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.
- How to Build Rapport: Effective Techniques
- Active Listening (Techniques, Examples, Tips)
- Effective Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace (Examples)
- What is Problem Solving? (Steps, Techniques, Examples)
- 2 Examples of an Effective and Warm Letter of Welcome
- 8 Examples of Effective Interview Confirmation Emails
- Presentations
- Most Recent
- Infographics
- Data Visualizations
- Forms and Surveys
- Video & Animation
- Case Studies
- Design for Business
- Digital Marketing
- Design Inspiration
- Visual Thinking
- Product Updates
- Visme Webinars
- Artificial Intelligence
6 Ways to Close Your Presentation With Style (& Tools to Use)
Written by: Ashish Arora
Picture this: You've just delivered an amazing presentation that had your audience hooked from the start. The excitement in the room is glaring as you reach the final moments of your presentations.
Now, it's time to close with a bang and leave a lasting impression.
The way you conclude your presentation holds immense power. That’s the defining moment that cements your message in the minds of your audience.
So how do you wrap up your presentation in a memorable way and leave your audience feeling inspired? That’s why we created this article to teach you how to end a presentation.
In this article, we're going to explore six awesome ways to close your presentation with style. These techniques will help you leave a lasting impact and make your audience go "Wow!"
Get ready to level up your presentation skills and charm your audience with these proven closing techniques.
We've covered the best closing tactics for your next presentation in this video.
Table of Contents
6 ways to close your presentation with style, tools to help you create a presentation, key phrases to end a presentation.
- How to Start a Presentation
- Top Presentation Mistakes to Avoid
- How you end your presentation can make all the difference in solidifying your message and leaving your audience with a sense of purpose.
- Level up your presentation skills and charm your audience with these proven closing techniques: include a strong call-to-action (CTA), don't end with a question and answer slide, conclude with a memorable quote, tell a story, summarize your main points and thank the audience.
- Here are some ways you can start your presentation on a strong note: make a bold claim, give them the unexpected, pique curiosity, ask questions and tell a story.
- Avoid these top presentation mistakes: lack of adequate presentation, being robotic, avoiding eye contact, starting and ending weak.
- Visme, Prezi, Slidebean and Google Slides are four stand-out tools you can use to create stunning and effective presentations.
- Visme’s presentation software offers a wide range of templates and extensive features to help you create next-level presentations.
There’s no question that grabbing your audience’s attention at the very beginning of your presentation is important. But how you end it can make all the difference in your presentation’s overall impact.
Here are some ways to ensure you end powerfully:
- Way #1: Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
- Way #2: Don't End With a Q&A
- Way #3: End With a Memorable Quote
- Way #4: Close With a Story
- Way #5: Drive Your Main Points Home
- Way #6: Thank and Acknowledge
Create an infographic of your own! Sign up. It's free.
1. Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
If you’re a business owner, the primary purpose of your presentation is to inspire the audience to action. Don’t assume they will take it, move them to it.
Use powerful words that are definitive and instructional. Calls-to-action like “Begin the journey” or “Join the fight” are to-the-point and let the audience know what to do.
Create a stunning presentation in less time
- Hundreds of premade slides available
- Add animation and interactivity to your slides
- Choose from various presentation options
Sign up. It’s free.
2. Don’t End with a Q&A
You’ve just spent 20-30 minutes wowing your audience and now you’re going to let your presentation fizzle out with a Q&A? Beyond the fact that you are never in full control of what questions you will be asked, Q&As are just not memorable.
So how do you end a presentation with a bang? It is better to take questions throughout the presentation. This way the questions asked are relevant to the particular information being shared and you can ensure your audience is keeping up with you.
If you have been forced to structure your presentation so that questions are taken at the end, make sure to allow yourself a minute or two after the Q&A. Use this time to close the presentation with your final takeaways and messages of inspiration.
3. End with a Memorable Quote
Sometimes, if you can’t find the perfect words to end with, use someone else’s words.
“Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it.” –Charles Swindoll
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” –John Lennon
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” –Steve Jobs
These are pretty powerful words, no? Use quotes like these when you wrap up your presentation, or add them in your final slide to leave a strong impression.
4. Close with a Story
If opening with a compelling story works, there’s a very good chance that closing with one will as well. While a story at the beginning was an effective lead-in to your message, a story at the end can creatively sum up the information you have shared.
A word of caution: don’t end with a case study . Many business owners do this. Case studies are great for the middle of your presentation. But for the conclusion, you want a meaningful story that affects your audience emotionally and causes them to remember your message for a long, long time.
5. Drive Your Main Points Home
Your audience will appreciate some form of summation at the end that will act as a linear representation of what they’ve just heard. There is a simple summary formula that many professional speakers use in the ending slide:
- Tell them what you are going to tell them.
- Then, tell them what you told them.
You can simply say something like, “Before I leave you with my final thoughts about XYZ, let me briefly restate my main takeaways…” Don’t just list your key points but show the audience how each links to the other points.
Giving a successful presentation takes a lot of work and commitment. By creating a powerful opening and closing, you will ensure that your message is not only fully received but impactful as well.
6. Thank and Acknowledge
If you're finding it hard to signal to your audience that your presentation has ended and it's time to applaud, thanking them can be a great way to do so. Including an end slide or thank you slide can make things easier.
At the end of your presentation, you can also acknowledge any companies or people who helped you put together your presentation, such as a website you used as a data source.
Now that you know how to end a presentation effectively, let's find out how you can create one that speaks for itself.
A well-designed slide deck can not only help you better convey your message, but it can also make you feel more confident about your presentation.
Here are four tools you can use to create stunning and effective presentations.
Visme is a robust visual content creation tool and presentation software that transforms how users create and deliver captivating presentations. With a wide range of customizable templates, an extensive asset library and an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can level up your presentation and captivate your audience like never before.
Here are some of the standard features of Visme's presentation software.
- Generate a set of branded templates tailored to your brand using Visme's AI-powered brand design tool .
- Easily record projects and presentations for your audience to view on their own time and pace with Visme Presenter studio .
- Create beautiful data visualizations , charts , graphs , and infographics that will effectively communicate your information.
- Transform boring presentation slides into enriching experiences that keep your audience engaged with interactive features using pop ups, hover effects, slide transitions, interactive charts, maps, quizzes and videos.
- Generate high-quality content, proofread or create an outline for your presentation using Visme's AI text generator .
- Take your presentation to a whole new level with our comprehensive library of royalty-free images, icons, illustrations, graphics, and pre-designed content blocks.
- Unleash your creativity with the help of Visme’s AI image generator . All you need to do is input your prompt and you can generate unique photos, paintings, pencil drawings, 3D graphics, icons, abstract art, and more.
- Drive seamless collaboration with Visme's collaborative features make teamwork a breeze. You can collaborate with colleagues and clients in real-time, leave comments, and make edits together, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. Say goodbye to email attachments and enjoy seamless collaboration all in one place.
- When you’re sold on your final presentation design , you can download it in multiple formats, including PPTX, PDF, PDF or as a shareable link . You can present directly from Visme, embed your presentation on websites, or download it for offline use.
If you're racing against the clock, use Visme's AI presentation maker to create stunning presentations in seconds. Just explain what you want to create, provide more context, select your preferred designs and watch the tool unleash its magic.
Get started with our Starter plan and enjoy full access to templates and assets. Or upgrade to a Pro plan to access team collaboration and brand management features. Our Visme for Teams plans offer enterprise-level features like custom sub-domains, team collaboration, custom integrations and more.
The master of non-linear presentations, Prezi, lets you create slide decks that are bound to stand out from others.
