise mix of cutting-edge, revolutionary means of working with technology advancements and a simple human touch.

Elon Musk’s principles are similar. People’s ambitions and dreams are a natural part of that final invitation for consumers or viewers to take action. What will get your audience talking? Seek to make them react.

Lecture for specific classes / educational presentation

When it comes to academic settings, it’s helpful to summarize key points of a presentation while leaving room for questions and answers.

If you’re facing a periodic encounter in a class environment, let students know what’s coming for the next term. For instance, you could title that section “What’s coming next class,” or be creative about how you call for your student body’s attention every time you go over pending items.

If you need to leave homework, list what tasks need to be completed by the audience for the next class.

Another option is to jot down the main learnings from this session or inspire students to come back for the following class with a list of exciting topics. There’s more room for play in this setting than in the others we’ve described thus far.

Harvard Business Review  (HBR) concisely describes the need at the end of a call to action presentation. HBR’s direct piece of advice is that you should “use the last few moments of your presentation to clarify what action [an audience] can take to show their support.” And what’s key to HBR is that you “Also mention your timeframe” as, for them, “a deadline can help to urge [the audience] into action.” Having a clear view of specific timelines is always fruitful for a better grasp of action items.

In her book Resonate,  Nancy Duarte  explains that “No matter how engaging your presentation may be, no audience will act unless you describe a reward that makes it worthwhile. You must clearly articulate the ultimate gain for the audience […] If your call to action asks them to sacrifice their time, money, or ideals, you must be very clear about the payoff.”

Business plan presentations

Here, we need to speak of two different presentation types, one is a  traditional approach , and the second is what we call a  lean approach .

For the traditional business plan presentation, display each internal area call to action. Think of Marketing, Operations, HR, and even budgets as you do so. Your PowerPoint end slide should include the rewards for each of the areas. For example, which will benefit each area when achieving the targets, or how will the company reward its employees when attaining specific goals? Communicating the reward will help each of the responsible entities to trigger action.

On the other hand, for your lean business plan, consider a business model canvas to bring your presentation to an end. 

Job interview presentations

You can undoubtedly feel tons of pressure asking for a specific position. For a great chance of getting that new job, consider closing your case with a  30 60 90 day plan  as a particular hiring date. The employer will see its reward in each of the 30-day milestones.

Also, show off what you’ll bring to the role and how you’ll benefit the company in that period, specifically. Again, to a certain extent, we’re seeking to impress by being offered a position. Your differentiator can help as a wrap-up statement in this case.

Business Model Presentation

The pivot business model fits perfectly here for a presentation’s grand finale. The reward is simple; the business validated a hypothesis, and a new approach has been defined.

Though the setting can be stressful around business model presentations, you can see this as simply letting executives know what the following line of steps will need to be for the business model to be scalable and viable. Take some tension off this purpose by focusing on actions needed moving forward.

Your call to action will center around a clear business model canvas pivot here.

We need to work hard at ending presentations with clear and concise calls to action (CTA) and dare be creative as we’re doing so! Suppose you can manage to give out a specific CTA in a way that’s imaginative, appealing, and even innovative. In that case, you’ll be showing off priceless and unique creative skills that get people talking for years!

Think of  Bill Gates’ releasing mosquitoes  in a TED Talk on malaria, for example. He went that far to get his CTA across. Maybe that’s a bit too bold, but there’s also no limit!

Now that we can rely on a broader understanding of how to conclude a presentation successfully, we’ll top this summary off with real-life examples of great endings to famous speakers’ presentations. These people have done a stellar job at ending their presentations in every case.

We’re also going back to our three main pillars to focus on a practical example for each. You’ll find an excellent example for an informative speech, a persuasive pitch, and a successful investor pitch deck. We’re also expanding on the last item for a guiding idea on ending a pitch directly from Reid Hoffman.

Informational Presentation: A product launch of a phone reinvention

The first is what’s been titled “the best product launch ever.” We’re going back to the  iconic Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch  dated more than a decade ago. You can see how to end a presentation with a quote in this example effectively. The quote resonates with the whole presentation purpose, which was not “selling” the iPhone as a “hardware phone” but as the “hardware” platform for “great software.” Closing with a quote from a famous personality that summarizes the idea was a clever move.

Little words are needed to introduce Steve Jobs as a great speaker who effectively moved the business forward every time he went up on a stage to present a new product. No one has ever been so revolutionary with a calm business spirit that has changed the world! 

Persuasive Presentation: The best pitch deck ever

We’re giving you the perfect example of a great pitch deck for a persuasive kind of presentation. 

Here’s  TechCrunch’s gallery on Uber’s first pitch deck . 

As you can see, the last slide doesn’t just report the status to date on their services; it also accounts for the  following steps moving forward  with a precise date scheduled. 

Check the deck out for a clearer idea of wrapping up a persuasive business presentation. 

Call to Action Presentation: LinkedIn’s Series B pitch deck by Reid Hoffman

As mentioned before,  here’s  an expanded final sendoff! Reid Hoffman is an established entrepreneur. As a venture capitalist and author, he’s earned quite a remarkable record in his career, acting as co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn. 

We’re highlighting LinkedIn’s series B pitch deck to Greylock Partners mainly because these slides managed to raise a $10 M funding round. Yet, moreover, we’re doing so because this deck is known to be well-rounded and overall highly successful. 

LinkedIn may be famous now for what it does, but back in 2004, when this deck made a difference, the company wasn’t a leader in a market with lots of attention. As Reid highlights on his website, they had no substantial organic growth or revenue. Yet, they still managed to raise a considerable amount. 

In Reid’s words for his last slide, “The reason we reused this slide from the beginning of the presentation was to indicate the end of presentation while returning to the high line of conceptualizing the business and reminding investors of the value proposition.” In his vision, “You should end on a slide that you want people to be paying attention to,” which he has tied with the recommendation that you “close with your investment thesis,” as well. A final note from him on this last slide of LinkedIn’s winning pitch is that “the end is when you should return to the most fundamental topic to discuss with your investors.” Quite a wrap-up from a stellar VC! Follow the linked site above to read more on the rest of his ending slides if you haven’t ever done so already.

The suggestions above are practical and proven ways to end a presentation effectively. Yet, remember, the real secret is knowing your audience so well you’ll learn how to grasp their attention for your production in the first place.

Focus on the bigger picture and add content to your conclusion slide that’s cohesive to your entire presentation. And then aim to make a lasting final impression that will secure what you need. There is a myriad of ways to achieve that and seek the perfect-suiting one.

Also, be bold if the area calls for it. As you see above, there is no shame, but an actual need to state the precise funding amount you need to make it through a specific stage of funding. Exercise whatever tools you have at your disposal to get the required attention.

Also, being sure about whatever decision you make will only make this an easier road to travel. If your head is transparent about what’s needed, you’ll be more confident to make a convincing case that points your audience in the right direction.

Check out our step-by-step guide on how to make a presentation .

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How to End Your Presentation: Tips for Your Grand Finale

You have just created the most amazing presentation ever. You have written a touching speech and you are designing your last slides… Oh, wait. How to end your pitch? Sometimes people get distracted.   Don’t panic. You don’t need to read Aristotle’s Rhetoric to close your presentation in an effective way. In this tutorial, we will teach you some tips to influence your listeners and to get new clients, investors, students… They’ll love you and your product or service! 

Summarize and show a sneak peek

Make a lasting impact: quotes, use emotions to persuade your audience, involve your audience, add a “thanks” slide.

Just before saying “thanks” and “goodbye”, it’s time to summarize the contents of your presentation… and give something new to your audience.   Repetition can be a good idea! In this case, it will help your listeners. Thanks to it, they will manage to understand the global structure of your speech, if they didn’t before! In addition, if they had doubts or didn’t understand a section properly, their questions will be immediately answered.  Before or after talking about the main points of your presentation, give your audience something that will make them want to know more about your product or service.   In this respect you give them an opportunity to see something before it is officially available.  

This is a sneak peek. In Slidesgo, we add a special template in some of our Marketing themes .  You could, for example, add a video showing the features of your product. Make it visual, interesting and you will thrill your audience!  → Are you fascinated by the smart design of this News Agency Template yet? Give it a go! 

It’s usual to add a quote to your presentation. Recalling the perfect sentence by an authority is great when you want to persuade or to make a great impact in your listeners.   By authority, we refer to someone who is a specialist in an area or to someone who is pretty famous for his or her work, intelligence…   In the same way, you can also use closing lines of books or movies. They also have a great impact! Have you ever watched Some Like It Hot? The very last sentence pronounced in this movie, became one of the most well known and quoted lines in history. When Jerry confesses that he is a man, Osgood states: “Well, nobody’s perfect.”  Let’s use a famous quote in your presentation. Choose a sentence that represents your passion and that triggers a pleasant feeling in your audience. Talking about effort is always a good idea. The same can be applied to optimism, as it is a contagious emotion! 

Get this quote as an example. It is short, concise and it was pronounced by someone who is famous and successful!  → Did you like this energetic World After Coronavirus Template ? Get it for free!  

You have explained all the technical details of your company and your product or service. Now, let's add some emotive touches to what you want to say.   Of course, it’s something that you can use during the whole presentation, but ending in an emotional way will be very effective.   Our memory works better when emotions are around. We remember quite clearly moments of pure joy, moments of adventure or periods of grief, but you may not remember what you ate a week ago. There were no feelings attached to food (usually!).  Let’s have a look at the following slide: 

It clearly evokes a feeling of strength, self-improvement and self-realization. It seems that the girl can achieve anything she wants! It’s warm, lovely. This image tells a story related to feelings.  Use this sort of image, and match it with your words. Talk about the importance of diversity and how this will result in a better society, for example.  Talking about words themselves, don’t forget to use inclusive pronouns: we, us, our. Make yourself part of your audience. This way, they will feel as part of your team!  → Use now this Girls in Science Template ! 

If you don’t allow your audience to take part in your presentation, in what you say, they can get easily distracted.   Remember that you prepare your presentation or you give a speech having your listeners, clients or potential investors in mind. It’s not something that you prepare for you!  What should you do to involve your audience? We have talked about using “we” in the previous section. Employ “you” as well! This way, they’ll feel that you are directing your attention to them, that you want them to take part in what you are saying.  OK, linguistically speaking it’s a good tip. But… Is there anything else that we can do? Of course!  Asking them questions or rising a challenge can be great for doing so. Imagine this situation: you are just finishing and some of them have stopped paying attention… but you have a question ready for them!  You can use interactive templates in such cases. They are pretty uncommon and funny, so your presentation will turn into a game!

→ Use this Social-Emotional Learning Template now!   

It may seem trivial, but saying thanks at the end of your presentation is important. Why? Well, this serves as a clear indicator that tells your audience that you have finished. If you try to end, for example, with a summary, without any “thanks” slide, it can be confusing.   This is a customary thing to do. We all understand that, with “thanks”, the presentation is over. There are, of course, other important reasons to use this magical word!  Always remember that your listeners have devoted part of their valuable time listening to you and paying attention to your message. Saying thanks is a time-honoured practice. In fact, being polite is the way to persuade your listeners. 

Try using a slide to say “thanks”. Make use of a beautiful theme font and make the word stand out! Apart from that, you could also use this slide to provide your contact details.    They know that your presentation is coming to an end, so they will surely write down your email or your telephone number to contact you!  → Do you like this Wedding Template ? Download and edit it now, it’s free!  The key to have a grand finale is letting your audience understand that you care about them: say thanks, summarize the contents so they are easier to understand. Connect with their emotions! Practice, practice and practice. These tips will help you become as good as Martin Luther King in public speaking!   If you need more free Google Slides themes and PowerPoint templates , you can visit our website! We have beautiful and useful designs for you!    

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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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• Speech Crafting →

Last Slide of Your Presentation: How to Leave a Lasting Impression

Most of us have been in the position of having witnessed far too many presentations where the finale was dull or boring and where the audience, who had been attentive up to that point, started to lose interest or even went away. This can be extremely disheartening after hours of hard work on a presentation, and it might even leave you feeling embarrassed. It is therefore very important to always make sure that there is something special to the very end of your presentation to keep the attention focused and to provide a lasting impression. In this blog post, we are going to share some top tips on how to create the perfect last slide for your presentation that will captivate your audience and make a lasting impression. We will look at how to finish off your presentation on a high note, make a memorable closing statement and more, so read on to find out more.

What is the Last Slide of Presentation?

The last slide of a presentation is an incredibly powerful tool. It allows the presenter to summarize their key points, impress the audience with the central theme of their talk, and leave the audience wanting more. Unfortunately, this final slide can also be a missed opportunity if not crafted carefully. The most common type of last slide is a simple summary of the talk’s key points. This helps to reinforce the major themes and provide an easy reference for the audience members to recall what they heard during the presentation. However, this type of slide can be unengaging and potentially lead to confusion since only limited information is being provided. Additionally, if too much text or data is included on this slide, it can overwhelm viewers and distract from the rest of the message. Alternatively, some presenters use their final slide as an opportunity to draw attention to a single powerful image or quotation that encapsulates their message. This approach is often more effective since it captures viewers’ emotions and helps drive home the main point of the presentation even after they have left your session. While this type of slide may be more memorable and engaging than a traditional summary slide, it can also feel incomplete without additional context or explanation provided by the presenter. There are numerous ways to craft an effective last slide for a presentation; however, caution must be taken when developing and designing one’s final impression for viewers. Fortunately, by understanding both sides of this debate, presenters will be better prepared to create an effective last slide that gives their audience something to remember long after they have left the room. With that in mind, let’s move on to explore how to write an effective last slide that truly leaves a lasting impression on viewers.

Writing Your Last Slide

When it comes to writing your last slide, the approach you take can be the difference between an effective and unforgettable presentation or a forgettable one. Depending on your style and the message you want to convey, either using a few words or visuals to create the presentation’s impact can be successful strategies. The first method is to use minimalistic wording for your last slide. This option works best for powerful messages that don’t need any additional explanation. For example, if your presentation was about how important teamwork is in an organization, you could end with “Teamwork makes the dream work”. You may have already discussed this idea in your presentation, so ending it with this-one liner will painlessly summarize this message in the minds of your audience members. On the other hand, some presenters prefer to layer on extra visuals to add weight and memorability to their last slide. Including an eye-catching image that ties into the main theme of your presentation or has personal meaning can leave a lasting impression. If you are discussing employee turnover rates in companies, think about including a photo of people that joined forces and applied a collective effort for success. Even without words, this image may resonate better with certain people and make them think more deeply about your topic after the presentation is over. Finally, no matter what route you take when writing your last slide, make sure that it is consistent with your content and emphasizes the critical points of your presentation goal so that it leaves a lasting impression on those who viewed it. These two approaches are how many presenters choose to cap off their presentations and should not be taken lightly as they offer an opportunity to reinforce key ideas from throughout your speech and keep your message top-of-mind long after you finish speaking. By thoughtfully constructing what will be said and shown on your last slide, you will be able engage and motivate your audience while leaving a memorable impression behind as they walk away. Now that we have looked at how to write an effective final slide, let’s move onto reinforcing our main points so that our audience remembers our presentation long after it has ended.

