Ending your Speech

Ending a speech can be just as important as the beginning and middle parts. Here are some tips on how to effectively end a speech:

1.     Summarize your main points: Summarize the key points you made during your speech. This will help reinforce your message and ensure that your audience remembers what you said. Stress on the most important point as the one you want them to remember. You can even say something like "If you are to remember one point..."

2.     End with a call to action: Encourage your audience to take action on what you have said. This could be anything from making a donation to a cause, to signing a petition, to simply thinking more about the topic you discussed. It can be to refer to another source or to take a course or to stop using plastics etc..

3.     Use a memorable quote: End your speech with a quote that sums up your message. This could be a famous quote from someone else, or something you've said earlier in your speech.

In a recent speech I gave on sustainability and why we all need to work together I shared a quote I once learnt from my good friend Harinda Fonseka (Founder of Gud Ppl social media) which is - "Humanity is a Team Sport".

4.     Thank your audience: Thank your audience for listening to your speech. Express your gratitude for their time and attention. You can recognise the effort they put in to listen to you and be there.

5.     Use a powerful statement or question: End your speech with a powerful statement that leaves a lasting impression on your audience. This could be a personal story or a powerful statistic that highlights the importance of your message. When speaking to an audience on why we must reduce Climate change impact from us I mentioned that "the world is round so what goes around will come around to byte us back"

Or you can throw a question at them and ask something like "I have done my bit. Will you do yours ?"

Remember, the ending of your speech should leave your audience feeling inspired, motivated, and wanting to take action.

Hope these tips were helpful. Until next week, Keep Speaking

T.A.

(To learn more on Tharindu and the programs offered relating to Public Speaking / Presentation Skills & Corporate Communication, visit www.danandken.com or reach out to him on +94777481581)