While the learning curve of Prezi can be steep for some people, it's worth it if you're looking to get creative with your presentations.
3. Slidebean
If the most important thing to you when making a presentation is saving time, Slidebean might be a great fit.
The best thing about this tool is it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help you create stunning layouts for your content.
Slidebean is ideal if you're not looking for extensive customizability, just ease of use and time-saving features like templates and content blocks.
4. Google Slides
Sometimes, the most basic tools are enough for creating a great presentation, especially if the industry you're operating in requires simplicity and seriousness.
The best part about Google Slides is that you can use it from anywhere and from any device. For example, you can create your entire presentation on your phone using the mobile application.
Presentations made in Google Slides can also be opened with Microsoft PowerPoint and Keynote, which makes it quite a versatile tool.
if you're wondering how to close your presentation, here are some key phrases you can use:
Appreciate your listeners
- Thank you for your time and attention.
- I appreciate your presence here today.
- Thank you for being such an engaged audience.
Express gratitude for the opportunity
- I'm grateful for the chance to share...
- I want to express my gratitude to...
- Thank you once again for the opportunity.
Summarize the main points
- In summary...
- To sum up...
- In conclusion...
Use a call to action
- I encourage each of you to...
- Let's work together to...
- Take the next step by...
Inspire or motivate your audience
- Remember that...
- As we move forward, let's keep in mind...
- Let this be a reminder that..."
Leave your closing thoughts
- In closing...
- As a final thought...
- To wrap things up...
Encourage your audience to ask questions or share their thoughts
- I'm now open to any questions you may have.
- I'd love to hear your thoughts on...
- Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.
Reiterate the main points
- Just to recap...
- To reiterate the key points...
- In essence, we covered...
Use closing quotes
- To quote [relevant figure]...
- In the words of [author]...
- As [famous person] once said...
Express optimism about the future
- Looking ahead...
- The future holds great opportunities for...
- I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Remember, these fun ways to end a presentation aren't one-size-fits-all. You need to tailor these phrases to fit the specific context and tone of your presentation.
Bonus 1: How to Start a Presentation
Now you know how to conclude a presentation. We’ve also discussed what to say at the end of a presentation.
Let’s discuss how to begin a presentation.
According to bestselling author, Malcolm Gladwell, in Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking , "Snap judgments are ... enormously quick: they rely on the thinnest slices of experience."
In other words: first impressions are real, and they happen really quickly. Think about those presentations you have sat in the audience for.
How quickly did you sum a presenter up when they took the stage? Did you judge them on their posture? What they were wearing? How they addressed the audience? What their voice sounded like?
Most likely, you took all of these factors into account and quickly decided whether you were going to give them your full attention or think about what you should make for dinner.
As a presenter, you must understand that your audience members will make a snap decision about you within the first few moments after taking that stage. Your job at the very beginning of your presentation is to grab their attention.
Here are some ways you can start your presentation strong.
1. Make a Bold Claim
Imagine being in the audience when a presenter opens his mouth and the first words out are, “When I’ve finished here today, you will have the knowledge to increase your revenue by 200% this year.” Um… would you sit forward in your chair and listen to every single word? You bet you would!
You have been asked to speak because you are an expert in your field and have valuable information to share. So why be shy about it? Start your presentation with a bold claim, and then overdeliver.
2. Give Them the Unexpected
Another powerful way to grab attention right up top is to contradict audience expectations. Some people refer to this as "applied unpredictability principle."
Giving people what they expect is not very exciting. Imagine a roller coaster that had no sudden drops or turns. It wouldn’t thrill you. Well the same can be said for presentations. The unexpected hooks the audience instantly.
Here’s an example. Pamela Meyer, author of Liespotting , starts off her presentation by scanning the audience and then saying, “Okay, I don’t want to alarm anybody in this room, but it’s just come to my attention that the person to your right is a liar! Also the person to your left is a liar.”
Well, the audience laughs, getting her intended joke, but you can tell that this unexpected statement has hooked them, and they are ready to give their full attention.
3. Pique Curiosity
Humans like to have their curiosity piqued. We love the feeling of being presented with information that makes us curious and wonder about something. Research actually shows that curiosity prepares our brain to learn something new. How does it do this?
Well, when we are curious about something, we give that something our full attention. We look for clues and assess situations. This is how we operate and it’s how our ancestors stayed alive.
If you want to grab the audience’s attention right off the bat, ask a question or pose an idea that piques their curiosity. You’ll see many Ted Talk presenters do this by “confessing” they have to share a secret or an apology.
Speaker Dan Pink does this in his famous T e d Talk when he says:
“I need to make a confession, at the outset here. A little over 20 years ago, I did something that I regret. Something that I am not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wished no one would ever know, but that here I feel kind of obliged to reveal. In the late 1980s, in a moment of youthful indiscretion, I went to law school.”
The minute someone says they have something to confess, we HAVE to know what it is, and so we are forced to pay attention.
RELATED: 29 Killer Presentation Tips to Wow Your Audience
4. Ask Questions
This technique is an oldie but a goodie. By posing a thoughtful question to your audience, their brain is forced to THINK about the answer. You have engaged them from second one. The key is to make the question one that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, but rather one that plants the seed of an idea.
“What scares you the most?”
“How do human beings constantly reach goals we all believe can never be reached?”
“When was the last time you allowed yourself to feel powerful?”
5. Tell a Story
“When I was nine, I met a homeless man who said he could see my entire future. He told me that when I turned 12, I would die. And I did.”
Okay, I am FULLY listening.
Stories are powerful. The human brain seems to have been wired to listen to stories. No matter how old we get, when someone starts to tell us a story, we instantly become 5-years-old, wide-eyed, ready to go on an adventure.
The story you tell can be personal or professional, just make sure it ties into your overall message.
Bonus 2: Top Presentation Mistakes to Avoid
If we’re going to discuss a presentation success formula, we’ve got to first tackle some of the biggest public speaking mistakes that guarantee your presentation is unsuccessful. Are you guilty of any of these?
1. Not Being Prepared
We’ve all seen those presenters who make it look so effortless. Steve Jobs was like that. He seemed to glide onto the stage, open his mouth and instantly captivate everyone.
But the truth is, even Steve Jobs had to prepare.
Thoughtful preparation is essential for any level of public speaking. Doing the work ahead of time will not only help you feel and sound more confident, it will ensure you deliver the right message to the right audience.
2. Being Robotic
Beyond being comfortable with your material, you must be comfortable in your own body. Have you seen presenters who just stand in one spot and barely move at all? While they’re not very good at exciting their audience, they do have a keen knack for lulling listeners to sleep.
Granted, there may be those rare situations where, because of a lack of robust technology, you have no choice but to stand behind a podium. But even then, be sure to use gestures to punctuate your message. Gestures communicate on a level that words don’t. Don’t be flamboyant but try and use natural gestures as much as you can – you’ll seem human instead of machine-like.
And, when technology does allow you free movement, by all means, move around that stage. Steve Jobs was great at using movement purposefully during his presentations.
If you have a presentation coming up and want to avoid sounding robotic, this video explains 8 ways to memorize your presentation.
3. Avoiding Eye Contact
We can’t talk about body language and not mention one of the biggest mistakes that many speakers make, and that is avoiding eye contact. How many presentations have you seen where the speaker spent the entire time staring at her notes or PowerPoint presentation? How did you feel? Perhaps invisible?
Meeting a person’s gaze establishes a real connection and keeps listeners engaged. If your audience is small enough, try to make eye contact with everyone at least once. If the audience is too large, do your best to scan each section of the audience, landing on a few people. This will give everyone a general impression that you are doing your best to connect.
4. Starting and Ending Weak
If there is one no-no a presenter can make, this is it.