Reinforce Your Main Points

Reiterating your key points at the end of your presentation will help to ensure your message resonates with the audience long after they leave. To do this, you need to review and discuss the main points you have laid out earlier in the presentation. This is also a great time to explain why these points are important and how they contribute to the overall objective. One way to reinforce your main points is to revisit key highlights throughout the presentation and reiterate why they should be remembered. Tying back in visuals associated with these critical points is also a great way for your audience to engage with each point one last time. Additionally, using graphics or other visual aids that reinforce your message can help stick that last impression in the minds of those watching. Your slides should be concise enough so as not to overwhelm your audience, yet still give the essence of each point you want them to remember. On the other hand, some people argue that too much summarizing during a presentation can lead to boredom and cause those listening to lose focus. Therefore it is important to ensure that you are reiterating the information in a new way or showing something new so as not to lose their attention. Additionally, it is important not to repeat yourself too much, as no one likes hearing things more than once and it helps to keep the recap brief with just enough detail that your audience can visibly see how all of the pieces fit together. By taking time to properly reinforce your main points before leaving the stage, you are helping to ensure that your presentation ends on an impactful note and leaves a lasting impression with those listening. As we move forward into our next section about including visuals for maximum effectiveness, keep in mind how powerful visuals can be when it comes creating energy and emotion within a presentation.

Include Visuals

Using visuals in your last slide is a great way to make a lasting impression on your audience. Visuals can help provide clarity to the material, help break up the text, and keep the audience engaged. Consider including visual elements such as images, icons, illustrations, charts, videos, and graphs to make your presentation memorable. Including too many visuals may detract from the impact of your message, so you should carefully select only those which are necessary. Images should be relevant to your topic and used appropriately. Graphs should be used to provide clear analysis of key data points, while videos can help edify the main takeaways of your presentation. It’s also important to keep all visuals cohesive by using colors, text size and types that flow together. Whether it’s an infographic or a video summary of your presentation, visuals should be simple and easily understandable for viewers to quickly decipher and remember what you discussed. Wrapping up your presentation with information-rich and visually stimulating materials will ensure that you have made a lasting impression on your audience. Be sure that all slide elements are professional, organized in an easy-to-follow manner and properly integrate them with any verbal commentary you plan use during the conclusion of the presentation .

Key Points to Know

The use of visuals in the last slide of a presentation is highly recommended as they can help to provide clarity, break up text and keep audiences engaged . When selecting visuals, choose those that are relevant and appropriate for the topic and be sure not to overuse them. Graphs should be used to analyse data points; videos should highlight takeaways; and all visual elements should be coordinated and professional. Finally, including information-rich visuals in the conclusion of a presentation will ensure that it has made a lasting impression on the audience.

Wrapping Up Your Presentation

Wrapping up your presentation is a vital step for leaving your audience with a lasting impression. If you want to create an effective last slide, it’s important to end on a strong note, emphasize the main points from throughout the presentation and provide an opportunity for questions. First, determine whether you should use a specific slide or not. When wrapping up a presentation, some prefer to summarize their points without showing an additional slide. Others think having one last slide as part of the conclusion can make a stronger impact on the audience. There’s no right answer – it largely depends on the type of information you need to convey. After deciding if you should present a final slide or not, come up with the content of your closing remarks. Summarize the key messages discussed during your talk and leave the audience with something memorable—like a quote or thought-provoking statement. This provides reinforcement of what you presented and encourages people to reflect on what they learned from your topic thereafter. It’s also important that during this pause , any questions that remained unanswered get clarified. Finally, be sure to thank your audience for attending and inviting you to present. Appreciating the time allotted for your session reinforces the value of both their presence and participation. At this point, if done correctly, you should have created a strong impression in your audience’s mind via an effective last slide or remarks and set the stage for creating a memorable impression afterwards. Now that you know how to wrap up your presentation effectively and leave your audience with something positive in mind, let’s pause here before continuing on to discuss how you can use visuals and content to really create an impactful memorable impression after they walk away from your session.

Create a Memorable Impression

Creating a memorable impression on your audience can be the most important part of a presentation. It’s your opportunity to leave them with something that they will remember and take away from the discussion. With the right approach, you can keep your audience engaged and interested until the very end of the presentation – even long after it’s finished if done correctly. When considering how to create a lasting impression, design and content are both important. Start by thinking about what visuals or images will make the most impact on your audience. Using tools such as graphs or pictures to support your message helps to cement the points you’ve been making throughout the presentation. Additionally, including a short quote or opinion from a well-known figure in the field can help to further convey your message in an interesting and powerful way. However there is also an argument for keeping things simple. For example, rather than overwhelming your audience with a strong image or abstract concept at the end of your presentation, you may find more success in leaving them with something easy to remember such as a performance summary statement – this could be a review of key points that were discussed combined with a few words emphasising why they should care about what they heard. This often works well in leaving a lasting impression while still avoiding overloading viewers with too much complex information at once. Ultimately, creating an effective last slide for your presentation should involve careful consideration of the design and content you use to best summarise the major points you have discussed for maximum impact on your audience. Next, we will discuss why it is important to keep this final slide brief and succinct.

Keep it Brief

When it comes to presenting a lasting impression on your audience with the final slide, brevity is key. An overly long presentation can be distracting and might dampen the desired impact you wish to create. Depending on the length of your presentation, there is usually no need for a lengthy explanation in order to bring the whole event to a strong conclusion. Instead, a concise summary will help summarize all the essential points without dragging out the presentation and overstaying its welcome. By choosing relevant visuals and brief statements which leave a vivid image in the minds of your viewers, you can both amplify any powerful emotions as well as condense an already longer message . The importance of being succinct must be balanced against the limited time available. Even if it means sacrificing some level of detail and allowing some perspective or information to remain unexplained or unsolved, retaining focus on key words or phrases will ensure that your points are not lost in lengthy details. Furthermore, there may be times when detailed conclusions are appropriate due to the nature and duration of your presentation; during such circumstances brevity should be reserved only for questions asked by audience members so that one person’s comment does not expend too much time or block any potential feedback from others in attendance. At the end of it all, it’s important to remember that shorter may be better — but not necessarily always preferable — when crafting an effective last slide for maximum retention. Ultimately, striking a balance between providing enough detail for comprehension and maintaining focus on clear phrases is ideal for creating an impactful conclusion. With this in mind, following directly onto our next topic we explore powerful endings and potential questions that can be posed during closing slides.

Thank You Slide in PPT 

Thank You slides are a popular concluding element to many PowerPoint presentations. They offer the presenter the opportunity to formally thank their audience for their attention, or use the slide as a way to reiterate one’s key points before they end the presentation. Depending on one’s objectives and audience size, Thank You slides can be effective tools or redundant and unnecessary, so it is important to consider both sides of the argument before including them in your presentation. Thanks You slides can help show that the presenter values the time and energy of their audience. A well-crafted Thanks You slide conveys appreciation for both short and long-presentations alike, and reinforces the professionalism of the presentation as a whole. Furthermore, it gives the presenter another chance to drive home any CTA’s (Call To Action) before ending their speech. Including a Thank You slide may appear redundant for short presentations if not done properly. Additionally, for larger crowds, presenting a slide with simple words of gratitude may come off as insincere or lack creativity. In general, if it appears forced or overly-generalized, it may detract from its effectiveness instead of leave a lasting impact on an audience. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and understanding one’s audience when deciding whether or not to include a Thank You slide in PPT presentations. No matter what conclusion is reached, it pays to consider all aspects of using this common tool in order to maximize its effectivity in order deliver a powerful message in every presentation .

Answers to Common Questions

Are there any specific design guidelines to follow when creating a last slide.

When creating a last slide for your presentation, there are some specific design guidelines to follow. Firstly, it should make an impact with the visuals – use bright, vibrant colors and high-quality imagery or iconography. Secondly, ensure that your call to action is clear and succinct – the audience should understand exactly what you want them to do afterward. Thirdly, make sure all necessary text is present and visible – stick to basic typography and avoid overly long sentences or paragraphs. Finally, keep your design simple – too much going on can distract from the message of the presentation. Following these guidelines will help you create an effective last slide that leaves an impressive lasting impression.

What different elements can I include in the last slide my presentation?

When creating the last slide of your presentation, it is important to include a few key elements to ensure that you make a lasting impression. The first element you should include is an attention-grabbing visual. This could be an image, a graph or chart, or a quote that relates to the content of your presentation. In addition, you should also include a succinct and memorable summary of the main points from your presentation. Make sure this summary effectively conveys the main takeaway with just a few sentences or short phrase. Finally, include a call to action for your audience – something thoughtful and meaningful for them to do after hearing your presentation. It could be a request for feedback or questions, or perhaps offering resources for further study on the topic. By carefully selecting these three elements, you will be able to craft an effective last slide of your presentation that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

What tips can I use to create an engaging and impactful last slide?

To create an engaging and impactful last slide, there are a few key tips to take into consideration. First and foremost, try to end with a memorable message – something that will linger with your audience long after you’ve finished speaking. For example, you could include a call-to-action or a strong statement about the values and mission of your organization. This can help solidify the core message of your presentation and draw attention to how attendees should apply the information to their own lives and work. Another tip for creating an effective last slide is to use visual elements such as charts, diagrams, graphs, photos, videos or other multimedia tools. These elements add visual interest and help emphasize key points while still being easy to grasp in a short time. Use colors strategically as well; stick with hues in the same color family but mix in bold shades here and there for emphasis. Finally, make sure your closing slide is concise, organized, and free of any unnecessary text or images. Eliminate filler words like “In conclusion…” or “I hope this has been helpful…” so that nothing distracts from your main message. Leaving just enough room for appreciation gives the right impression that you’ve accomplished what you set out to do. By following these strategies and practicing them before taking your presentation live, you should be able to create an engaging and impactful last slide.

25 Ways to End a Speech or Presentation

You have just given a great presentation that had your audience wrapt the entire time, and it is time to bring it to a close. Just as you want to start your presentation strong, you want to finish strong to really bring home your point and leave your audience with a positive lasting impression. Here are 25 effective ways to end a speech or presentation.

1. Plan Your Closing Remarks Word for Word You have to be careful about how you end your speech or presentation, so planning your conclusion word for word is the best way to go. Ask yourself what the purpose of this speech is, and your answer should involve the actions that you want to see be taken by your listeners after you finish speaking. Be clear about the end result you prefer to have, and it will become much easier to create a conclusion that will motivate your listeners to take that action. Sometimes planning your close before the rest of your speech is the best strategy.

2. Quote Depending on what kind of quote you use, it can stay with audience members long after they leave the room. If you are presenting a speech about how to motivate staffs at the workplace, you can share tips and techniques that have worked for you, but a powerful way of getting your message across to the audience is to wrap your message around a simple quote that is relevant to what you discuss.

“Research indicates that workers have three prime needs: Interesting work, recognition for doing a good job, and being let in on things that are going on in the company.” -Zig Ziglar

3. Call to Action The primary purpose of most business presentations is to compel the audience to take action. Use the last few minutes of your presentation to reinforce the call to action you seek. Whatever you say in telling the audience what to do, imagine an exclamation point at the end. Pick up your energy and tempo as you get to your conclusion, speak with authority and emphasis, and drive the final point home. Whether they agree or disagree with your message, you should make it perfectly clear to the audience what you are asking for. Examples of strong calls to action include:

“Finish the Fight” “Start the Adventure” “Improve the Process” “Contribute Today”

4. Summary Speeches have a simple formula. First, you tell people what you are going to tell them. Second, you tell them. Then, you tell them what you have told them. When you reach the end of your speech, say something like “Let me briefly restate my main points”, and you then list your main points one by one. By showing the audience how each point is linked with each other, they will learn to appreciate the structure of your message. Having a summary at the end is effective in getting the audience to understand why all of your points related to each other and mattered.

5. Close With A Story Especially if it is of personal significance to you, or if it illustrates how the presented content affects other people, telling a compelling story to end your presentation is one of the strongest ways to conclude. When approaching the end of your talk, you can say “Let me tell you a story that shows you what I mean” , then you tell the story that has a moral to it. You tell the audience what the moral is, and you don’t leave it to them to figure it out for themselves.

6. Humor Having a sense of humor lightens the mood of any speech, especially if your speech ends with laughs. Telling a joke that circles back into your core subject and repeats the main point you are making with a certain detail that makes the audience laugh will have a lasting impression. While it is not as easy as saying “Two bears walk into a bar”, highlighting a funny part of an otherwise serious story establishes common ground between you and the audience, and it won’t take away from the key points you were making in your speech.

7. Repetitive Close In some cases, repetition can be a negative thing, but when it comes to speeches and presentations it can play a pivotal role in motivating an audience. Find a phrase and structure it in a repetitive format that beats to its own drum, building to a crescendo ending of a motivational speech. As long as your chosen phrase remains consistent to the heart of your message, repeating the phrase brings the message home for your audience.

“Governments cannot legislate it. Judges cannot adjudicate it. Lawyers cannot litigate it. Politicians cannot appropriate it. Only you can orchestrate it.”

8. Be Poetic There are many great poems that contain messages that summarize the main points you want to make. Choose a poem that is moving, dramatic, or emotional, and it doesn’t necessarily have to rhyme. Some of the best poems ever made don’t rigidly rhyme word for word. As someone who writes speeches, this is the chance for you to express yourself in a creative way while you also keep the emphasis on the main points of your message. Delivering a powerful close to a speech sometimes involves having a poetic tone and structure, as long as you stay consistent with the core of your message.

9. A Running Clock PowerPoint has a feature where a timer is often seen in its software. You can use a timer to schedule breaks in between presentations, but you can also implement timers for speeches themselves, putting yourself on the spot as a speaker. In the “Create Your Own Change” talks run by marketing and advertising executive Dietmar Dahmen, a running clock accompanies his last statement. Dahmen normally says “Users rule, so stop waiting and start doing. And you have to do that now because time is running out.”

If you deliver a time-sensitive message and you want to urge your listeners to move quickly, add a background slide with a running timer to put more emphasis on your last statement.

10. Echo Close Focus on a single word in a quotation and continue to emphasize that word to echo your last statement. For example, if you want to wrap your message around the word “understand”, consider using it at least five times at the end of your speech. This will let the audience know that having a great understanding of the topic you are discussing matters.

“Once we understand what is required of us in advertising, we go forward with that knowledge. Successful advertisers understand that powerful messages sell. If you don’t understand how to sell, you can’t advertise. Understand that we are in this together as a team. Before we can grow our business, we must understand the business.”

11. Make It Clear You Have Concluded All too often there is the temptation for you to shuffle papers around, fidget with your clothes or microphone, or move forward, backward or sideways. If you do anything else aside from standing still like a tree, then chances are that you won’t make an impact when ending your speech. When you say your final words, they should be made clear. No ambiguity or confusion should be in the minds of your audience. They should know when it is over. When you finish, discipline yourself to stand perfectly still. Select a friendly face in the audience and look straight at that person.