You should think of your presentation as a delicious meal you have painstakingly prepared for your guests. What do you remember most about a great meal? If you’re like most people, you remember the appetizers and the dessert – everything in between is kind of a good-tasting blur.
When you begin and end your presentation strong, you gain the audience’s attention quickly and leave a positive and lasting impression. These are two skills that cannot be emphasized enough.
Let’s look at some of the ways you can ensure you start your presentation strong:
Ready to Level-Up Your Presentation?
Whether it's a business presentation or a motivational speech, knowing how to give a closing statement and ending your talk on a high note is important.
The last thing you say in front of a crowd can help you leave a memorable impression, whether it's a recap of your presentation content or a rhetorical question.
If you're ready to take your presentations to the next level, use Visme's presentation software to put together engaging and interactive slides.
Create stunning presentations faster with Visme
Trusted by leading brands
Recommended content for you:
Create Stunning Content!
Design visual brand experiences for your business whether you are a seasoned designer or a total novice.
About the Author
Ashish Arora is the Co-Founder of SketchBubble.com , a leading provider of result-driven, professionally built presentation templates. Travelling the world to gather new creative ideas, he has been working in the digital marketing space since 2007 and has a passion for designing presentations. You can also find him on Twitter or LinkedIn .
- 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
Share this post:, leave a comment cancel reply.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
160 Questions to Ask After a Presentation
Asking questions after a presentation is not just about seeking clarity on what was discussed. It’s a golden opportunity to delve deeper, engage with the speaker, and enhance your understanding of the subject matter. But knowing which questions to ask isn’t always straightforward.
In this piece, we’re about to break down the art of crafting impactful questions post-presentation that will not only benefit you but also add value to the entire audience’s experience.
Table of Contents
Questions to Ask After a Presentation for Feedback
Questions to ask after a presentation interview, questions to ask students after a presentation, questions to ask after a research presentation, questions to ask after a business presentation, questions to ask after a marketing presentation, questions to ask after a book presentation, reflection questions to ask after a presentation, frequently asked questions, final thoughts.
- Can you summarize the key points of the presentation?
- What aspect of the presentation did you find most engaging?
- Were there any areas that were unclear or confusing? If so, what were they?
- How would you rate the overall organization and flow of the presentation?
- Did the visual aids (such as slides or charts) enhance your understanding of the topic? Why or why not?
- Did the presenter maintain good eye contact and use body language effectively?
- Was the presenter’s tone and pace suitable for the content and audience?
- Were there any statistics or facts presented that stood out to you? Why?
- Did the presenter address potential counter-arguments or opposing views adequately?
- Were the objectives of the presentation clearly stated and met?
- How well did the presenter handle questions or interruptions during the presentation?
- Was there anything in the presentation that seemed unnecessary or redundant?
- What would you suggest to improve the presentation for future audiences?
- How did the presentation change or influence your thinking about the subject?
- Did the presentation feel tailored to the audience’s knowledge and interest level?
- Was there a clear and compelling call to action or concluding statement?
- Did the presentation feel too short, too long, or just the right length?
- What was your overall impression of the presenter’s credibility and expertise on the subject?
- How would you rate the relevance and importance of the topic to the audience?
- Can you identify any biases or assumptions in the presentation that may have influenced the message?
- How did you determine what content to include in your presentation?
- Can you explain the rationale behind the structure and flow of your presentation?
- What challenges did you face while preparing this presentation, and how did you overcome them?
- Were there any points in the presentation where you felt you could have elaborated more or less? Why?
- How did you decide on the visual elements and design of your presentation?
- Can you describe your intended audience and how you tailored the content to engage them?
- How did you ensure that the information presented was accurate and up-to-date?
- Were there any counter-arguments or opposing views on this topic that you considered including?
- How would you adapt this presentation for a different audience or context?
- How do you handle unexpected questions or interruptions during a presentation?
- Can you give an example of how you’ve handled negative feedback on a presentation in the past?
- How do you measure the success of a presentation? What metrics or feedback do you seek?
- What techniques do you use to engage an audience that may not be familiar with the topic?
- How do you balance the need to entertain and inform in a presentation?
- How do you prioritize information when you have a limited time to present?
- What strategies do you employ to ensure that your main points are memorable?
- How do you deal with nerves or anxiety before or during a presentation?
- Can you describe a situation where a presentation did not go as planned and how you handled it?
- How do you keep up with the latest trends and best practices in presenting?
- Is there anything you would change about this presentation if you were to do it again?
- How did you feel about the presentation? Were you confident or nervous, and why?
- What was the main message or goal of your presentation, and do you think you achieved it?
- How did you decide on the structure of your presentation?
- What research methods did you use to gather information for this presentation?
- Were there any challenges you encountered while preparing or presenting, and how did you address them?
- How did you ensure that your visual aids or multimedia elements supported your key points?
- What part of the presentation are you most proud of, and why?
- Were there any areas where you felt uncertain or that you would like to improve upon for next time?
- How did you tailor your presentation to fit the knowledge level and interest of your audience?
- What techniques did you use to engage the audience, and how do you think they worked?
- How did you practice your presentation, and what adjustments did you make as a result?
- Did you feel the time allotted for your presentation was sufficient? Why or why not?
- How did you decide what to emphasize or de-emphasize in your presentation?
- What feedback did you receive from peers during the preparation, and how did you incorporate it?
- Did you have a clear conclusion or call to action, and why did you choose it?
- How do you think your presentation style affects the way your audience receives your message?
- What would you do differently if you were to present this topic again?
- Can you reflect on a piece of feedback or a question from the audience that made you think?
- How has this presentation helped you better understand the subject matter?
- How will the skills and insights gained from this presentation experience benefit you in the future?
- Can you elaborate on the research question and what prompted you to investigate this topic?
- How did you choose the methodology for this research, and why was it the most suitable approach?
- Can you discuss any limitations or constraints within your research design and how they might have affected the results?
- How do your findings align or contrast with existing literature or previous research in this field?
- Were there any unexpected findings, and if so, how do you interpret them?
- How did you ensure the reliability and validity of your data?
- Can you discuss the ethical considerations involved in your research, and how were they addressed?
- What are the practical implications of your findings for practitioners in the field?
- How might your research contribute to theoretical development within this discipline?
- What recommendations do you have for future research based on your findings?
- Can you provide more details about your sample size and selection process?
- How did you handle missing or inconsistent data within your research?
- Were there any biases that could have influenced the results, and how were they mitigated?
- How do you plan to disseminate these findings within the academic community or to the broader public?
- Can you discuss the significance of your research within a broader social, economic, or cultural context?
- What feedback have you received from peers or advisors on this research, and how has it shaped your work?
- How does your research fit into your long-term academic or professional goals?
- Were there any particular challenges in conveying complex research findings to a general audience, and how did you address them?
- How does this research presentation fit into the larger project or research agenda, if applicable?
- Can you provide more insight into the interdisciplinary aspects of your research, if any, and how they contributed to the depth or breadth of understanding?
- Can you elaborate on the primary objectives and expected outcomes of this business initiative?
- How does this strategy align with the overall mission and vision of the company?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) that you’ll be monitoring to gauge success?
- Can you discuss the risks associated with this plan, and how have you prepared to mitigate them?
- How does this proposal fit within the current market landscape, and what sets it apart from competitors?
- What are the potential financial implications of this plan, including both investments and projected returns?
- Can you provide more detail about the timeline and milestones for implementation?
- What internal and external resources will be required, and how have you planned to allocate them?
- How did you gather and analyze the data presented, and how does it support your conclusions?
- How does this proposal take into account regulatory compliance and ethical considerations?
- What are the potential challenges or roadblocks, and what strategies are in place to overcome them?
- Can you explain how this initiative aligns with or affects other ongoing projects or departments within the company?
- How will this plan impact stakeholders, and how have their interests and concerns been addressed?
- What contingency plans are in place if the initial strategy doesn’t achieve the desired results?
- How will success be communicated and celebrated within the organization?
- What opportunities for collaboration or partnership with other organizations exist within this plan?
- How does this proposal consider sustainability and the potential long-term impact on the environment and community?
- How have you incorporated feedback or lessons learned from previous similar initiatives?
- What are the key takeaways you’d like us to remember from this presentation?
- How can we get involved or support this initiative moving forward?
- Can you elaborate on the target audience for this marketing campaign, and how were they identified?
- What are the main objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) for this campaign?
- How does this marketing strategy align with the overall brand values and business goals?
- What channels will be utilized, and why were they chosen for this particular campaign?
- Can you discuss the expected return on investment (ROI) and how it will be measured?
- What are the creative concepts driving this campaign, and how do they resonate with the target audience?
- How does this campaign consider the competitive landscape, and what sets it apart from competitors’ efforts?
- What are the potential risks or challenges with this marketing plan, and how will they be mitigated?
- Can you provide more details about the budget allocation across different marketing channels and activities?
- How have customer insights or feedback been integrated into the campaign strategy?
- What contingency plans are in place if certain elements of the campaign do not perform as expected?
- How will this marketing initiative be integrated with other departments or business functions, such as sales or customer service?
- How does this campaign consider sustainability or social responsibility, if at all?
- What tools or technologies will be used to execute and monitor this campaign?
- Can you discuss the timeline and key milestones for the launch and ongoing management of the campaign?
- How will the success of this campaign be communicated both internally and externally?
- How does this marketing strategy consider potential regulatory or compliance issues?
- How will the campaign be adapted or customized for different markets or segments, if applicable?
- What lessons from previous campaigns were applied in the development of this strategy?
- How can we, as a team or as individuals, support the successful implementation of this marketing plan?
- What inspired the main theme or concept of the book?
- Can you describe the intended audience for this book, and why they would find it appealing?
- How did the characters’ development contribute to the overall message of the book?
- What research was conducted (if any) to ensure the authenticity of the setting, characters, or events?
- Were there any challenges or ethical considerations in writing or presenting this book?
- How does this book fit into the current literary landscape or genre? What sets it apart?
- What do you believe readers will find most engaging or thought-provoking about this book?
- Can you discuss any symbolic elements or literary devices used in the book and their significance?
- How does the book’s structure (e.g., point of view, chronological order) contribute to its impact?
- What were the emotional highs and lows during the writing or reading of this book, and how do they reflect in the story?
- How does the book address or reflect contemporary social, cultural, or political issues?
- Were there any parts of the book that were particularly difficult or rewarding to write or read?
- How does this book relate to the author’s previous works or the evolution of their writing style?
- What feedback or responses have been received from readers, critics, or peers, and how have they influenced the presentation?
- What are the main takeaways or lessons you hope readers will gain from this book?
- How might this book be used in educational settings, and what age group or courses would it be suitable for?
- Can you discuss the process of editing, publishing, or marketing the book, if applicable?
- How does the book’s cover art or design reflect its content or attract its target readership?
- Are there plans for a sequel, adaptation, or related works in the future?
- How can readers stay engaged with the author or the book’s community, such as through social media, book clubs, or events?
- How do you feel the presentation went overall, and why?
- What part of the presentation are you most proud of, and what made it successful?
- Were there any moments where you felt challenged or uncertain? How did you handle those moments?
- How did you perceive the audience’s engagement and reaction? Were there any surprises?
- What feedback have you received from others, and how does it align with your self-assessment?
- Were there any technical difficulties or unexpected obstacles, and how were they addressed?
- How well did you manage your time during the presentation? Were there areas that needed more or less focus?
- How did you feel before the presentation, and how did those feelings change throughout?
- What strategies did you use to connect with the audience, and how effective were they?
- Were there any points that you felt were misunderstood or could have been communicated more clearly?
- How did the preparation process contribute to the overall success or challenges of the presentation?
- What did you learn about yourself as a communicator or presenter through this experience?
- Were there any ethical considerations in the content or delivery of the presentation, and how were they handled?
- How does this presentation align with your long-term goals or professional development?
- How would you approach this presentation differently if you had to do it again?
- How has this presentation affected your confidence or skills in public speaking or presenting?
- What resources or support would have enhanced your preparation or performance?
- How will you apply what you’ve learned from this presentation to future projects or presentations?
- How did your understanding of the topic change or deepen through the process of preparing and presenting?
- What steps will you take to continue improving or building on the skills demonstrated in this presentation?
What if I disagree with a point made during the presentation?
It’s important to frame disagreement in a constructive and respectful way. You might say, “ I found your point on X intriguing. From a different perspective, could Y also be considered…? ” This opens up a dialogue without dismissing the presenter’s viewpoint.
How can I formulate my questions to encourage a more detailed answer?
Use open-ended questions that start with “ how ,” “ why, ” or “ could you explain… ” as these require more than a yes or no answer and encourage the presenter to provide depth. For example, “ Could you explain the process behind your research findings in more detail? “
By asking insightful questions, you’re not only cementing your understanding of the material presented but also opening doors to further knowledge and collaboration. Remember, the quality of your questions reflects the depth of your engagement and willingness to learn.
So, the next time you find yourself in the audience, seize the opportunity to ask meaningful questions and watch as simple presentations transform into dialogues that inspire and illuminate.
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
As you found this post useful...
Share it on social media!
We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!
Let us improve this post!
Tell us how we can improve this post?
Bea Mariel Saulo
Bea is an editor and writer with a passion for literature and self-improvement. Her ability to combine these two interests enables her to write informative and thought-provoking articles that positively impact society. She enjoys reading stories and listening to music in her spare time.
- Trivia Quizzes
- Memory Games
- Spot the Differences
- Sliding Puzzles
We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Manage Cookies
Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.
Show cookie providers
- Google Login
Functionality Cookies
These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.
Performance Cookies
These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.
- Google Analytics
Targeting Cookies
These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.
- Google Tag Manager
- Infographics
- Daily Infographics
- Popular Templates
- Accessibility
- Graphic Design
- Graphs and Charts
- Data Visualization
- Human Resources
- Beginner Guides
Blog Marketing How To End A Presentation & Leave A Lasting Impression
How To End A Presentation & Leave A Lasting Impression
Written by: Krystle Wong Aug 09, 2023
So you’ve got an exciting presentation ready to wow your audience and you’re left with the final brushstroke — how to end your presentation with a bang.
Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a profound and lasting impression that resonates long after the lights dim and the audience disperses.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the art of crafting an impactful conclusion that resonates with 10 effective techniques and ideas along with real-life examples to inspire your next presentation. Alternatively, you could always jump right into creating your slides by customizing our professionally designed presentation templates . They’re fully customizable and require no design experience at all!
Click to jump ahead:
Why is it important to have an impactful ending for your presentation?
10 effective presentation closing techniques to leave a lasting impression, 7 things to put on a conclusion slide.
- 5 real-life exceptional examples of how to end a presentation
6 mistakes to avoid in concluding a presentation
Faqs on how to end a presentation, how to create a memorable presentation with venngage.
People tend to remember the beginning and end of a presentation more vividly than the middle, making the final moments your last chance to make a lasting impression.
An ending that leaves a lasting impact doesn’t merely mark the end of a presentation; it opens doors to further exploration. A strong conclusion is vital because it:
- Leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
- Reinforces key points and takeaways.