12. Title Close Your speech should have a provocative title attached to it. Having a title that encapsulates your message memorably will stay in the minds of listeners for some time. Use the title of your speech as your closing words to encourage your audience to think harder about what they have just heard, reinforcing the title of the speech that you referenced earlier. Mentioning the title of your speech at the end allows you to bring everything logically back full circle.

13. Blank the Screen If you are using slides for your presentation, consider blanking the screen towards the end of it. This will change the mood of the audience in the room and it will force them to put their focus back on you as you deliver your last statement. If you know you are working with an audience that loves to see visuals, blanking the screen will send a message of its own to keep things in perspective. Afterward, you can refer back to the visuals you presented and reveal to the audience the main reasons why you presented them.

14. A Visual Image Sometimes you will be speaking to an audience that needs to see an image at the end to remember all the key points of what you said. End your presentation with a riveting visual that connects to your last statement. Leave this slide on when you finish, and give your audience enough time after your presentation to look at this image. Remember that famous saying “A picture is worth a thousand words” , and apply that saying to this close. A lasting image reinforces your message.

15. Bookend Close If you want to give your speech a bookend, then you will have to refer back to your opening anecdote or quote and say something like “Now we have arrived at where we began.” After saying this, reiterate the message that you want your audience to remember. The classic three-part speech outline of “Tell them what you are going to tell them; tell them, then tell them what you just told them” will be completed with closings like this. By coming back full circle to what you said in the beginning, the entirety of your message will be remembered more clearly by the audience.

16. Movie or Book Close Making a reference to a well-known movie or book will allow the audience to view your speech from a different angle. If you want to provide a history lesson to the audience, you can refer back to the 1915 film “The Birth of a Nation” and its last line of “Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, now and forever!” , and use this line to relate to your political message. You can also refer to fictional stories like “The Prince and the Pauper” and how its ending can relate to a message about the economy. “That means that as long as you live, you’ll have money to live on. And if anybody’s unkind or cruel to you, they’ve committed an offense against the Crown.”

17. Thanking People or Companies There are times when it is appropriate for you to thank people publicly for helping you. These times include when you present a research paper and want to thank people involved in the project, presenting data or information obtained from a company or person, or when someone gave you considerable help in building a presentation that was particularly complex to begin with. If you are using PowerPoint to show slides, use its credits feature to spruce up your speech.

18. End with a Statement One mistake you will often make when you are just beginning your journey in public speaking is that you end your speeches by asking the audience a question. Upward inflection is a question, and this means that you are implying to the audience that there is more coming. Saving questions for the end doesn’t work well. Downward inflection is a statement. When you know for certain that you have a strong ending, you automatically speak with authority, which makes it easier to add impact with your voice and emphasize your message.

19. Let Them Applaud When you finish your speech, the audience members will want to give start clapping. What they will need from you will be a clear signal that now is the time to begin applauding. Some people will recognize sooner than others that you have finished. In many cases, when it becomes clear that you have stopped talking, the audience members will be silent. They may not know what to do until someone else does something. Within seconds one will start clapping, then another, and then the entire audience will clap. You look at the first person who starts clapping and say “Thank you”, and let the round of applause come.

20. Cartoon or Animation Sometimes a single visual image that doesn’t change won’t be enough to illustrate your final point to the audience. Depending on what your speech is about, you will find the need to use a relevant cartoon or short animation to convey your message to the masses. For example, if you want to warn people not to fall into any holes that the business world has in store for them, you can play a short clip of a cartoon character walking down a road and then falling into a hole. Have your message relate to becoming more aware of the dangers that can come from unhealthy work environments.

21. Third-Party Close Leverage the use of a quotation in the context of your message. Use the premise of that quotation to frame your closing. This will serve as a launching pad to lift up your message for the audience to better appreciate. Here is how you can conclude a speech on the importance of embracing change:

“Change plays a significant role in life. Recall the insight of President Abraham Lincoln, staring at a Civil War and fighting the near 100-year long tradition of slavery in the United States, Lincoln addressed change by saying:

‘The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate for the stormy present and future. As our circumstances are new, we must think anew and act anew.’

We need to look at this old issue in a new way, not simply for today but to make our tomorrows more rewarding, more fulfilling, and more compelling because of the change we make today. With your help, we can think anew and act anew on the issue before us today.”

22. Callback Close If you started your speech with a story, but some activity in it wasn’t fully completed, it would be wise to finish your story and close it around your theme. Here is how to call back to your story:

“Remember that paintbrush that toddler held so gently in his hands? Well, now those same gentle hands are poised skillfully for designing graphics. Today he runs a graphic design company.”

23. Sing Song Close Ask the audience to repeat a phrase that you used several times in your speech. If your phrase happens to be “We finish the race together” , you repeat that phrase many times over, and just before you finish your speech, you say: “I know that all of you are talented and driven. I know that this race can be long and tiring, but we don’t quit on each other. We (pause) finish the race (pause until the audience responds) together.”

24. Surprise Introduction of a Person Making an emphatic final statement about your speech sometimes involves the element of surprise. Throughout your speech, you will mention a person you have known well to the audience, and they will start thinking about this person. They will wonder why this person is important to you. At the end of your speech provide a brilliant bridge to your conversations with the audience afterward by introducing that person on stage. Having that person attend your speech and confirm your message will make that person a success story in the eyes of the audience.

25. Rhetorical Question It is recommended to avoid asking the audience general questions where they expect more to come from your speech. However, asking a single rhetorical question, in a way that challenges the audience, can have an impact. Listeners are generally drawn into thinking about an answer, and they can engage when the question is provocative, or when it touches potentially sensitive areas in our lives. You could say “I’d like to end by asking you the future of grocery stores, will they be completely taken over by automation in the next 20 years?”

How you close your presentation will depend on the content and tone of what you have just presented. Regardless of which strategy you choose to use, closing your speech with one of these strategies will ensure that your presentation finishes strong and resonates with your audience.

7 Brilliant Ways to End Any Presentation: When to Use a Presentation Thank You Address

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Published Date : December 4, 2020

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As important as an introduction is to a Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech presentation, the end of your presentation is what you leave your audience with.  Giving a proper presentation thank you address is a helpful public speaking skill .

When is it appropriate to simply say “thank you” and close your presentation?

In what moments does a presentation require more from you? 

How do you tell your audience to thank you for watching my presentation if you made a visual presentation?

What is the importance of saying thank you to your audience for listening?

We intend to answer all these questions in this article, and we hope you read the whole page to understand the complete concept of the presentation. Thank you. 

How Should I End a Presentation? Different Ways of Ending a Speech Or a Presentation

As a Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech expert who has attended many presentations and orations, I can tell that each presenter concludes their Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech in different ways. Most speakers will showcase presentation thank you images as a visual aid at the end of a PowerPoint, while others give a summary. 

Irrespective of the speaker’s methods, here are seven ways to end a presentation or speech .

1. Closing with a Summary

 Summarizing key points of your Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech when concluding an oration is an age-old method of finishing your address. It is a technique speakers and writers use to close and ensure their audience remembers their main point.

Using a summary for closure is common with lectures and the traditional presentation thank-you addresses.

2. Closing with the Power of Three

The Power of Three uses a pattern of three words, phrases, or more to emphasize a point and make it more memorable. A typical phrase Julius Caesar uses is “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

3. Closing with Metaphors

Metaphors are a figure of Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech that compares two entities figuratively and makes it seem like they are the same. In basic English Language, the definition of metaphors indicates a form of comparison without using comparative words (for example, like and as).

It is ideal for Motivational speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:374&quot;&gt;A &lt;strong&gt;motivational speech&lt;/strong&gt; aims to inspire, encourage, and energize an audience. It ignites their passion, sparks action, and instills a sense of belief in themselves and their ability to achieve their goals. It is a powerful tool used in &lt;strong&gt;professional speaking&lt;/strong&gt; to boost morale, drive performance, and foster a positive and collaborative environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:17&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Elements:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-12:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:145&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Compelling vision:&lt;/strong&gt; Articulate a clear and inspiring vision for the future, outlining goals and aspirations that resonate with the audience.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:140&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Empathy and understanding:&lt;/strong&gt; Acknowledge challenges and obstacles, demonstrating empathy and connection with the audience&#039;s experiences.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-9:134&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Empowering message:&lt;/strong&gt; Focus on empowering the audience, emphasizing their strengths, potential, and ability to overcome obstacles.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;10:1-10:170&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Storytelling and anecdotes:&lt;/strong&gt; Integrate relatable stories, personal experiences, or inspiring examples to illustrate points and connect with the audience emotionally.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-12:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Call to action:&lt;/strong&gt; Provide a clear and actionable call to action, motivating the audience to take specific steps towards achieving their goals.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:38&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Benefits of Motivational Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-20:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:116&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Boosts morale and motivation:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires individuals to strive for their full potential and overcome challenges.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-16:142&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Promotes teamwork and collaboration:&lt;/strong&gt; Fosters a shared purpose and encourages individuals to work together towards common goals.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;17:1-17:118&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Enhances confidence and self-belief:&lt;/strong&gt; Empowers individuals to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:121&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Increases creativity and innovation:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires individuals to think outside the box and pursue innovative solutions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;19:1-20:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Drives positive change:&lt;/strong&gt; Motivates individuals to take action and contribute to positive change in their personal and professional lives.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;21:1-21:46&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Developing a Powerful Motivational Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;23:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;23:1-23:96&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Define your purpose:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the desired outcome you want your speech to achieve.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Understand their motivations, challenges, and aspirations to tailor your message effectively.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:134&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Focus on storytelling:&lt;/strong&gt; Use compelling stories and anecdotes to illustrate your points and connect with the audience emotionally.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:170&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice and rehearse:&lt;/strong&gt; Hone your delivery to refine timing, vocal variety, and stage presence. Consider using &lt;strong&gt;public speaking tips&lt;/strong&gt; to enhance your presentation.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Deliver with passion and authenticity:&lt;/strong&gt; Inject your enthusiasm and genuine belief in your message to inspire the audience.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:20&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Additional Tips:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:123&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Use humor strategically:&lt;/strong&gt; Use humor appropriately to lighten the mood and connect with the audience on a deeper level.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:121&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Embrace your personality:&lt;/strong&gt; Let your unique personality shine through to create a genuine and captivating connection.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:121&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;End with a memorable closing:&lt;/strong&gt; Leave the audience with a powerful quote, inspiring call to action, or lasting image.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Seek &lt;/strong&gt;feedback from trusted colleagues or advisors to refine your speech and delivery.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:371&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:371&quot;&gt;A well-crafted and delivered &lt;strong&gt;motivational speech&lt;/strong&gt; can be a transformative experience for both the speaker and the audience. By understanding the key elements, focusing on your audience, and honing your &lt;strong&gt;professional speaking&lt;/strong&gt; skills, you can deliver speeches that ignite passion, inspire action, and empower individuals to achieve their full potential.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/motivational-speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">motivational speech presentations and graduation speeches . This type of closing works perfectly if you use an analogy, anecdote, or reference to the comparative subject during your presentation.

4. Using Facts to Recreate Engagement

Some of the most memorable Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech presentations end with things that regain the audience’s attention. If you search Google, you will find facts related to your discussion and share them to surprise your audience.

5. Using an Illustration or Image

Similar to metaphors, you can finish with stories or use an illustration to close. This method is quite common because many orators can use it to start and end their speeches.

Visual aids are essential to help drive your point across when you present, and you can also use them to close effectively.

6. Closing with a Quote or a Short Sentence

If you can condense your summary to a less wordy, short sentence, it tends to leave a longer-lasting impression on your listeners. It is essential to ensure that the short message conveys your authenticity and the importance of your message.

Using a quote is a timeless way to conclude any type of Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech or presentation. However, it is essential to have a quote relevant to your address; if not, you can make a quote out of a point you made while presenting.

7. Making a Provocative Closing

Closing provocatively uses calls to action to move your audience toward a particular goal. An example of this type of conclusion is usually observed with preachers, activists, and advertisers.

Many preachers make altar calls at the end of their sermons, and activists usually end with a wake-up call to move the audience to action.

What is the Best Way to End a PowerPoint Presentation?

PowerPoint presentations take a lot of time and can take an audience almost no time to forget. Figuring out how to make a strong closing will help give your audience something to remember. 

The way you close each ppt depends on the nature of your discussion. 

Closing a Persuasive PPT

Your thank you note for the presentation after a persuasive PowerPoint should win the members of your audience over. To convince them ultimately, you can include:

• A call-to-action
• Verified facts

Closing an Informative PPT

Informative PPTs share data, so the ideal closure for them is a presentation thank-you images that show:

• A summary of all the ideas you shared
• A conclusive concept map
• Bulleted key points
• A recap of the objectives of the presentation

Closing an Introductory PPT

The general concept of introductory Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech presentations is to:

If you give an initial pitch, the best presentation thank you images will give your audience a proper means to contact you or follow up on your next program. 

Note: When concluding any PowerPoint, your thank you for watching my presentation slide will naturally need to follow the same pattern as the entire PPT. It is also helpful if you are creative with the presentation. Thank you.

The General Importance of Saying Thank You

Saying thank you means expressing gratitude for an action completed or a gift. In any setting, your ability to express gratitude, irrespective of whether or not you deserved the service you got, goes a long way.  

Some advantages of expressing gratitude include:

What is the importance of presenting thank you images?

As a part of the audience, after listening to a speaker talk all day, especially when you can leave but stay, a minute presentation thank you would suffice.

It’s no secret that some presenters do not say thank you after their Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech , so what do you gain by thanking your audience?

• It helps you reinforce already established values. 
• Strengthens speaker-audience relationships. 
• Serves as a foundation for trust.
• Stimulates conversation by question and answer strategies.
• It makes you unique in numerous places.

How to Say Thank You at the End of Your Presentation: Simple Tips and Tricks

Saying thank you is not only about expressing gratitude. Often, saying thank you is a business strategy, and presenting thank you images must  prove their worth for your business.

Some simple pointers to remember are:

• Remain professional
• Avoid grammatical errors as much as possible.
• Try not to seem salesy; instead, be polite.
• Employ perfect timing

Using the Right Voice Tone

Every type of presentation setting demands a specific tone type. You will need to adjust your tone to avoid being misunderstood.

Personalize It and Try to Maintain Relevance

It is rather rude to use a copy-and-paste post-presentation thank you message. Instead, it’s best to make a unique, personalized thank-you note that is audience-specific.

Additionally, it’s best to remain within the subject matter for the conclusion by sharing relevant information.

Ask Questions and Answer Previous Ones

If you have any questions before the presentation, it is best to answer them now. If you used an “any questions slide,” you can also answer questions from there.

When your time starts finishing, and you cannot answer any more questions, try to provide contact details or follow up with their concerns.