- Motivates action and implementation of ideas.
- Creates an emotional connection with the audience.
- Fosters engagement, curiosity and reflection.
Just like the final scene of a movie, your presentation’s ending has the potential to linger in your audience’s minds long after they’ve left the room. From summarizing key points to engaging the audience in unexpected ways, make a lasting impression with these 10 ways to end a presentation:
1. The summary
Wrap up your entire presentation with a concise and impactful summary, recapping the key points and main takeaways. By doing so, you reinforce the essential aspects and ensure the audience leaves with a crystal-clear understanding of your core message.
2. The reverse story
Here’s a cool one: start with the end result and then surprise the audience with the journey that led you to where you are. Share the challenges you conquered and the lessons you learned, making it a memorable and unique conclusion that drives home your key takeaways.
Alternatively, customize one of our cool presentation templates to capture the attention of your audience and deliver your message in an engaging and memorable way
3. The metaphorical prop
For an added visual touch, bring a symbolic prop that represents your message. Explain its significance in relation to your content, leaving the audience with a tangible and unforgettable visual representation that reinforces your key concepts.
4. The audience engagement challenge
Get the audience involved by throwing them a challenge related to your informational presentation. Encourage active participation and promise to share the results later, fostering their involvement and motivating them to take action.
5. The memorable statistic showcase
Spice things up with a series of surprising or intriguing statistics, presented with attention-grabbing visual aids. Summarize your main points using these impactful stats to ensure the audience remembers and grasps the significance of your data, especially when delivering a business presentation or pitch deck presentation .
Transform your data-heavy presentations into engaging presentations using data visualization tools. Venngage’s chart and graph tools help you present information in a digestible and visually appealing manner. Infographics and diagrams can simplify complex concepts while images add a relatable dimension to your presentation.
6. The interactive story creation
How about a collaborative story? Work with the audience to create an impromptu tale together. Let them contribute elements and build the story with you. Then, cleverly tie it back to your core message with a creative presentation conclusion.
7. The unexpected guest speaker
Introduce an unexpected guest who shares a unique perspective related to your presentation’s theme. If their story aligns with your message, it’ll surely amp up the audience’s interest and engagement.
8. The thought-provoking prompt
Leave your audience pondering with a thought-provoking question or prompt related to your topic. Encourage reflection and curiosity, sparking a desire to explore the subject further and dig deeper into your message.
9. The empowering call-to-action
Time to inspire action! Craft a powerful call to action that motivates the audience to make a difference. Provide practical steps and resources to support their involvement, empowering them to take part in something meaningful.
10. The heartfelt expression
End on a warm note by expressing genuine gratitude and appreciation for the audience’s time and attention. Acknowledge their presence and thank them sincerely, leaving a lasting impression of professionalism and warmth.
Not sure where to start? These 12 presentation software might come in handy for creating a good presentation that stands out.
Remember, your closing slides for the presentation is your final opportunity to make a strong impact on your audience. However, the question remains — what exactly should be on the last slide of your presentation? Here are 7 conclusion slide examples to conclude with a high note:
1. Key takeaways
Highlight the main points or key takeaways from your presentation. This reinforces the essential information you want the audience to remember, ensuring they leave with a clear understanding of your message with a well summarized and simple presentation .
2. Closing statement
Craft a strong closing statement that summarizes the overall message of your presentation and leaves a positive final impression. This concluding remark should be impactful and memorable.
3. Call-to-action
Don’t forget to include a compelling call to action in your final message that motivates the audience to take specific steps after the presentation. Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, trying a product or conducting further research, a clear call to action can encourage engagement.
4. Contact information
Provide your contact details, such as email address or social media handles. That way, the audience can easily reach out for further inquiries or discussions. Building connections with your audience enhances engagement and opens doors for future opportunities.
Use impactful visuals or graphics to deliver your presentation effectively and make the conclusion slide visually appealing. Engaging visuals can captivate the audience and help solidify your key points.
Visuals are powerful tools for retention. Use Venngage’s library of icons, images and charts to complement your text. You can easily upload and incorporate your own images or choose from Venngage’s library of stock photos to add depth and relevance to your visuals.
6. Next steps
Outline the recommended next steps for the audience to take after the presentation, guiding them on what actions to pursue. This can be a practical roadmap for implementing your ideas and recommendations.
7. Inspirational quote
To leave a lasting impression, consider including a powerful and relevant quote that resonates with the main message of your presentation. Thoughtful quotes can inspire and reinforce the significance of your key points.
Whether you’re giving an in-person or virtual presentation , a strong wrap-up can boost persuasiveness and ensure that your message resonates and motivates action effectively. Check out our gallery of professional presentation templates to get started.
5 real-life exceptional examples of how to end a presentation
When we talk about crafting an exceptional closing for a presentation, I’m sure you’ll have a million questions — like how do you end a presentation, what do you say at the end of a presentation or even how to say thank you after a presentation.
To get a better idea of how to end a presentation with style — let’s delve into five remarkable real-life examples that offer valuable insights into crafting a conclusion that truly seals the deal:
1. Sheryl Sandberg
In her TED Talk titled “Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders,” Sheryl Sandberg concluded with an impactful call to action, urging men and women to lean in and support gender equality in the workplace. This motivational ending inspired the audience to take action toward a more inclusive world.
2. Elon Musk
Elon Musk often concludes with his vision for the future and how his companies are working towards groundbreaking advancements. His passion and enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of technology leave the audience inspired and eager to witness the future unfold.
3. Barack Obama
President Obama’s farewell address concluded with an emotional and heartfelt expression of gratitude to the American people. He thanked the audience for their support and encouraged them to stay engaged and uphold the values that define the nation.
4. Brené Brown
In her TED Talk on vulnerability, Brené Brown ended with a powerful quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” This quote reinforced her message about the importance of embracing vulnerability and taking risks in life.
5. Malala Yousafzai
In her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Malala Yousafzai ended with a moving call to action for education and girls’ rights. She inspired the audience to stand up against injustice and to work towards a world where every child has access to education.
For more innovative presentation ideas , turn ordinary slides into captivating experiences with these 15 interactive presentation ideas that will leave your audience begging for more.
So, we talked about how a good presentation usually ends. As you approach the conclusion of your presentation, let’s go through some of the common pitfalls you should avoid that will undermine the impact of your closing:
1. Abrupt endings
To deliver persuasive presentations, don’t leave your audience hanging with an abrupt conclusion. Instead, ensure a smooth transition by providing a clear closing statement or summarizing the key points to leave a lasting impression.
2. New information
You may be wondering — can I introduce new information or ideas in the closing? The answer is no. Resist the urge to introduce new data or facts in the conclusion and stick to reinforcing the main content presented earlier. By introducing new content at the end, you risk overshadowing your main message.
3. Ending with a Q&A session
While Q&A sessions are valuable , don’t conclude your presentation with them. Opt for a strong closing statement or call-to-action instead, leaving the audience with a clear takeaway.
4. Overloading your final slide
Avoid cluttering your final slide with too much information or excessive visuals. Keep it clean, concise and impactful to reinforce your key messages effectively.
5. Forgetting the call-to-action
Most presentations fail to include a compelling call-to-action which can diminish the overall impact of your presentation. To deliver a persuasive presentation, encourage your audience to take specific steps after the talk, driving engagement and follow-through.
6. Ignoring the audience
Make your conclusion audience-centric by connecting with their needs and interests. Avoid making it solely about yourself or your achievements. Instead, focus on how your message benefits the audience.
What should be the last slide of a presentation?