Practice the perfect end to your presentation with Orai

When to Use and When to Avoid a Thank You Presentation Slide

Using tact is a vital tool when facing Public Speaking &lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&gt; &lt;p&gt;Public speaking refers to any live presentation or speech. It can cover a variety of topics on various fields and careers (you can find out more about public speaking careers here: https://orai.com/blog/public-speaking-careers/.  Public speaking can inform, entertain, or educate an audience and sometimes has visual aids.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;!-- /wp:paragraph --&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&gt; &lt;p&gt;Public speaking is done live, so the speakers need to consider certain factors to deliver a successful speech. No matter how good the speech is, if the audience doesn&#039;t connect with the speaker, then it may fall flat. Therefore, speakers have to use a lot more nonverbal communication techniques to deliver their message. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;!-- /wp:paragraph --&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!-- wp:heading --&gt; &lt;h2&gt;Tips for public speaking&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;!-- /wp:heading --&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!-- wp:list --&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Have a sense of humor.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Tell personal stories that relate to the speech you&#039;re giving.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Dress appropriately for the event. Formal and business casual outfits work best.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Project a confident and expressive voice.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Always try to use simple language that everyone can understand.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Stick to the time given to you.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Maintain eye contact with members of your audience and try to connect with them.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;!-- /wp:list --&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/public-speaking/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">public speaking opportunities. Knowing when it is okay to share a thank you presentation slide and when it isn’t necessary is essential.

Some of the times when saying thank you for listening to my presentation is appropriate and essential are:

• When you have an audience that shows up voluntarily, it is essential to express gratitude.
• If you are expressing gratitude to your team for putting in hard work
• If your audience needed to travel to attend your presentation

On the other hand, there are some situations when presentation thank you images are either inappropriate or unnecessary:

• If you plan to answer questions after your presentation or host an interactive session, presentation thank you images will prompt your audience to leave the meeting.
• If your presentation has terrible news, a presentation thank you will be insensitive and inappropriate.
• When you need to assign a task or follow up on anything, it’s better to end with that than a thank you slide.

Potential Alternatives to a Presentation Thank You Image

Ending with a simple presentation, thank you, is often seen as a weak presentation. It is usually best to complete your presentation creatively or using a call-to-action. 

So, in what ways can you effectively end your Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech using visual aids without needing to use presentation thank you images?

Using a “One More Thing” Slide

This type of presentation thank you option introduces (for lack of a better term) the final bomb or the hidden gem. For example, if you were introducing a new product, your one more thing slide would probably show an unexpected benefit of purchasing the product to woo your audience.

This type of slide is inappropriate for every presentation, so you will have to consider the nature of your audience when inputting this idea.

A Slide that Continues the Conversation

This type of ending could feature a form of presentation thank you that continues the discussion. It may be a bunch of arguments that gear your audience’s communication with each other or with you.

Ideally, you will need to provide them with contact information so they can communicate with you after you finish. If you are searching for new prospects for partnership or employment, this is the best slide to include such details.

Closing with “Any Questions?”

This type of closing is the most common aside from the mainstream presentation thank you images. As I stated earlier, it isn’t appropriate to include a presentation thank you if you hope to continue any discussion. 

Asking for questions boosts audience engagement and serves as a memory aid so they remember your presentation. However, it isn’t uncommon to have no one asking you questions while you present. 

If you want to avoid the awkwardness of an unanswered no-questions slide, here are some things you can try:

• Asking the first question yourself is an icebreaker.; your inquiry has the potential to open room for more questions
• Ask a friend in the audience to break the ice with the first question.
• Asking your audience to prepare for questions in advance by providing them with the necessary materials
• Distributing pre-presenting writing material to the audience to motivate them to write down questions they might have had during your Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech so that you can answer them effectively.

Practice your presentations with Orai. Get feedback on your tone, tempo, Confidence &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:305&quot;&gt;In the context of &lt;strong&gt;public speaking&lt;/strong&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;confidence&lt;/strong&gt; refers to the belief in one&#039;s ability to communicate effectively and deliver one&#039;s message with clarity and impact. It encompasses various elements, including self-belief, composure, and the ability to manage one&#039;s &lt;strong&gt;fear of public speaking&lt;/strong&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:16&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Aspects:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-12:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:108&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Self-belief:&lt;/strong&gt; A strong conviction in your knowledge, skills, and ability to connect with your audience.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:95&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Composure:&lt;/strong&gt; Maintaining calmness and poise under pressure, even in challenging situations.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-9:100&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Assertiveness:&lt;/strong&gt; Expressing your ideas clearly and concisely, avoiding hesitation or self-doubt.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;10:1-10:104&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Positive self-talk:&lt;/strong&gt; Countering negative thoughts with affirmations and focusing on your strengths.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-12:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Strong body language:&lt;/strong&gt; Using gestures, posture, and eye contact that project confidence and professionalism.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Benefits of Confidence:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-19:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Reduced anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt; Feeling confident helps manage &lt;strong&gt;fear of public speaking&lt;/strong&gt; and stage fright.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-16:133&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engaging delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; Confident speakers project their voices, hold eye contact, and connect with their audience more effectively.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;17:1-17:137&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Increased persuasiveness:&lt;/strong&gt; A confident presentation inspires belief and motivates your audience to listen and remember your message.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-19:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Greater impact:&lt;/strong&gt; Confidently delivered speeches leave a lasting impression and achieve desired outcomes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:15&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Challenges:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-26:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:112&quot;&gt;Overcoming &lt;strong&gt;fear of public speaking&lt;/strong&gt;: Many people experience some level of anxiety when speaking publicly.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;23:1-23:101&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Imposter syndrome:&lt;/strong&gt; Doubting your abilities and qualifications, even when objectively qualified.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:92&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Negative self-talk:&lt;/strong&gt; Internalized criticism and limiting beliefs can hamper confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-26:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Past negative experiences:&lt;/strong&gt; Unsuccessful presentations or negative feedback can erode confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-27:24&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Building Confidence:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-36:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice and preparation:&lt;/strong&gt; Thoroughly rehearse your speech to feel comfortable with the material.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;30:1-30:101&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Visualization:&lt;/strong&gt; Imagine yourself delivering a successful presentation with confidence and poise.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:100&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Positive self-talk:&lt;/strong&gt; Actively replace negative thoughts with affirmations about your abilities.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Seek feedback:&lt;/strong&gt; Ask trusted individuals for constructive criticism and use it to improve your skills.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:157&quot;&gt;Consider a &lt;strong&gt;speaking coach&lt;/strong&gt;: Working with a coach can provide personalized guidance and support to address specific challenges and confidence barriers.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-34:114&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Start small:&lt;/strong&gt; Gradually increase the size and complexity of your speaking engagements as you gain experience.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;35:1-36:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Focus on progress:&lt;/strong&gt; Celebrate small successes and acknowledge your improvement over time.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;37:1-37:282&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;37:1-37:282&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Confidence&lt;/strong&gt; in public speaking is a journey, not a destination. By actively practicing, embracing feedback, and focusing on your strengths, you can overcome &lt;strong&gt;fear of public speaking&lt;/strong&gt; and develop the &lt;strong&gt;confidence&lt;/strong&gt; to deliver impactful and memorable presentations.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/confidence/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">confidence , and consciousness to help you get your presentation on point.

Thank You Letters: Taking it A Step Further

Numerous presentations, especially business idea pitching, hardly lead to immediate sales. In such a case, ending with a presentation, thank you, and contact information isn’t enough. 

You will need to take it further by sending a thank you letter so they can remind you, mostly if they have already forgotten. So, how do you follow up on a potential client or previous sponsor with a presentation? Thank you.

Elements of a Good Thank You Letter

When writing an excellent thank you letter, you must consider elements to ensure that your recipient reads it and carries out the appropriate action. 

You do not require a soothsayer to tell you that people do not read every letter. So, how do you beat the odds and make your message worthwhile? Here are some elements you can include to that effect.

A Strong Subject Line

If you can remember the times you intentionally opened spam mail, I am sure it had something to do with the subject. Most companies treat letters like this as spam and have no reason to read them.

However, if you can create a subject line that clearly states your intentions, you have a better chance of having your mail read.

Clearly Expressed Gratitude

Start the letter by expressing gratitude for attending your presentation and giving you time. You can also include other factors in your message that you need to express gratitude for.

A Summary of Your Presentation 

They aren’t likely to have any reason to remember all the points you made during your presentation. Now is the perfect time to remind them and highlight the issues you presented they could have missed. 

It’s best to use bullet points to give them room for skim reading. Additionally, if you have reached an agreement, you should include it in the letter for Clarity &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:269&quot;&gt;In &lt;strong&gt;public speaking&lt;/strong&gt;, &lt;strong&gt;clarity&lt;/strong&gt; refers to the quality of your message being readily understood and interpreted by your audience. It encompasses both the content and delivery of your speech, ensuring your message resonates and leaves a lasting impact.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:16&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Key Aspects:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-13:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:133&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conciseness:&lt;/strong&gt; Avoid unnecessary details, digressions, or excessive complexity. Focus on delivering the core message efficiently.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:149&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Simple language:&lt;/strong&gt; Choose words and phrases your audience understands readily, avoiding jargon or technical terms unless you define them clearly.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-9:145&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Logical structure:&lt;/strong&gt; Organize your thoughts and ideas logically, using transitions and signposts to guide your audience through your message.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;10:1-10:136&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Effective visuals:&lt;/strong&gt; If using visuals, ensure they are clear, contribute to your message, and don&#039;t distract from your spoken words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:144&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Confident delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; Speak clearly and articulately, avoiding mumbling or rushing your words. Maintain good eye contact with your audience.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;12:1-13:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Active voice:&lt;/strong&gt; Emphasize active voice for better flow and avoid passive constructions that can be less engaging.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:24&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Benefits of Clarity:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-20:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-16:123&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Enhanced audience engagement:&lt;/strong&gt; A clear message keeps your audience interested and helps them grasp your points easily.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;17:1-17:123&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Increased credibility:&lt;/strong&gt; Clear communication projects professionalism and expertise, building trust with your audience.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Improved persuasiveness:&lt;/strong&gt; A well-understood message is more likely to resonate and win over your audience.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;19:1-20:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Reduced confusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Eliminating ambiguity minimizes misinterpretations and ensures your message arrives as intended.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;21:1-21:15&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Challenges:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;23:1-27:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;23:1-23:129&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Condensing complex information:&lt;/strong&gt; Simplifying complex topics without sacrificing crucial details requires skill and practice.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:128&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Understanding your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailoring your language and structure to resonate with a diverse audience can be challenging.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:85&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Managing nerves:&lt;/strong&gt; Nerves can impact your delivery, making it unclear or rushed.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-27:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Avoiding jargon:&lt;/strong&gt; Breaking technical habits and simplifying language requires constant awareness.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;28:1-28:22&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Improving Clarity:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;30:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;30:1-30:117&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice and rehearse:&lt;/strong&gt; The more you rehearse your speech, the more natural and clear your delivery will become.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Seek feedback:&lt;/strong&gt; Share your draft speech with others and ask for feedback on clarity and comprehension.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:161&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Consider a public speaking coach:&lt;/strong&gt; A coach can provide personalized guidance on structuring your message, simplifying language, and improving your delivery.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:128&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Join a public speaking group:&lt;/strong&gt; Practicing in a supportive environment can help you gain confidence and refine your clarity.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Listen to effective speakers:&lt;/strong&gt; Analyze how clear and impactful others achieve communication.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:250&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:250&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Clarity&lt;/strong&gt; is a cornerstone of impactful &lt;strong&gt;public speaking&lt;/strong&gt;. By honing your message, focusing on delivery, and actively seeking feedback, you can ensure your audience receives your message clearly and leaves a lasting impression.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/clarity/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">clarity .

Answers to Prior Questions 

If they had questions you could not answer while presenting, now is the perfect time to answer them. It is a gesture that shows potential clients that you care about their concerns.

Additionally, you can encourage more questions to keep the conversation going.

A Professional Closing Note

Most people have customized closing remarks that they send with each mail that usually have the following characteristics in small icons:

• Your name and position in the company
• The company’s name (and logo, if possible)
• The company’s website URL

Practice with Orai and become an expert

Final Tips For Thank You Letters and Speeches 

Irrespective of how you decide to make your presentation thank you slide, these six tips will help you:

• Include a call to action for your audience.
• Try not to end with questions.
• Refer to the opening message.
• Use anecdotes to summarize.
• Incorporate the rule of three where you can.
• Avoid leaving your audience confused about whether or not your presentation is over.

Examples of Presentation Thank You Letter

Subject line: A follow-up on (topic or product)

Hi (insert name)

Express gratitude: I am grateful you took the time to attend today’s program. (Include gratitude for any other sacrifice they made.

Here is a quick recap (___) 

Concerning your questions on ___, here is an attachment with detailed answers. Feel free to ask further questions.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regard,

Business Signature

How should you make a clear call to action to the audience at the end of a presentation?

A powerful presentation ends with a clear, direct call to action. Don’t hope your message inspires action – explicitly tell your audience what you want them to do, why it matters, and its impact. Make it specific, compelling, and relevant, using examples or statistics to drive home the importance. Leave them knowing exactly what steps to take next and the benefits or consequences involved, maximizing your chances of a positive response.

When is it beneficial to ask a rhetorical question at the end of a talk?

Want your talk to linger? End with a powerful rhetorical question! It sparks reflection, reinforces key points, and piques curiosity, leaving your audience captivated long after the presentation ends. Use it to challenge, inspire, and make your message truly unforgettable.

How can you utilize a cartoon or animation to conclude your presentation effectively?

Utilizing a cartoon or animation to conclude your presentation effectively involves integrating visuals that complement your message. Consider incorporating a relevant cartoon that conveys a metaphor or key idea of your presentation. Using humor in the cartoon can also help engage your audience and make your message more memorable. By ending on a visual note, you can leave a lasting impression and reinforce the main points you want your audience to remember.

How should you end a presentation without a “Questions?” slide?

To wrap up a presentation without a designated “Questions?” slide, it is beneficial to encourage audience interaction throughout the presentation by allowing questions to be asked at any point. This ensures that the questions and answers are directly related to the content being discussed. However, if questions are to be fielded at the end of the presentation, a powerful technique is to conclude with a striking image that reinforces and encapsulates the central message or theme addressed during the talk. This visual aid should be a memorable takeaway for the audience, leaving a lasting impression that harmonizes with the presentation’s content. Utilizing this method, you can successfully conclude your presentation on a strong note without needing a specific “Questions?” slide.

Why is it recommended to use a summary slide instead of a “Thank You” slide at the end of a presentation?

Skip the “Questions?” slide! Encourage real-time engagement throughout, then end with a powerful image that resonates with your message. It’ll be a memorable takeaway; no dedicated question slide is needed!

How can quotes and interesting anecdotes be effectively integrated into the conclusion of a speech?

Spice up your Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech conclusion: ditch the tired quotes and choose fresh voices relevant to your audience and topic. Share authentic anecdotes that resonate personally, and weave them seamlessly with your reflections for deeper impact. Memorable endings leave audiences thinking long after your final words.

When used as a closing statement, what impact can a short, memorable sentence or sound bite have on the audience?

Short and sweet: Ditch lengthy closings! Craft a concise, magnetic sentence that captures your message. In today’s attention-deficit world, it’ll linger long after your Speech &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;3:1-3:271&quot;&gt;A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;5:1-5:27&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Components of a Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-10:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;7:1-7:73&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Content:&lt;/strong&gt; The information, message, or story conveyed through words.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;8:1-8:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Delivery:&lt;/strong&gt; The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;9:1-10:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Structure:&lt;/strong&gt; The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;11:1-11:21&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speech in Action:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-17:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;13:1-13:88&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informing:&lt;/strong&gt; Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;14:1-14:119&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuading:&lt;/strong&gt; Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;15:1-15:93&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivating:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;16:1-17:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining:&lt;/strong&gt; Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;18:1-18:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Public Speaking and Anxiety:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;20:1-20:227&quot;&gt;Many people experience &lt;strong&gt;public speaking anxiety&lt;/strong&gt;, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it&#039;s common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;22:1-22:32&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Types of Speeches:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-28:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;24:1-24:81&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Informative speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;25:1-25:102&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Persuasive speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;26:1-26:99&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Motivational speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;27:1-28:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Entertaining speech:&lt;/strong&gt; Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;29:1-29:33&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Crafting a Compelling Speech:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;ul data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-35:0&quot;&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;31:1-31:106&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Know your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;32:1-32:107&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a clear message:&lt;/strong&gt; Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;33:1-33:111&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Engage your audience:&lt;/strong&gt; Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li data-sourcepos=&quot;34:1-35:0&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Practice, practice, practice:&lt;/strong&gt; Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;h2 data-sourcepos=&quot;36:1-36:13&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Remember:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;p data-sourcepos=&quot;38:1-38:281&quot;&gt;Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.&lt;/p&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech , leaving a powerful impression and resonating with your audience. Remember, short and impactful embodies your voice and drive home your key points. Boom!

In what situations is it appropriate to acknowledge individuals or companies at the end of a presentation?

Say thanks! Publicly acknowledging collaborators, data sources, and presentation helpers in research, information use, and preparation scenarios shows respect, professionalism, and gratitude. Use both verbal mentions and presentation software credits for maximum impact. Remember, a little appreciation goes a long way!

How can visual aids, such as a running clock or images, be employed to emphasize key points during the conclusion of a speech?

End with a bang! Use visuals like a ticking clock to build urgency or powerful images to solidify your message. Leave them on display for reflection, letting the visuals do the final talking and ensuring your key points leave a lasting impression.

How can surprising facts be used to re-engage the audience’s attention at the end of a presentation?

Surprise them! When attention fades, drop a shocking fact with stats. Use online resources to find fresh info, keeping sources handy for Q&A. It’ll re-energize them, offering new insights and solidifying your credibility. Boom!

What role can storytelling play in concluding a presentation and engaging the audience?

Storytime! Wrap up with a short, impactful story – personal or relevant to your topic. Think customer experience or a case study with heart. Make it relatable, spark empathy, and tie it back to your key points. Boom – a memorable, engaging ending that sticks!

How can I make my presentation memorable using the “power of three” communication method?

Rule of three! Organize your conclusion in trios: points, examples, and stories. Brains love patterns and threes stick! Memorable, impactful, and resonating – that’s your ending goal. Keep it simple, repeat key points, and leave them with a lasting impression.

How can I effectively end a presentation or speech to leave a lasting impression on the audience?

Nail your ending! Use the power of three: storytelling, surprising facts, or visuals to grab attention. Acknowledge others, craft a short & memorable closing, summarize key points, repeat key messages, and end with energy to inspire action. Leave a lasting impression, not a fade-out!

How can you ensure that your audience understands when your presentation has concluded?

End strong! Rule of three for impact, clear closing cue (no guessing!), confident “thank you,” and wait for applause. No fidgeting, no weak exits. Leave them wanting more, not wondering if it’s over!

Final Notes: Saying Thank You is a Vital Life Skill

As far as life goes, saying thank you properly is essential. Even if you are giving a paid lecture or presentation, thank you notes give your audience a sense of importance for participating in your work process. 

An asset every public speaker has after overcoming the fear of Public Speaking &lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&gt; &lt;p&gt;Public speaking refers to any live presentation or speech. It can cover a variety of topics on various fields and careers (you can find out more about public speaking careers here: https://orai.com/blog/public-speaking-careers/.  Public speaking can inform, entertain, or educate an audience and sometimes has visual aids.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;!-- /wp:paragraph --&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!-- wp:paragraph --&gt; &lt;p&gt;Public speaking is done live, so the speakers need to consider certain factors to deliver a successful speech. No matter how good the speech is, if the audience doesn&#039;t connect with the speaker, then it may fall flat. Therefore, speakers have to use a lot more nonverbal communication techniques to deliver their message. &lt;/p&gt; &lt;!-- /wp:paragraph --&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!-- wp:heading --&gt; &lt;h2&gt;Tips for public speaking&lt;/h2&gt; &lt;!-- /wp:heading --&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;!-- wp:list --&gt; &lt;ul&gt; &lt;li&gt;Have a sense of humor.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Tell personal stories that relate to the speech you&#039;re giving.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Dress appropriately for the event. Formal and business casual outfits work best.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Project a confident and expressive voice.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Always try to use simple language that everyone can understand.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Stick to the time given to you.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;Maintain eye contact with members of your audience and try to connect with them.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt; &lt;!-- /wp:list --&gt; " href="https://orai.com/glossary/public-speaking/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">public speaking is their ability to express gratitude to their audience for the time they spent listening.

I hope you remember to say thank you creatively!

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How to Structure your Presentation, with Examples

August 3, 2018 - Dom Barnard

For many people the thought of delivering a presentation is a daunting task and brings about a  great deal of nerves . However, if you take some time to understand how effective presentations are structured and then apply this structure to your own presentation, you’ll appear much more confident and relaxed.

Here is our complete guide for structuring your presentation, with examples at the end of the article to demonstrate these points.

Why is structuring a presentation so important?

If you’ve ever sat through a great presentation, you’ll have left feeling either inspired or informed on a given topic. This isn’t because the speaker was the most knowledgeable or motivating person in the world. Instead, it’s because they know how to structure presentations – they have crafted their message in a logical and simple way that has allowed the audience can keep up with them and take away key messages.

Research has supported this, with studies showing that audiences retain structured information  40% more accurately  than unstructured information.

In fact, not only is structuring a presentation important for the benefit of the audience’s understanding, it’s also important for you as the speaker. A good structure helps you remain calm, stay on topic, and avoid any awkward silences.

What will affect your presentation structure?

Generally speaking, there is a natural flow that any decent presentation will follow which we will go into shortly. However, you should be aware that all presentation structures will be different in their own unique way and this will be due to a number of factors, including:

• Whether you need to deliver any demonstrations
• How  knowledgeable the audience  already is on the given subject
• How much interaction you want from the audience
• Any time constraints there are for your talk
• What setting you are in
• Your ability to use any kinds of visual assistance

Before choosing the presentation’s structure answer these questions first:

• What is your presentation’s aim?
• Who are the audience?
• What are the main points your audience should remember afterwards?

When reading the points below, think critically about what things may cause your presentation structure to be slightly different. You can add in certain elements and add more focus to certain moments if that works better for your speech.

What is the typical presentation structure?

This is the usual flow of a presentation, which covers all the vital sections and is a good starting point for yours. It allows your audience to easily follow along and sets out a solid structure you can add your content to.

1. Greet the audience and introduce yourself

Before you start delivering your talk, introduce yourself to the audience and clarify who you are and your relevant expertise. This does not need to be long or incredibly detailed, but will help build an immediate relationship between you and the audience. It gives you the chance to briefly clarify your expertise and why you are worth listening to. This will help establish your ethos so the audience will trust you more and think you’re credible.

Read our tips on  How to Start a Presentation Effectively

2. Introduction

In the introduction you need to explain the subject and purpose of your presentation whilst gaining the audience’s interest and confidence. It’s sometimes helpful to think of your introduction as funnel-shaped to help filter down your topic:

• Introduce your general topic
• Explain your topic area
• State the issues/challenges in this area you will be exploring
• State your presentation’s purpose – this is the basis of your presentation so ensure that you provide a statement explaining how the topic will be treated, for example, “I will argue that…” or maybe you will “compare”, “analyse”, “evaluate”, “describe” etc.
• Provide a statement of what you’re hoping the outcome of the presentation will be, for example, “I’m hoping this will be provide you with…”
• Show a preview of the organisation of your presentation

In this section also explain:

• The length of the talk.
• Signal whether you want audience interaction – some presenters prefer the audience to ask questions throughout whereas others allocate a specific section for this.
• If it applies, inform the audience whether to take notes or whether you will be providing handouts.

The way you structure your introduction can depend on the amount of time you have been given to present: a  sales pitch  may consist of a quick presentation so you may begin with your conclusion and then provide the evidence. Conversely, a speaker presenting their idea for change in the world would be better suited to start with the evidence and then conclude what this means for the audience.

Keep in mind that the main aim of the introduction is to grab the audience’s attention and connect with them.

3. The main body of your talk

The main body of your talk needs to meet the promises you made in the introduction. Depending on the nature of your presentation, clearly segment the different topics you will be discussing, and then work your way through them one at a time – it’s important for everything to be organised logically for the audience to fully understand. There are many different ways to organise your main points, such as, by priority, theme, chronologically etc.

• Main points should be addressed one by one with supporting evidence and examples.
• Before moving on to the next point you should provide a mini-summary.
• Links should be clearly stated between ideas and you must make it clear when you’re moving onto the next point.
• Allow time for people to take relevant notes and stick to the topics you have prepared beforehand rather than straying too far off topic.

When planning your presentation write a list of main points you want to make and ask yourself “What I am telling the audience? What should they understand from this?” refining your answers this way will help you produce clear messages.

4. Conclusion

In presentations the conclusion is frequently underdeveloped and lacks purpose which is a shame as it’s the best place to reinforce your messages. Typically, your presentation has a specific goal – that could be to convert a number of the audience members into customers, lead to a certain number of enquiries to make people knowledgeable on specific key points, or to motivate them towards a shared goal.

Regardless of what that goal is, be sure to summarise your main points and their implications. This clarifies the overall purpose of your talk and reinforces your reason for being there.

Follow these steps:

• Signal that it’s nearly the end of your presentation, for example, “As we wrap up/as we wind down the talk…”
• Restate the topic and purpose of your presentation – “In this speech I wanted to compare…”
• Summarise the main points, including their implications and conclusions
• Indicate what is next/a call to action/a thought-provoking takeaway
• Move on to the last section

5. Thank the audience and invite questions

Conclude your talk by thanking the audience for their time and invite them to  ask any questions  they may have. As mentioned earlier, personal circumstances will affect the structure of your presentation.

Many presenters prefer to make the Q&A session the key part of their talk and try to speed through the main body of the presentation. This is totally fine, but it is still best to focus on delivering some sort of initial presentation to set the tone and topics for discussion in the Q&A.

Other common presentation structures

The above was a description of a basic presentation, here are some more specific presentation layouts:

Demonstration

Use the demonstration structure when you have something useful to show. This is usually used when you want to show how a product works. Steve Jobs frequently used this technique in his presentations.

• Explain why the product is valuable.
• Describe why the product is necessary.
• Explain what problems it can solve for the audience.
• Demonstrate the product  to support what you’ve been saying.
• Make suggestions of other things it can do to make the audience curious.

Problem-solution

This structure is particularly useful in persuading the audience.

• Briefly frame the issue.
• Go into the issue in detail showing why it ‘s such a problem. Use logos and pathos for this – the logical and emotional appeals.
• Provide the solution and explain why this would also help the audience.
• Call to action – something you want the audience to do which is straightforward and pertinent to the solution.

Storytelling

As well as incorporating  stories in your presentation , you can organise your whole presentation as a story. There are lots of different type of story structures you can use – a popular choice is the monomyth – the hero’s journey. In a monomyth, a hero goes on a difficult journey or takes on a challenge – they move from the familiar into the unknown. After facing obstacles and ultimately succeeding the hero returns home, transformed and with newfound wisdom.

Storytelling for Business Success  webinar , where well-know storyteller Javier Bernad shares strategies for crafting compelling narratives.

Another popular choice for using a story to structure your presentation is in media ras (in the middle of thing). In this type of story you launch right into the action by providing a snippet/teaser of what’s happening and then you start explaining the events that led to that event. This is engaging because you’re starting your story at the most exciting part which will make the audience curious – they’ll want to know how you got there.

• Great storytelling: Examples from Alibaba Founder, Jack Ma

Remaining method

The remaining method structure is good for situations where you’re presenting your perspective on a controversial topic which has split people’s opinions.

• Go into the issue in detail showing why it’s such a problem – use logos and pathos.
• Rebut your opponents’ solutions  – explain why their solutions could be useful because the audience will see this as fair and will therefore think you’re trustworthy, and then explain why you think these solutions are not valid.
• After you’ve presented all the alternatives provide your solution, the remaining solution. This is very persuasive because it looks like the winning idea, especially with the audience believing that you’re fair and trustworthy.

Transitions

When delivering presentations it’s important for your words and ideas to flow so your audience can understand how everything links together and why it’s all relevant. This can be done  using speech transitions  which are words and phrases that allow you to smoothly move from one point to another so that your speech flows and your presentation is unified.

Transitions can be one word, a phrase or a full sentence – there are many different forms, here are some examples:

Moving from the introduction to the first point

Signify to the audience that you will now begin discussing the first main point:

• Now that you’re aware of the overview, let’s begin with…
• First, let’s begin with…
• I will first cover…
• My first point covers…
• To get started, let’s look at…

Shifting between similar points

Move from one point to a similar one:

• In the same way…
• Likewise…
• Equally…
• This is similar to…
• Similarly…

Internal summaries

Internal summarising consists of summarising before moving on to the next point. You must inform the audience:

• What part of the presentation you covered – “In the first part of this speech we’ve covered…”
• What the key points were – “Precisely how…”
• How this links in with the overall presentation – “So that’s the context…”
• What you’re moving on to – “Now I’d like to move on to the second part of presentation which looks at…”

Physical movement

You can move your body and your standing location when you transition to another point. The audience find it easier to follow your presentation and movement will increase their interest.

A common technique for incorporating movement into your presentation is to:

• Start your introduction by standing in the centre of the stage.
• For your first point you stand on the left side of the stage.
• You discuss your second point from the centre again.
• You stand on the right side of the stage for your third point.
• The conclusion occurs in the centre.