The last slide of a presentation should be a conclusion slide, summarizing key takeaways, delivering a strong closing statement and possibly including a call to action.
How do I begin a presentation?
Grabbing the audience’s attention at the very beginning with a compelling opening such as a relevant story, surprising statistic or thought-provoking question. You can even create a game presentation to boost interactivity with your audience. Check out this blog for more ideas on how to start a presentation .
How can I ensure a smooth transition from the body of the presentation to the closing?
To ensure a smooth transition, summarize key points from the body, use transition phrases like “In conclusion,” and revisit the main message introduced at the beginning. Bridge the content discussed to the themes of the closing and consider adjusting tone and pace to signal the transition.
How long should the conclusion of a presentation be?
The conclusion of a presentation should typically be around 5-10% of the total presentation time, keeping it concise and impactful.
Should you say thank you at the end of a presentation?
Yes, saying thank you at the end of a PowerPoint presentation is a courteous way to show appreciation for the audience’s time and attention.
Should I use presentation slides in the concluding part of my talk?
Yes, using presentation slides in the concluding part of your talk can be effective. Use concise slides to summarize key takeaways, reinforce your main points and deliver a strong closing statement. A final presentation slide can enhance the impact of your conclusion and help the audience remember your message.
Should I include a Q&A session at the end of the presentation?
Avoid Q&A sessions in certain situations to ensure a well-structured and impactful conclusion. It helps prevent potential time constraints and disruptions to your carefully crafted ending, ensuring your core message remains the focus without the risk of unanswered or off-topic questions diluting the presentation’s impact.
Is it appropriate to use humor in the closing of a presentation?
Using humor in the closing of a presentation can be appropriate if it aligns with your content and audience as it can leave a positive and memorable impression. However, it’s essential to use humor carefully and avoid inappropriate or offensive jokes.
How do I manage nervousness during the closing of a presentation?
To manage nervousness during the closing, focus on your key points and the main message you want to convey. Take deep breaths to calm your nerves, maintain eye contact and remind yourself that you’re sharing valuable insights to enhance your presentation skills.
Creating a memorable presentation is a blend of engaging content and visually captivating design. With Venngage, you can transform your ideas into a dynamic and unforgettable presentation in just 5 easy steps:
- Choose a template from Venngage’s library: Pick a visually appealing template that fits your presentation’s theme and audience, making it easy to get started with a professional look.
- Craft a compelling story or outline: Organize your content into a clear and coherent narrative or outline the key points to engage your audience and make the information easy to follow.
- Customize design and visuals: Tailor the template with your brand colors, fonts and captivating visuals like images and icons, enhancing your presentation’s visual appeal and uniqueness. You can also use an eye-catching presentation background to elevate your visual content.
- Incorporate impactful quotes or inspiring elements: Include powerful quotes or elements that resonate with your message, evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression on your audience members
- Utilize data visualization for clarity: Present data and statistics effectively with Venngage’s charts, graphs and infographics, simplifying complex information for better comprehension.
Additionally, Venngage’s real-time collaboration tools allow you to seamlessly collaborate with team members to elevate your presentation creation process to a whole new level. Use comments and annotations to provide feedback on each other’s work and refine ideas as a group, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded presentation.
Well, there you have it—the secrets of how to conclude a presentation. From summarizing your key message to delivering a compelling call to action, you’re now armed with a toolkit of techniques that’ll leave your audience in awe.
Now go ahead, wrap it up like a pro and leave that lasting impression that sets you apart as a presenter who knows how to captivate, inspire and truly make a mark.
Discover popular designs
Infographic maker
Brochure maker
White paper online
Newsletter creator
Flyer maker
Timeline maker
Letterhead maker
Mind map maker
Ebook maker
- Alternatives
How to End A Presentation in 2024 | Tips and Examples
Astrid Tran • 08 April, 2024 • 8 min read
How to end a presentation successfully ? First impression matters all the time, and the ending is no exception. Many presentations make mistakes in putting a lot of effort into designing a great opening but forget the closing.
With that in mind, the article aims to equip you with useful ways to have a complete presentation, especially on having an impressive and engaging ending. So let's dive in!
Learn to create better presentation
- Bad presentation at work
- How to Overcome Stage Fright
- Measure your presentation better with rating scale or Likert scale
Table of Contents
- The Importance of Presentation Ending
Recapping Key Points
Incorporating a call to action, ending with a powerful quote, asking a thought-provoking question, avoiding new information, when to end the presentation perfectly, final thoughts, frequently asked questions.
Get your Students Engaged
Start meaningful discussion, get useful feedback and educate your audience. Sign up to take free AhaSlides template
The Importance of Presentation Ending?
Why care about your presentation's conclusion? It's not just a formality; it's critical. The conclusion is where you make a lasting impression, reinforce key points for better retention, motivate action, and ensure your audience remembers your message.
Plus, a strong conclusion reflects your professionalism and shows you've thoughtfully considered how to leave a lasting impact. In essence, it's your final opportunity to effectively engage, inform, and persuade, ensuring your presentation achieves its objectives and is remembered for the right reasons.
How to End A Presentation Successfully: A Complete Guide with Examples
Effectively ending a presentation is essential to leave a lasting impression on your audience and drive your message home. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively end a presentation
One of the primary functions of a conclusion is to summarize the main points you've covered in your presentation. This recap serves as a memory aid, reinforcing the key takeaways for your audience. It's essential to do this succinctly and clearly, ensuring that the audience can easily recall the core ideas. For example:
- "We've delved into the factors that drive motivation - setting meaningful goals, overcoming obstacles, and fostering a positive mindset. These are the building blocks of a motivated life."
- "Before we conclude, let's come back to our core theme today - the incredible power of motivation. Our journey through the elements of inspiration and self-drive has been both enlightening and empowering."
* This step also is a great place for leaving a vision . A phrase that is commonly used is: "Visualize a world where people are empowered, pursuing their passions, and breaking barriers. It's a world where motivation fuels progress and dreams become reality. This vision is within reach for all of us."
How to write the end of the presentation? A powerful conclusion that motivates your audience to take action can be an excellent idea. Depending on the nature of your presentation, this could involve encouraging them to make a purchase, support a cause, or implement the ideas you've presented. Be specific in your call to action, and make it compelling and achievable. An example of a CTA ending can be:
- "Now, it's time for action. I encourage each of you to identify your goals, create a plan, and take the first step toward realizing your dreams. Remember, motivation without action is just a daydream."
How to end a presentation impressively? "As the great Maya Angelou once said, 'You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.' Let's remember that we have the power to rise above challenges." Conclude with a relevant and impactful quote that relates to your topic. A well-chosen quote can leave a lasting impression and inspire reflection. For example, Julius Caesar utilized this technique when he said, "I came, I saw, I conquered." Some best phrases to use on your ending are:
- 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.”
How to end a presentation without using the Thankyou slide? Pose a question that encourages your audience to think or reflect on the material you've presented. This can engage the audience and stimulate discussion.
For instance: You can start a statement like: "I'm here to address any questions or listen to your thoughts. Do you have any questions, stories, or ideas you'd like to share? Your voice is important, and your experiences can inspire us all."
💡Using live Q&A features from interactive presentation tools like AhaSlides to increase your audience engagement. This tool is integrated into PowerPoint and Google Slides so you can show it to your audience instantly and update the response in real-time.
The conclusion is not the place to introduce new information or ideas. Doing so can confuse your audience and dilute the impact of your core message. Stick to what you've already covered and use the conclusion to reinforce and emphasize the existing content.
💡Check out Thank You Slide For PPT | Create a Beautifully One in 2024 to learn about creating innovative and appealing Thank-You Slides to end any type of presentation, whether it is for academic or business purposes.