Key slides for your presentation

Slides are a useful tool for most presentations: they can greatly assist in the delivery of your message and help the audience follow along with what you are saying. Key slides include:

• An intro slide outlining your ideas
• A  summary slide  with core points to remember
• High quality image slides to supplement what you are saying

There are some presenters who choose not to use slides at all, though this is more of a rarity. Slides can be a powerful tool if used properly, but the problem is that many fail to do just that. Here are some golden rules to follow when using slides in a presentation:

• Don’t over fill them  – your slides are there to assist your speech, rather than be the focal point. They should have as little information as possible, to avoid distracting people from your talk.
• A picture says a thousand words  – instead of filling a slide with text, instead, focus on one or two images or diagrams to help support and explain the point you are discussing at that time.
• Make them readable  – depending on the size of your audience, some may not be able to see small text or images, so make everything large enough to fill the space.
• Don’t rush through slides  – give the audience enough time to digest each slide.

Guy Kawasaki, an entrepreneur and author, suggests that slideshows should follow a  10-20-30 rule :

• There should be a maximum of 10 slides – people rarely remember more than one concept afterwards so there’s no point overwhelming them with unnecessary information.
• The presentation should last no longer than 20 minutes as this will leave time for questions and discussion.
• The font size should be a minimum of 30pt because the audience reads faster than you talk so less information on the slides means that there is less chance of the audience being distracted.

Here are some additional resources for slide design:

• 7 design tips for effective, beautiful PowerPoint presentations
• 11 design tips for beautiful presentations
• 10 tips on how to make slides that communicate your idea

Group Presentations

Group presentations are structured in the same way as presentations with one speaker but usually require more rehearsal and practices.  Clean transitioning between speakers  is very important in producing a presentation that flows well. One way of doing this consists of:

• Briefly recap on what you covered in your section: “So that was a brief introduction on what health anxiety is and how it can affect somebody”
• Introduce the next speaker in the team and explain what they will discuss: “Now Elnaz will talk about the prevalence of health anxiety.”
• Then end by looking at the next speaker, gesturing towards them and saying their name: “Elnaz”.
• The next speaker should acknowledge this with a quick: “Thank you Joe.”

From this example you can see how the different sections of the presentations link which makes it easier for the audience to follow and remain engaged.

Example of great presentation structure and delivery

Having examples of great presentations will help inspire your own structures, here are a few such examples, each unique and inspiring in their own way.

How Google Works – by Eric Schmidt

This presentation by ex-Google CEO  Eric Schmidt  demonstrates some of the most important lessons he and his team have learnt with regards to working with some of the most talented individuals they hired. The simplistic yet cohesive style of all of the slides is something to be appreciated. They are relatively straightforward, yet add power and clarity to the narrative of the presentation.

Start with why – by Simon Sinek

Since being released in 2009, this presentation has been viewed almost four million times all around the world. The message itself is very powerful, however, it’s not an idea that hasn’t been heard before. What makes this presentation so powerful is the simple message he is getting across, and the straightforward and understandable manner in which he delivers it. Also note that he doesn’t use any slides, just a whiteboard where he creates a simple diagram of his opinion.

The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout – by Rick Rigsby

Here’s an example of a presentation given by a relatively unknown individual looking to inspire the next generation of graduates. Rick’s presentation is unique in many ways compared to the two above. Notably, he uses no visual prompts and includes a great deal of humour.

However, what is similar is the structure he uses. He first introduces his message that the wisest man he knew was a third-grade dropout. He then proceeds to deliver his main body of argument, and in the end, concludes with his message. This powerful speech keeps the viewer engaged throughout, through a mixture of heart-warming sentiment, powerful life advice and engaging humour.

As you can see from the examples above, and as it has been expressed throughout, a great presentation structure means analysing the core message of your presentation. Decide on a key message you want to impart the audience with, and then craft an engaging way of delivering it.

By preparing a solid structure, and  practising your talk  beforehand, you can walk into the presentation with confidence and deliver a meaningful message to an interested audience.

It’s important for a presentation to be well-structured so it can have the most impact on your audience. An unstructured presentation can be difficult to follow and even frustrating to listen to. The heart of your speech are your main points supported by evidence and your transitions should assist the movement between points and clarify how everything is linked.

Research suggests that the audience remember the first and last things you say so your introduction and conclusion are vital for reinforcing your points. Essentially, ensure you spend the time structuring your presentation and addressing all of the sections.

Presentation Guru

Rethinking final slides.

All good things must come to an end, but how? As your presentation draws to a close, how should you wrap it all up so that you end with a bang, and not a fizzle?  In John’s earlier post, Rethinking Title Slides , he considered the options available when opening your presentation. Now he turns his attention to the ending.

In a previous post, I offered a few ways to think differently about the title slide in your PowerPoint presentations. Contrary to what many people think, a title slide is not always necessary. And, if you have one, there is no rule that says that it has to be the first slide that you show.

Well, if we have looked at the title slide, it only seems right that we look at final slides as well.

Thanks but No Thanks!

Perhaps the most common final slide that you see is the one that thanks the audience. Here are some of the standard variations:

You get the idea. And they are all bad options.

Many clients are genuinely surprised when I tell them never to use a “Thank you” slide again. But there are two solid reasons for not doing so.

First, in many cases, you should not thank your audience. Imagine Martin Luther King as he brought his inimitable I Have a Dream speech to close. Imagine if he had added a “Thank you” to the ending:

“And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! Thank you very much!”

Something powerful, something fundamental would have been lost. “Thank God Almighty” that King was smarter than that. He knew that leaving the audience with rousing oratory to inspire them was the only way to end that speech.

In situations where you are presenting your vision to the company, or exhorting your audience to take some kind of action, dispensing with “Thank you” is the best option. Instead, leave them with something that sticks long after they have left the auditorium. Some hypothetical examples are below:

And I know, that if we work together, we will succeed!

You know what you have to do. Now, go out there and do it!

The journey will be long and the journey will be hard, but there is no turning back. I am confident we will reach our destination.

Second, if you would like to thank your audience and it is appropriate to do so, is having a slide that says “Thank you”, which you typed out two days (or two hours) before really the best way? Of course not!

If you want to thank your audience, look them in the eye and thank them from the heart, not the screen. They will appreciate the connection and your thanks will be much more authentic and therefore much more meaningful.

Without Question

Another bad slide on which to end is the following:

Does your audience need a slide to know that you are moving to a Q&A session? Of course not. If you want to have a Q&A session, have a black slide and then open the floor up for questions.

As an aside, I believe that, when speakers have control over the situation, they should not end with a Q&A. Why not? Because you never know whether the questions are going to be on point or interest only to a few people. There is a risk that many people in the audience will reach for their smartphones and that is how your presentation will end: with a fizzle, not a bang.

So I always recommend that speakers cover everything they want to cover and then announce that they will take questions for however many minutes they like before they conclude. That way, the speaker controls the conclusion.

6 Good Closing Slides

So, if slides like “Thank you” and “Questions?” and, worst of all, “Thank you! Questions?” are out, what should you have for a final slide?

There is no hard and fast rule, and the final slide that you choose will depend on things like the audience and your message. But here are some good options:

1) A powerful image

Use an image that relates to your talk and that captures the feeling or message that you are trying to convey.

2) A summary of your key points

You can use a subtle animation such as “Fade” (PowerPoint) or “Dissolve” (Keynote) to bring your points in one by one, emphasizing each as you go.

3) A call to action

Inspire your audience and move them to action.

For example, let’s imagine that a company has been having trouble invoicing its customers on time. The problem has been traced to a lack of communication between the sales team and the accounting department. A final slide for such a presentation could list what is expected from Sales, what is expected from Accounting and what is expected from both.

Use a quote that relates to your message, perhaps with an image of the person who first said it. This slide could be doubly powerful if you opened the presentation with the quote (not using a slide) and then returned to it at the end of the presentation to reinforce the idea.

5) Your contact details

This is especially useful when speaking to large audiences whom you do not know. But keep the information simple and easy to write down. An email, a phone number and a website address are good options, individually or in combination.

6) A black slide

Yes, a black slide can be a good option, for example if you want to end your presentation with a powerful story. By turning the screen black, you refocus the audience’s attention on you. Never forget that the slides are not the presentation; the speaker is the presentation and the slides are there to support the speaker.

As I mentioned in my previous post, psychologists frequently talk about the learning principles of primacy and recency . People tend to remember the first thing they hear or see and the last thing they hear or see.

So don’t waste your final slide on something as banal as “Thank you” or “Questions?”. You can do much better than that. Your presentation will have a polished ending and your audience will appreciate it.

If you have any thoughts on this subject or think I’ve missed any good final slide ideas, please feel free to share them with us in the Comment section below.

• Latest Posts

John Zimmer

Latest posts by John Zimmer ( see all )

• How to build your credibility in public speaking (and how to lose it instantly) – Lessons in shame from Boris Johnson - 7th February 2022
• A Good Presentation Needs Structure - 12th November 2019
• More Lessons from Stand-up Comedy - 28th May 2019
• The Power of the Pause - 6th March 2019
• Five Resolutions to Make You a Better Speaker in 2019 - 21st December 2018

rohit aggarwal

15th April 2019 at 8:42 am

thanks for the information

23rd April 2019 at 10:42 am

Thank you, Rohit. Glad you found it helpful.

10th November 2023 at 8:54 am

Such an insightful read! The final slide often lingers the longest in our audience’s memory—it’s where we leave a lasting impression. Rethinking this crucial part of the presentation might just be the key to leaving a more impactful message.

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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .  

Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.

In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!

These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters. 

No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.

When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:

1. Clear structure

No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.

Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion: 

2. Engaging opening

Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.

3. Relevant content

Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.

4. Effective visual aids

Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.

With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.

5. Clear and concise communication

Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message. 

6. Engaging delivery

Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!

7. Interaction and audience engagement

Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.

Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.

8. Effective storytelling

Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.

A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.

9. Well-timed pacing

Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.

10. Strong conclusion

Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.

In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations . 

Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software . 

Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.

1. Understand the audience and their needs

Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.

Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong. 

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.

Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.

5. Practice, practice and practice

Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.

With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!

In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively . 

Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!

From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.

1. Confidence and positive body language

Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence. 

2. Eye contact with the audience

Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload. 

Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.

6. Utilize humor strategically

Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.

Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.

1. How to start a presentation?

To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.

2. How to end a presentation?

For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.

In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started. 

Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs. 

Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:

Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account. 

Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).

Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations. 

Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!

By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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15 Informative Speech Examples to Inspire Your Next Talk

• The Speaker Lab
• May 13, 2024

Table of Contents

A good informative speech is one of the most effective tools in a speaker’s arsenal. But with so many potential topics out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled 15 informative speech examples to help you find your perfect subject. Whether you’re unearthing secrets from history for your listeners or delving into future technologies, informative speeches can prove to be the recipe for the perfect talk.

But crafting an effective informative speech is about more than just picking a topic. You have to research topics, put your thoughts in order, and speak up clearly and confidently. In this post, we’ll explore strategies for each step of the process, so you can create a speech that informs, engages, and makes a lasting impact on your listeners. Let’s get started.

15 Informative Speech Examples

If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next informative speech, look no further. Below are 15 examples of informative speech topics that are sure to engage and educate your audience.

• The history and evolution of social media platforms
• The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources
• The impact of sleep deprivation on mental and physical health
• The role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success
• The science behind climate change and its potential consequences
• The importance of financial literacy for young adults
• The influence of artificial intelligence on various industries
• The benefits of regular exercise and a balanced diet
• The history and cultural significance of a specific art form or genre
• The impact of technology on interpersonal communication
• The psychology behind procrastination and effective strategies to overcome it
• The role of diversity and inclusion in fostering innovation and creativity
• The importance of mental health awareness and resources for students
• The future of space exploration and its potential benefits for humanity
• The impact of globalization on local economies and cultures

These topics cover a wide range of subjects, from technology and science to psychology and culture. By choosing one of these informative speech examples, you’ll have plenty of material to work with to create an engaging and educational presentation.

Remember, the key to a successful informative speech is to choose a topic that you’re passionate about and that will resonate with your audience. Do your research, organize your thoughts, and practice your delivery to ensure that your message comes across loud and clear.

What Is an Informative Speech?

If you’ve ever been to a conference or seminar, chances are you’ve heard an informative speech. But what exactly is an informative speech? Simply put, it’s a type of speech designed to educate the audience on a particular topic. The goal is to provide interesting and useful information, ensuring the audience walks away with new knowledge or insights. Unlike persuasive speeches that aim to convince the audience of a viewpoint, informative speeches focus on explaining a subject clearly and objectively.

Types of Informative Speeches

Informative speeches come in various forms, each with its own purpose. The most common types are definition, explanation, description, and demonstration speeches. Depending on the objective, an informative speech can take on different structures and styles.

For example, a definition speech aims to explain a concept or term, while a demonstration speech shows the audience how to perform a task or process. An explanatory speech, on the other hand, provides a detailed account of a complex subject, breaking it down into digestible parts.

Purpose of Informative Speeches

At its core, the purpose of an informative speech is to share knowledge with the audience. These speeches are characterized by their fact-based, non-persuasive nature. The focus is on delivering information in an engaging and accessible way.

A well-crafted informative speech not only educates but also sparks curiosity and encourages further learning. By dedicating yourself to providing valuable information and appealing to your audience’s interests, you can succeed as an informative speaker.

Strategies for Selecting an Informative Speech Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial for an effective informative speech. You want a subject that is not only interesting to you but also relevant and engaging for your audience. Consider their knowledge level, background, and expectations when selecting your topic.

One strategy is to focus on a subject you’re passionate about or have expertise in. This allows you to speak with authority and enthusiasm, making your speech more compelling. Another approach is to address current events or trending topics that are on people’s minds.

When brainstorming potential topics, consider your speech’s purpose and the type of informative speech you want to deliver. Is your goal to define a concept, explain a process, describe an event, or demonstrate a skill? Answering these questions will help guide your topic selection.

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How to Write an Informative Speech

Now that you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to start writing your informative speech. The key to a successful speech is thorough preparation and a clear, organized structure. Let’s break down the steps involved in crafting an engaging and informative presentation.

Researching Your Topic

Before you start writing, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on your topic. Gather facts, statistics, examples, and other supporting information for your informative speech. These things will help you explain and clarify the subject matter to your audience.

As you research, use reliable sources such as academic journals, reputable websites, and expert opinions to ensure the accuracy and credibility of your information. Take notes and organize your findings in a way that makes sense for your speech’s structure.

Structuring Your Speech

A typical informative speech structure includes three main parts, namely, an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the audience’s attention, establish your credibility , and preview the main points you’ll cover.

The body of your speech is where you’ll present your main points and supporting evidence. Use clear transitions between each point to maintain a logical flow. The conclusion should summarize your key takeaways and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Outlining Your Speech

Creating an outline is a crucial step in organizing your thoughts and ensuring a coherent flow of information. Start by listing your main points and then add subpoints and supporting details for each section.

A well-structured outline will serve as a roadmap for your speech, keeping you on track and helping you stay focused on your key messages. It also makes the writing process more efficient and less overwhelming.

Writing Your Draft

With your outline in hand, it’s time to start writing your draft. Focus on presenting information clearly and concisely, using simple language and avoiding jargon. Provide examples and analogies throughout your informative speech in order to illustrate complex ideas and make them more relatable to your audience.

As you write, keep your audience in mind and tailor your language and examples to their level of understanding. Use transitions to link your ideas and maintain a smooth flow throughout the speech.

Editing and Revising

Once you’ve completed your draft, take the time to edit and revise your speech. First, check for clarity, accuracy, and logical organization. Then, eliminate unnecessary details, repetition, and filler words.

Read your speech aloud to identify any awkward phrasing or unclear passages. Lastly, seek feedback from others and be open to making changes based on their suggestions. Remember, the goal is to create a polished and effective informative speech.

Delivering an Informative Speech

You’ve written a fantastic informative speech, but now comes the real challenge: delivering it effectively. The way you present your speech can make all the difference in engaging your audience and ensuring they retain the information you’re sharing.

Practicing Your Speech

Practice makes perfect, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to public speaking. Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence and familiarity with the content. Practice in front of a mirror, family members, or friends to get comfortable with your delivery.

As you practice, focus on your pacing, intonation, and body language. Aim for a conversational tone and maintain eye contact with your audience. The more you practice, the more natural and engaging your delivery will become.

Using Visual Aids

Visual aids such as slides, charts, or props can enhance your informative speech by making complex information more accessible and engaging. When utilized in your informative speech, they can help illustrate key points, provide visual examples, and break up the monotony of a purely verbal presentation.

Of course, it’s important to ensure your visuals are clear, relevant, and easy to understand. Otherwise, they may end up obscuring your points instead of clarifying them. In light of this, avoid cluttering your slides with too much text or overwhelming your audience with too many visuals. Use them strategically to support your message, not distract from it.

Engaging Your Audience

Engaging your audience is crucial for a successful informative speech. Use rhetorical questions, anecdotes, or interactive elements to keep them involved and attentive. Encourage participation, if appropriate, and maintain a conversational tone to create a connection with your listeners.

Pay attention to your audience’s reactions and adapt your delivery accordingly. If you sense confusion or disinterest, try rephrasing your points or providing additional examples to clarify your message. Remember, your goal is to educate and inspire your audience, so keep them at the forefront of your mind throughout your speech.

Handling Nerves

It’s normal to feel nervous before and during a speech, but there are strategies to help you manage those nerves . Take deep breaths, visualize success, and focus on your message rather than your anxiety. Remember, your audience wants you to succeed, and a little nervousness can actually enhance your performance by showing enthusiasm and authenticity.

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a moment to pause, collect your thoughts, and regain your composure. Smile, make eye contact, and remind yourself that you’ve prepared thoroughly and have valuable information to share.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To deliver an effective informative speech, it’s important to be aware of common pitfalls and mistakes. One of the biggest errors is overloading your audience with too much information. Remember, less is often more when it comes to public speaking.

Another mistake is failing to organize your content logically or using complex jargon without explanation. Make sure your speech has a clear structure and that you’re explaining any technical terms or concepts in a way that your audience can understand.

Finally, don’t neglect the importance of practice and preparation. Winging it or relying too heavily on notes can lead to a disjointed and unengaging speech. Take the time to rehearse, refine your delivery, and internalize your key points.

By avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on the strategies we’ve discussed, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates, engages, and inspires your audience.

Tips for Delivering a Compelling Informative Speech

Once you’ve chosen your topic and done your research, it’s time to focus on delivering a compelling speech. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Start with a strong attention-grabbing opening that draws your audience in and sets the tone for your speech.
• Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon or technical terms that your audience may not understand.
• Incorporate storytelling, examples, and anecdotes to make your points more relatable and memorable.
• Use visual aids , such as slides or props, to enhance your message and keep your audience engaged.
• Practice your delivery and timing to ensure that you stay within your allotted time and maintain a natural, conversational tone.

By following these tips and choosing a topic that you’re passionate about, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates and inspires your audience.

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20 Bonus Topics for Informative Speeches

In case the informative speech examples above didn’t pique your interest, we have several more for you to consider. Ranging from topics like science and technology to history and education, these 20 topics are perfect for your next presentation.

• The history and development of virtual reality technology
• The benefits and challenges of remote work
• The science behind the formation of hurricanes and tornadoes
• The impact of social media on political campaigns and elections
• The importance of sustainable fashion and its environmental benefits
• The role of emotional support animals in mental health treatment
• The history and cultural significance of a specific cuisine or dish
• The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
• The benefits and risks of gene editing technology
• The psychology behind conspiracy theories and their spread online
• The importance of digital privacy and data security in the modern age
• The role of music therapy in healthcare and wellness
• The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change
• The history and evolution of a specific sport or athletic event
• The benefits and challenges of alternative education models
• The science behind the human immune system and how vaccines work
• The impact of mass incarceration on communities and families
• The role of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage and traditions
• The importance of financial planning for retirement and old age
• The impact of urban agriculture on food security and community development

Choosing a Topic That Resonates With Your Audience

When selecting a topic for your informative speech, it’s important to consider your audience and what will resonate with them. Think about their interests, backgrounds, and knowledge levels, and choose a topic that will be both informative and engaging.

For example, if you’re speaking to a group of high school students, you may want to choose a topic that relates to their experiences or concerns, such as the impact of social media on mental health or the importance of financial literacy for young adults. If you’re speaking to a group of business professionals, you may want to focus on topics related to industry trends, leadership strategies, or emerging technologies.

By choosing a topic that resonates with your audience, you’ll be more likely to capture their attention and keep them engaged throughout your speech. And remember, even if you’re not an expert on the topic, you can still deliver an informative and engaging speech by doing your research and presenting the information in a clear and accessible way.

FAQs on Informative Speech Examples

What is an example of informative speech.

An example includes breaking down the impacts of climate change, detailing causes, effects, and potential solutions.

What are the 3 types of informative speeches?

The three main types are explanatory (breaks down complex topics), descriptive (paints a picture with words), and demonstrative (shows how to do something).

What are the 5 useful topics of an informative speech?

Top picks include technology advances, mental health awareness, environmental conservation efforts, cultural diversity appreciation, and breakthroughs in medical research.

What is an effective informative speech?

An effective one delivers clear info on a specific topic that educates listeners without overwhelming them. It’s well-researched and engaging.

Informative speech examples are everywhere, if you know where to look. From TED Talks to classroom lectures, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your next presentation. All you have to do is find a topic that lights your fire while engaging your audience.

Remember, a great informative speech is all about clarity, organization, and engagement. By following the tips and examples we’ve covered, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an informative speech that educates, enlightens, and leaves a lasting impression. So go ahead, pick your topic, and start crafting your own informative speech today!

• Last Updated: May 9, 2024

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Biden’s speech at the Holocaust remembrance ceremony, annotated

By Zachary B. Wolf and Annette Choi , CNN

Published May 7, 2024

President Joe Biden talked about the documented increase of antisemitism in the United States during the annual US Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Days of Remembrance ceremony at the US Capitol building. Every recent president has made remarks at least once at the event, but Biden’s remarks came as pro-Palestinian protests have disrupted classes and commencements at multiple US universities . At times, rhetoric at those protests has veered into antisemitism, offended Jewish students and sparked a fierce debate about free speech.

Biden talked in-depth about the Hamas terror attack against Israel on October 7, 2023, and the Israeli hostages that remain in captivity . He did not mention Israel’s heavy-handed response, which has not only destroyed much of Gaza and cost tens of thousands of lives but has also driven a wedge between Biden and many progressives, particularly on college campuses. See below for what he said , along with context from CNN.

Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you, Stu Eizenstat, for that introduction, for your leadership of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum . You are a true scholar and statesman and a dear friend.

Speaker Johnson , Leader Jeffries, members of Congress and especially the survivors of the Holocaust. If my mother were here, she’d look at you and say, “God love you all. God love you all.”

Abe Foxman and all other survivors who embody absolute courage and dignity and grace are here as well.

During these sacred days of remembrance we grieve, we give voice to the 6 million Jews who were systematically targeted and murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II. We honor the memory of victims, the pain of survivors, the bravery of heroes who stood up to Hitler's unspeakable evil. And we recommit to heading and heeding the lessons that one of the darkest chapters in human history to revitalize and realize the responsibility of never again.

The Days of Remembrance commemoration has been an annual event since 1982. Every US president since Bill Clinton has spoken at least once at a remembrance event.

House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke shortly before Biden and tried to compare the situation on college campuses today with that on college campuses in Germany in the 1930s.

Never again, simply translated for me, means never forget, never forget. Never forgetting means we must must keep telling the story, we must keep teaching the truth, we must keep teaching our children and our grandchildren. And the truth is we are at risk of people not knowing the truth.

That's why, growing up, my dad taught me and my siblings about the horrors of the Shoah at our family dinner table.

Shoah is the Hebrew term for the Holocaust.

That's why I visited Yad Vashem with my family as a senator, as vice president and as president. And that's why I took my grandchildren to Dachau , so they could see and bear witness to the perils of indifference, the complicity of silence in the face of evil that they knew was happening.

Biden visited Yad Vashem , Israel’s Holocaust remembrance site, in 2022 as president.

As vice president, he toured the Nazi concentration camp outside Munich in 2015 with his granddaughter during a trip for an annual security conference.

Germany, 1933, Hitler and his Nazi party rise to power by rekindling one of the world's oldest forms of prejudice and hate — antisemitism.

His rule didn't begin with mass murder. It started slowly across economic, political, social and cultural life — propaganda demonizing Jews, boycotts of Jewish businesses, synagogues defaced with swastikas, harassment of Jews in the street and in the schools, antisemitic demonstrations, pogroms, organized riots.

With the indifference of the world, Hitler knew he could expand his reign of terror by eliminating Jews from Germany, to annihilate Jews across Europe through genocide the Nazis called the final solution. Concentration camps, gas chambers, mass shootings. By the time the war ended, 6 million Jews, one out of every three Jews in the entire world, were murdered.

This ancient hatred of Jews didn't begin with the Holocaust. It didn't end with the Holocaust either, or after, even after our victory in World War II. This hatred continues to lie deep in the hearts of too many people in the world and requires our continued vigilance and outspokenness.

The Holocaust survivor Irene Butter wrote for CNN Opinion in 2021 about Adolf Hitler’s rise and echoes of Nazism in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

That hatred was brought to life on October 7th in 2023. On the sacred Jewish holiday, the terrorist group Hamas unleashed the deadliest day of the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

Read mo re about Hamas .

Driven by ancient desire to wipe out the Jewish people off the face of the Earth, over 1,200 innocent people — babies, parents, grandparents — slaughtered in their kibbutz, massacred at a music festival, brutally raped, mutilated and sexually assaulted .

Evidence of sexual violence has been documented. Here’s the account of one Israeli woman who has spoken publicly about her experience.

Thousands more carrying wounds, bullets and shrapnel from the memory of that terrible day they endured. Hundreds taken hostage, including survivors of the Shoah.

Now here we are, not 75 years later but just seven-and-a-half months later and people are already forgetting, are already forgetting that Hamas unleashed this terror. That it was Hamas that brutalized Israelis. It was Hamas who took and continues to hold hostages. I have not forgotten, nor have you, and we will not forget.

On May 7, 1945, the German High Command agreed to an unconditional surrender in World War II, 79 years ago.

And as Jews around the world still cope with the atrocities and trauma of that day and its aftermath, we've seen a ferocious surge of anti s emitism in America and around the world.

In late October, FBI Director Christopher Wray said reports of antisemitism in the US were reaching “ historic ” levels.

Vicious propaganda on social media, Jews forced to keep their — hide their kippahs under baseball hats, tuck their Jewish stars into their shirts.

On college campuses, Jewish students blocked, harassed, attacked while walking to class . Antisemitism, antisemitic posters , slogans calling for the annihilation of Israel, the world's only Jewish state.

Many Jewish students have described feeling intimidated and attacked on campuses. Others have said they support the protests , citing the situation in Gaza.

Last month, the dean of the University of California Berkeley Law School described antisemitic posters that targeted him.

Too many people denying, downplaying, rationalizing, ignoring the horrors of the Holocaust and October 7th, including Hamas' appalling use of sexual violence to torture and terrorize Jews. It's absolutely despicable and it must stop.

Silence. Silence and denial can hide much but it can erase nothing.

Some injustices are so heinous, so horrific, so grievous they cannot be married – buried, no matter how hard people try.

In my view, a major lesson of the Holocaust is, as mentioned earlier, is it not, was not inevitable.

We know hate never goes away. It only hides. And given a little oxygen, it comes out from under the rocks.

We also know what stops hate. One thing: All of us. The late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks described antisemitism as a virus that has survived and mutated over time.

Together, we cannot continue to let that happen. We have to remember our basic principle as a nation. We have an obligation. We have an obligation to learn the lessons of history so we don't surrender our future to the horrors of the past. We must give hate no safe harbor against anyone. Anyone.

From the very founding, our very founding, Jewish Americans , who represented only about 2% of the US population , have helped lead the cause of freedom for everyone in our nation. From that experience we know scapegoating and demonizing any minority is a threat to every minority and the very foundation of our democracy.

As of 2020, Jewish Americans made up about 2.4% of the US population, according to the Pew Research Center , or about 5.8 million people.

So moments like this we have to put these principles that we're talking about into action.

I understand people have strong beliefs and deep convictions about the world .

In America we respect and protect the fundamental right to free speech, to debate and disagree, to protest peacefully and make our voices heard . I understand. That's America.

The complaint of many protesters is that Israel’s response to the terror attack has claimed more than 30,000 lives and destroyed much of Gaza .

But there is no place on any campus in America, any place in America, for antisemitism or hate speech or threats of violence of any kind.

Whether against Jews or anyone else, violent attacks, destroying property is not peaceful protest. It's against the law and we are not a lawless country. We're a civil society. We uphold the rule of law and no one should have to hide or be brave just to be themselves.

To the Jewish community, I want you to know I see your fear, your hurt and your pain.

Let me reassure you as your president, you're not alone. You belong. You always have and you always will.

And my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, the security of Israel and its right to exist as an independent Jewish state is ironclad, even when we disagree.

My administration is working around the clock to free remaining hostages, just as we have freed hostages already, and will not rest until we bring them all home.

My administration, with our second gentleman's leadership, has launched our nation's first national strategy to counter antisemitism. That's mobilizing the full force of the federal government to protect Jewish communities.

But we know this is not the work of government alone or Jews alone. That's why I’m calling on all Americans to stand united against antisemitism and hate in all its forms.

My dear friend — and he became a friend — the late Elie Wiesel said, quote, “One person of integrity can make a difference.”

Elie Wiesel , the Holocaust survivor, writer and activist, died in 2016.

We have to remember that, now more than ever.

Here in Emancipation Hall in the US Capitol, among the towering statues of history is a bronze bust of Raoul Wallenberg . Born in Sweden as a Lutheran, he was a businessman and a diplomat. While stationed in Hungary during World War II, he used diplomatic cover to hide and rescue about 100,000 Jews over a six-month period.