In summary, an effective conclusion serves as a concise recap of your presentation, encourages your audience to take action, and refrains from introducing new information. By accomplishing these three objectives, you'll create a conclusion that reinforces your message and inspires your audience to respond positively.
The timing for concluding a presentation depends on various factors, including the nature of your content, your audience, and any time constraints. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine when to conclude your presentation:
- Avoid Rushing : Avoid rushing through your conclusion due to time constraints. Ensure that you have allocated sufficient time for the conclusion so that it doesn't feel abrupt or hurried.
- Check Time Limits : If you have a specific time limit for your presentation, keep a close eye on the time as you approach the conclusion. Be prepared to adjust the pace of your presentation to ensure you have ample time for the conclusion.
- Consider Audience Expectations : Consider the expectations of your audience. If they anticipate a specific duration for your presentation, try to align your conclusion with their expectations.
- Wrap Up Naturally : Aim to conclude your presentation in a way that feels natural and not abrupt. Provide a clear signal that you're moving into the conclusion to prepare your audience for the end.
How to end a presentation? The key is to balance the need to convey your message effectively with the available time. Effective time management and a well-planned conclusion will help you wrap up your presentation smoothly and leave a positive impression on your audience.
🎊 Learn: Best Q&A Apps to Engage With Your Audience | 5+ Platforms For Free in 2024
How to end a presentation impressively in your opinion? As mentioned, there are many ways to engage your audience until the last minute, from a strong CTA, a captivating ending slide, thoughtful Q&A session. Don't force yourself to make an ending that you might not be comfortable with, act as naturally as possible.
💡Want more inspiration? Check out AhaSlides right away to explore more innovative methods to enhance audience engagement and collaboration!
What do you say at the end of a presentation?
At the end of a presentation, you typically say a few key things:
- Summarize your main points or key takeaways to reinforce the message.
- Provide a clear call to action, motivating your audience to take specific steps.
- Express gratitude and thank your audience for their time and attention.
- Optionally, open the floor for questions or comments, inviting audience engagement.
How do you end a fun presentation?
To conclude a fun presentation, you can share a light-hearted, relevant joke or humorous anecdote, encourage the audience to share their own fun or memorable experiences related to the topic, end with a playful or uplifting quote, and express your excitement and appreciation for the enjoyable presentation experience.
Should you say thank you at the end of a presentation?
Yes, saying thank you at the end of a presentation is a courteous and appreciative gesture. It acknowledges your audience's time and attention and adds a personal touch to your conclusion. It can be especially important in thank-you presentations and is generally a polite way to wrap up any type of presentation.
Ref: Pumple
Astrid Tran
I've got my rhythm with words
Tips to Engage with Polls & Trivia
More from AhaSlides
- Microsoft Teams
- Cisco Webex
- Rocket.Chat
- Accessability
- Release Notes
- Public Roadmap
- Brainstorming
- Mindmapping
- Decision Making & Strategy
- Public Sector
- Coaching / Training
- Open Telekom Cloud
- Azure Switzerland
- On-Premises
- Confidential Cloud
- Online Help
End of presentation: 7 examples for the perfect conclusion
Ending a presentation is like adding the last stroke of a painter's brush - it rounds off the overall picture and creates a lasting impression. But how do you create a powerful end to a presentation that the audience will remember? Let's discover the secret together in this article.
What do you say at the end of a presentation?
You have given a convincing presentation, addressed everything important and got your message across effectively. Now you are faced with the challenge of finding a successful conclusion. This is where the right words matter. A simple "That's it" or "Thank you for your attention" will probably not be remembered by your audience. Instead, you can use a summary of your main points, a call-to-action or a catchy conclusion to leave a strong impression.
Why the end of your presentation is so important?
The end of a presentation is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. It gives you the opportunity to reinforce your message and inspire your audience, or spur them into action. It's not just about wrapping up your presentation, it's about ending it with a bang. Use this opportunity to reiterate your core message and make a strong emotional connection with your audience.
The principle of the recency effect
The recency effect states that people remember best what they heard last. This underlines why the end of your presentation is so important. If you design the end of your presentation effectively, your audience is more likely to remember it. Use this psychological phenomenon to your advantage and ensure that your conclusions and calls to action are remembered.
Presentation end: 7 examples to leave a lasting impression
- Summarize the main points: Repeat the main points of your presentation to reinforce them.
- Call-to-action: Ask your audience to perform a specific action or take a next step.
- Quote: A relevant and powerful quote can leave a lasting impression.
- Story or anecdote: A short, relevant story or anecdote can create an emotional connection and stick in the audience's mind.
- Questions: Ask a rhetorical or open-ended question that is thought-provoking.
- Surprising statistic or fact: An impressive statistic or fact can make a strong impression.
- Humorous remark: A funny remark or joke can lighten the mood and ensure a positive ending.
How to formulate a strong presentation ending
Formulating a strong presentation ending requires practice and creativity. Try to convey your core message in a way that suits your audience and your topic. Remember that your goal is to leave a lasting impression. Be clear, concise and engaging. Use metaphors or stories to illustrate your points and use rhetorical devices such as repetition and triples to reinforce your message. Here are some examples of how you can conclude your presentation:
- Summary and outlook: "Today we discussed the challenges and solutions for our product development. By implementing these solutions, our company will be even more innovative and efficient in the future."
- Call to action: "Now you know the advantages of our product. Let's exploit the opportunities that arise from this together. Let's start implementing it today!"
- Interaction question: "What do you think of these suggestions? Which measures do you see as a priority to achieve our goals?"
- Inspirational quote: "As Albert Einstein said: 'Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you have to keep moving'. So let's keep moving and pursue our goals together."
- Positive outlook: "I am confident that with these strategies we can achieve our goals and continue our success."
Each of these closing formulations has its strengths. Choose the one that best suits your style, your audience and your topic. Find out here how you can structure your presentation to create the perfect ending.
Presentation end - Rhetorical questions as a tool
The dos and don'ts for a successful end to a presentation.
It is crucial to design this finale in such a way that it is effective and memorable. To help you do this, here's a clear list of dos and don'ts to keep in mind at the end of your presentation. These tips will give you guidance to captivate your audience until the curtain falls.
Be clear and precise in your message. | Avoid giving too much information. |
Keep up the interest until the end. | Do not end abruptly without a summary. |
Use visual elements to inspire. | Do not use confusing or irrelevant graphics. |
Involve the audience, e.g. by asking questions. | Don't ignore the feedback and reactions of the audience. |
Ending with a strong, memorable point. | Avoid repeating important points or messages. |
How long should the end of a presentation last?
Make the end of the presentation fun.
Humor can be a great way to end your presentation in a light and enjoyable way. A joke or funny anecdote can lighten the mood and make your audience laugh. However, make sure the humor is appropriate and relevant to your topic.
What comes at the end of the presentation?
The closing slide of your presentation is your last chance to make a lasting impression. It should summarize your main points and include a call-to-action. You can also include your contact details or links to further resources. Make the closing slide engaging and easy to read to reinforce your message.
Take your presentations to the next level with Collaboard
End of presentation: the art of making a lasting impression.
The end of your presentation is more than just a conclusion. It's your chance to leave a lasting impression, reinforce your message and inspire your audience to take action. Take advantage of this opportunity and use techniques such as repeating your main points, asking rhetorical questions or adding humor to end your presentation effectively. Remember the principle of the recency effect and design your presentation to be memorable. No matter which method you choose, be authentic and stay true to yourself. Your audience will thank you for it.