Read more about Wallenberg , the Holocaust hero and Swedish diplomat who was formally declared dead in 2016, 71 years after he vanished.

Among them was a 16-year-old Jewish boy who escaped a Nazi labor camp. After the war ended, that boy received a scholarship from the Hillel Foundation to study in America. He came to New York City penniless but determined to turn his pain into purpose. Along with his wife, also a Holocaust survivor, he became a renowned economist and foreign policy thinker, eventually making his way to this very Capitol on the staff of a first-term senator.

That Jewish refugee was Tom Lantos and that senator was me. Tom and his wife and Annette and their family became dear friends to me and my family. Tom would go on to become the only Holocaust survivor ever elected to Congress, where he became a leading voice on civil rights and human rights around the world. Tom never met Raoul, who was taken prisoner by the Soviets, never to be heard from again.

Read more about Lantos , the longtime congressman and Holocaust survivor who died in 2008. Lantos worked for Biden early in his career.

But through Tom's efforts, Raoul’s bust is here in the Capitol. He was also given honorary US citizenship, only the second person ever after Winston Churchill. The Holocaust Museum here in Washington is located in a road in Raoul’s name.

The story of the power of a single person to put aside our differences, to see our common humanity, to stand up to hate and its ancient story of resilience from immense pain, persecution, to find hope, purpose and meaning in life, we try to live and share with one another. That story endures.

Let me close with this. I know these days of remembrance fall on difficult times. We all do well to remember these days also fall during the month we celebrate Jewish American heritage, a heritage that stretches from our earliest days to enrich every single part of American life today.

There are important topics Biden did not address. He referenced the October 7 attacks on Israel but not Israel’s controversial response, which has drawn furious protests. He failed to mention Gaza, where Israel’s military campaign has killed so many, and which has led the World Food Programme to warn of a “full-blown famine .”

A great American — a great Jewish American named Tom Lantos — used the phrase “the veneer of civilization is paper thin.” We are its guardians, and we can never rest.

My fellow Americans, we must, we must be those guardians. We must never rest. We must rise Against hate, meet across the divide, see our common humanity. And God bless the victims and survivors of the Shoah.

May the resilient hearts, the courageous spirit and the eternal flame of faith of the Jewish people forever shine their light on America and around the world, pray God.

Thank you all.

The Strange Ritual of Commencement Speeches

Where everything and nothing is at stake

They appear every spring, like crocuses or robins or perhaps black flies: commencement addresses. Thousands of them, across the country and across the variety of American higher education—two-year schools, four-year schools, small colleges, universities both public and private, schools of every kind. And they will appear again, despite how unusual this spring has been. Many campuses have been roiled by protests about the war in Gaza, and some institutions will curtail graduation ceremonies. But the members of this undergraduate class, who had their high-school graduations shut down by COVID in 2020, have long looked forward to a second chance at a commencement ceremony. Over the next month or so, even in the face of disruptions or cancellations, commencement addresses will be delivered to about 4 million students earning some kind of college degree.

Most of these addresses will pass into oblivion. It is a cliché for commencement speakers to open their remarks by confessing that they remember nothing about their own graduation: They have forgotten not just what was said, but who said it. Yet even if most commencement addresses prove far from memorable, the press and public eagerly anticipate them. News stories appear throughout the winter and early spring announcing who will speak where. Then, when the speakers have spoken, journalists and commentators rush to judge which should be considered the year’s best.

A few speeches are anointed as classics to be visited or revisited for years. Admiral William McRaven’s 2014 address at the University of Texas at Austin has had more than 60 million YouTube viewers, all eager to learn the 10 takeaways from his Navy SEAL training. Thousands of Americans likely hear echoes in their head every morning of his promise that if you “make your bed,” it will change your life. More than 60 million people have also watched Steve Jobs’s Stanford University speech from 2005, which eerily anticipates his own death and urges graduates to “ follow your heart .” J. K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard talk about failure and imagination has attracted tens of millions of viewers, as has David Foster Wallace’s 2005 Kenyon College address, “ This Is Water. ” All of these also ended up in print as well, designed to make attractive gifts. Admiral McRaven’s book became a New York Times No. 1 best seller. When Wallace died, in 2008, The Wall Street Journal republished the speech in his memory.

Read: A commencement address too honest to deliver in person

Commencement greatest hits reach well beyond these chart-toppers. Time , The New York Times , The Washington Post , Slate , Elle , and countless other outlets run articles each year on the season’s winners. “Looking for some new words of wisdom?” NPR asks on its website. The headline of its online database lists the 350 “Best Commencement Speeches, Ever” in alphabetical order (but, curiously, by first name), from Aaron Sorkin to Zubin Damania. Can all 350 really be the “best”?

The assumption behind commencement speeches seems to be that even as graduates don their black robes and mortarboards, they don’t yet know quite enough. They must await, or perhaps endure, some final instruction, absorb some last missing life lesson, before they can be safely launched into what their education has supposedly prepared them for. Almost always these days, this instructional capstone is delivered by someone outside the institution, someone expected to have insight that extends beyond a university’s walls—perhaps representing a first step in the students’ transition into the “real world.” Many colleges and universities try to attract the most famous person they can. As graduation season approaches, speaker announcements take on the hallmarks of a competition: Which institutions did President Barack Obama choose for his three or four addresses each year? Who snagged Oprah Winfrey? Or Taylor Swift?

Seeking a famous speaker may, on one level, represent an unseemly preoccupation with celebrity. But it fits the logic of the occasion. What better time to hear from someone who is regarded as, at least in some way, distinguished? Someone who has led what an institution perceives to be an inspiring and successful life? Yet even before our present moment of cancel culture and partisanship, university leaders have had to worry about selecting a speaker who might spark disruptions in a ceremony meant to be a celebration. High Point University, in North Carolina, which in 2005 welcomed Rudy Giuliani—admired in the aftermath of 9/11 as “America’s mayor”—presumably would not make that choice again today. Every spring sees its complement of speakers who are protested, heckled, or disinvited.

Speakers, in turn, are attracted by a prestigious invitation, or perhaps by the presence of a child or grandchild in the graduating class—and, at times, by the offer of a substantial honorarium. Some institutions, though a minority, pay their speakers what can be hefty sums. One agent who represents a portfolio of prominent entertainers observed that fees for graduation speakers may go as high as $500,000. “Universities are vying for customers in the form of admissions, and this can be a great way to advertise and get people on campus,” she explained . When Matthew McConaughey’s $135,000 honorarium from the University of Houston was made public by inquisitive journalists in 2015, he quickly assured critics that he had donated it to charity. The Boston Globe touched off a small scandal when it reported the same year that three state schools had paid speakers $25,000 to $35,000 each.

Serving as a commencement speaker is not all glory. Usually the honored guest must perform as the centerpiece of the lunches, dinners, and meet and greets that surround the actual ceremony. And of course there is the speech. Someone has to write it. It seems unimaginable that anyone other than David Foster Wallace could have created “This Is Water,” and Kenyon students remember seeing him surrounded by sheets of paper, inking in edits and scribbling addenda right up to the start of the ceremony. At Harvard, J. K. Rowling opened her remarks by admitting to the months of anxiety she experienced as she wrote her address. At least, she noted, her worries had resulted in her losing weight. Rowling’s speech was greeted with a two-minute standing ovation. Yet she vowed never to give a commencement address again.

Many speeches are composed by someone other than the person who utters the words. Commencement speeches are not just a cultural ritual; they are an industry. A former Obama speechwriter told me recently that the springtime atmosphere at the Washington, D.C., public-affairs and communications firm where he now works is like the high-pressure environment of an accounting firm during tax season. Some of the market comprises regular clients, but a number of customers are one-offs. A lot of speechwriters hate doing commencement speeches, he said; they find it nearly impossible to come up with something fresh and compelling. These addresses, he went on, are unlike other genres of speeches, which tend to focus on the speaker. A commencement address has to be about the graduates: It is their day. Getting the “trite ideas out”—Pursue your passions! Turn failure into opportunity!—can be the first step toward “shaking loose” an idea, an angle that is distinctive to a particular speaker, place, and moment.

In any given year, a speaker in high demand will deliver addresses at several colleges and universities. Barack Obama gave 23 graduation speeches during his presidency. In principle, these speeches should not be the same; each audience, each institution, each graduate wants to feel special. Besides, in this digital age, you are going to get caught. When word got around, in advance of his 2005 Class Day speech at Harvard, that the Meet the Press host Tim Russert sometimes recycled his remarks, students at Harvard passed around bingo cards printed with some of his favorite phrases and encouraged attendees to play.

Senator Chuck Schumer doesn’t care about being caught. He loves graduations, and shows up, sometimes unannounced—perhaps even uninvited, though none of his hosts has ever said so—at as many as eight commencement ceremonies across the state of New York every year. He delivers the same speech every time. A student complained on a Reddit thread that he had heard the speech five times in six years—at his high-school, college, and graduate-school commencements, and at his sister’s high-school and college ceremonies. “OH FUCK,” his long-suffering family finally proclaimed, “NOT AGAIN.” (Perhaps, another Reddit contributor suggested, the graduates could arrange to do a sing-along.) When John Oliver, the host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight , learned about Senator Schumer’s springtime follies, he couldn’t resist showing clips of him saying exactly the same thing year after year after year, with the same verbal sound effects and hand gestures—an “endless graduation-speech time loop.”

The peril of graduation speeches is that, however hard you struggle, you are in danger of repeating not just yourself but every person who has ever given one. Asked to generate a commencement address, ChatGPT produces a script that sounds like every speech you’ve ever heard, because it is in fact just that: a distillation of everything everyone has ever said, or at least everything that ChatGPT has found available in its training data. Graduates should practice resilience, pursue purpose, nurture relationships, embrace change, innovate, accept their responsibility to lead, and persevere as they embark on their journey into “a world of infinite possibilities.”

Read: What John F. Kennedy’s moon speech reveals 50 years later

We have all heard this speech. We’ll hear versions of it again this spring. But we hope for something better, and we’ll scour newspapers and the internet to see if it has been delivered somewhere. We ask powerful, accomplished people to stand before us and, for a moment, present a different self—to open up, become vulnerable, be reflective, let us see inside. What is a meaningful life, and how do I live one? These are questions that are customarily reserved for late nights in undergraduate dormitories, for the years before the at-once tedious and terrifying burdens of Real Life—careers, mortgages, children, aging bodies, disappointed hopes—overtake us.

Everything and nothing is at stake in a commencement address. Maybe you have already heard it eight times. Maybe there was nothing worth hearing in the first place. But perhaps you will encounter a speaker who, even in this tumultuous spring, can reach across the chasm of innocence and experience separating graduates and the person talking to them. The old endeavor to imagine themselves young and look through fresh eyes again; the young begin to imagine themselves old, as they will become all too soon.

The best commencement address is a gift—of self and of hope across generations. It is not surprising that these speeches so rarely succeed. The surprise should be when they do. Innocence can only faintly imagine experience. No generation can really explain to another what is to come. And experience can never recapture innocence, however wistful we may be for what has been lost. The beauty of commencement speeches is that they represent a moment when we try.

OpenAI debuts GPT-4o ‘omni’ model now powering ChatGPT

OpenAI announced a new flagship generative AI model on Monday that they call GPT-4o — the “o” stands for “omni,” referring to the model’s ability to handle text, speech, and video. GPT-4o is set to roll out “iteratively” across the company’s developer and consumer-facing products over the next few weeks.

OpenAI CTO Mira Murati said that GPT-4o provides “GPT-4-level” intelligence but improves on GPT-4’s capabilities across multiple modalities and media.

“GPT-4o reasons across voice, text and vision,” Murati said during a streamed presentation at OpenAI’s offices in San Francisco on Monday. “And this is incredibly important, because we’re looking at the future of interaction between ourselves and machines.”

GPT-4 Turbo , OpenAI’s previous “leading “most advanced” model, was trained on a combination of images and text and could analyze images and text to accomplish tasks like extracting text from images or even describing the content of those images. But GPT-4o adds speech to the mix.

What does this enable? A variety of things. 

GPT-4o greatly improves the experience in OpenAI’s AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT . The platform has long offered a voice mode that transcribes the chatbot’s responses using a text-to-speech model, but GPT-4o supercharges this, allowing users to interact with ChatGPT more like an assistant. 

For example, users can ask the GPT-4o-powered ChatGPT a question and interrupt ChatGPT while it’s answering. The model delivers “real-time” responsiveness, OpenAI says, and can even pick up on nuances in a user’s voice, in response generating voices in “a range of different emotive styles” (including singing). 

GPT-4o also upgrades ChatGPT’s vision capabilities. Given a photo — or a desktop screen — ChatGPT can now quickly answer related questions, from topics ranging from “What’s going on in this software code?” to “What brand of shirt is this person wearing?”

These features will evolve further in the future, Murati says. While today GPT-4o can look at a picture of a menu in a different language and translate it, in the future, the model could allow ChatGPT to, for instance, “watch” a live sports game and explain the rules to you.

“We know that these models are getting more and more complex, but we want the experience of interaction to actually become more natural, easy, and for you not to focus on the UI at all, but just focus on the collaboration with ChatGPT,” Murati said. “For the past couple of years, we’ve been very focused on improving the intelligence of these models … But this is the first time that we are really making a huge step forward when it comes to the ease of use.”

GPT-4o is more multilingual as well, OpenAI claims, with enhanced performance in around 50 languages. And in OpenAI’s API and Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service , GPT-4o is twice as fast as, half the price of and has higher rate limits than GPT-4 Turbo, the company says.

At present, voice isn’t a part of the GPT-4o API for all customers. OpenAI, citing the risk of misuse, says that it plans to first launch support for GPT-4o’s new audio capabilities to “a small group of trusted partners” in the coming weeks.

GPT-4o is available in the free tier of ChatGPT starting today and to subscribers to OpenAI’s premium ChatGPT Plus and Team plans with “5x higher” message limits. (OpenAI notes that ChatGPT will automatically switch to GPT-3.5 , an older and less capable model, when users hit the rate limit.) The improved ChatGPT voice experience underpinned by GPT-4o will arrive in alpha for Plus users in the next month or so, alongside enterprise-focused options .

In related news, OpenAI announced that it’s releasing a refreshed ChatGPT UI on the web with a new, “more conversational” home screen and message layout, and a desktop version of ChatGPT for macOS that lets users ask questions via a keyboard shortcut or take and discuss screenshots. ChatGPT Plus users will get access to the app first, starting today, and a Windows version will arrive later in the year.

Elsewhere, the GPT Store , OpenAI’s library of and creation tools for third-party chatbots built on its AI models, is now available to users of ChatGPT’s free tier. And free users can take advantage of ChatGPT features that were formerly paywalled, like a memory capability that allows ChatGPT to “remember” preferences for future interactions, upload files and photos, and search the web for answers to timely questions.

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