Checklist: Effective end of presentation
This checklist will help you evaluate the effectiveness of your presentation ending and make sure you've covered all the important aspects. From the clarity of your message to the emotional resonance, these points are crucial to captivating your audience and leaving a lasting impression.
- Clarity of message: Has the main message of your presentation been clearly communicated?
- Answering audience questions: Were relevant questions from the audience addressed during or at the end of your presentation
- Visual impact: Was a strong, powerful image or graphic used effectively to reinforce the message?
- Audience engagement: Were techniques such as direct questions, interactive elements or calls to action used to actively engage the audience?
- Emotional resonance: Did the end of your presentation evoke an emotional response, be it inspiration, thoughtfulness or joy?
- Summary of content: Were the main points of your presentation summarized clearly and concisely?
- Lasting impression: Does the end of your presentation leave a strong, lasting image in the minds of your audience?
Case study: Impressive presentation endings
There are presentations that continue to occupy and inspire us long after they have finished. It's often the ending that leaves a lasting impression. To understand how to design a professional presentation ending, let's take a look at two case studies.
Steve Jobs at Apple product launches
Jobs' famous "One More Thing..." technique was a masterstroke in the art of presentation. After introducing a series of products or features during the presentation, it seemed as if he had reached the end. But then came the moment everyone was waiting for: Jobs returned to the stage, often with the words "There's one more thing...". These words caused great anticipation and excitement in the audience. This approach was more than just a clever finish. It became a trademark of Apple events and a synonym for innovation and surprise. The "One More Thing..." moments were often the introduction of groundbreaking products or features that would shape the technology world. This technique not only enhanced the impact of the presentation, but also left a sense of awe and curiosity.
The power of storytelling in TED Talks
TED Talks have established themselves worldwide as a platform for some of the most inspiring and influential presentations. A key element that sets TED presentations apart is the way speakers end their talks - often with a personal story or transformative experience. These stories are not only poignant, but also a powerful tool to reinforce the message of the presentation.
Presentation end - Frequently asked questions & answers
How do you end a presentation appropriately.
A good ending to a presentation includes a summary of the main points, a convincing conclusion, words of thanks and a willingness to answer questions.
What phrases are suitable for closing a presentation?
Possible phrases could be: "To conclude...", "To summarize...", "In conclusion, I would like to say...", "This brings me to the end of my presentation...".
Should you ask questions at the end of the presentation?
Yes, it is common and recommended to open a Q&A session at the end of the presentation to clear up any ambiguities and encourage dialog.
How should you respond to questions that you cannot answer?
It is important to be honest and admit if you cannot answer a question. You can offer to provide the answer later or ask the audience if someone else can answer the question.
What should you do if no questions are asked?
If no questions are asked, you can ask some prepared questions to stimulate discussion or highlight other aspects of the topic.
How do you thank the audience at the end of a presentation?
A simple "Thank you for your attention" or "Thank you for taking the time to listen to my presentation" is an appropriate way to say thank you.
Recent Posts from Blog
Miro-alternatives | best free tools 2024, create a storyboard | guide, tips & tools 2024.
Creating a storyboard may seem complex at first glance, but with the right tools and methods, this process can be simplified...
11 Powerful Brainstorming Tips [MUST READ]
Are you struggling to generate fresh ideas? Brainstorming is a powerful technique to help you generate innovative solutions and...
Create a timeline like a pro [Practical tips]
In this article, we want to show you what a timeline is and how versatile you can use it. We'll look at the different types of...
Stay up to date with the latest collaboration tips and news.
CHICAGO AUGUST 29-30 PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASS IS ALMOST FULL! RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW
- Public Speaking Classes
- Corporate Presentation Training
- Online Public Speaking Course
- Northeast Region
- Midwest Region
- Southeast Region
- Central Region
- Western Region
- Presentation Skills
- 101 Public Speaking Tips
- Fear of Public Speaking
How to End Your Presentation with a Bang
So you’ve spent days (maybe weeks) putting together a killer presentation. Now, you stand up with confidence, present every bullet point with poise, and then you get all the way to the end… and the presentation just fizzles.
It’s like a marathon runner who trains for months (maybe years), then just a half mile before the finish line, starts to cramps and can’t finish the race.
The last thing that you tell your audience will most likely be what they remember. So, you want to end your presentation with a bang!
In this post, we will cover three things that you should absolutely avoid when you close your presentation. In addition, we will also cover 6 killer ways to end on a positive note.
By the way, for more details about how to organize a good speech, see the following. 7 Foolproof Ways to Start a Presentation . | How to Design a Presentation Quickly .
Eliminate these “Show Stoppers” from Your Presentation Conclusion
Avoid Ending Your Presentation with a Question & Answer Period.
One of the things that drives me up the wall is ending a fantastic presentation with a Q & A session that has a high propensity to just flop.
It reminds me of some sage advice from my jr high school football coach. He was an old-school running game type of coach. He’d say,
“In football, when you pass the ball, only three things can happen and two of them are bad.”
I kind of feel the same way about Question & Answer periods. There are only three ways that Q & A sessions can end, and two of them are bad .
Yes, If your audience asks you great questions, you can end your presentation on a high note. However, if your audience asks you odd questions or uninteresting questions, you can end on a low note. Even worse than getting crappy questions, though is getting no questions. Now, the ending will just seem odd.
When I present, I encourage people to ask questions DURING my presentation . That way, I can use a more dynamic way to end my presentation with a bang.
Don’t End by Thanking the Audience for Their Time.
When you stand up to speak, you should have the attitude that your audience is there to hear from you because you have important information that they need. When you thank your audience for their time, you are conceding that their time is more important than your time.
Also Avoid an Abrupt Ending with No Conclusion.
This happened to me early in my career. The first time that I really bombed a speech, I made two really big mistakes. The first was that I sped through the information so quickly that I finished in less than half of the allotted time. Then, I just ran out of things to say, so I sat down. The people in the audience were confused. I had more time and the ending was so abrupt, that they weren’t sure if I was finished.
So, spend time preparing your conclusion. Practice it a few times, and you will end on a high note.
Bonus Tip: Warn Your Audience Ahead of Time that Your Speech is Coming to a Close.
Our brains are wired to look for structure in things. That’s why people get frustrated with cliffhangers in movies. Only in movies, there’s a sequel. In speeches and presentations, the end is the end.
Give a hint that you are nearing a close a couple of slides or paragraphs before you actually do. Saying something like, “So let’s review what we’ve discussed so far”, “As I wrap up this presentation” or “In conclusion”.
Signaling the close prepares your audience for the ending. Ironically, it also makes the ending more memorable.
Secrets to a Powerful Presentation Ending – 6 Ways to End Your Presentation with a Bang
Not that we have covered what NOT to do, let’s focus on a few, turnkey ways to end your presentation with a bang.
(1) End Your Presentation with a Brief Summary You Key Points.
This technique works really well because it allows you to repeat your key points a few times. This repetition helps your audience remember the content better.
An Example of Using a Summary to End Your Presentation with a Bang!
A couple of months ago, I had a class member that used this technique really well. She worked for a local TV station that was trying to attract new viewers. Here is the presentation outline that she created:
We Can Increase the Number of Young Viewers by Focusing More on Our Social Media Platforms Teens get most news from social media. Increase coverage w/ teens increases interest in station. Making social media selective will make us stand out against competition.
[Introduction] “My topic today is about how we can increase the number of young viewers by focusing more on social media. The things that we are going to cover are, how teens get most of their news from social media, that if we increase our coverage with teens there will also be a corresponding increase in interest in our TV station, and how making our social media selective will allow us to stand out from the competition.”
After the introduction, the speaker would then cover the “meat” of the presentation by going through each point with specific examples and evidence about how each of those points is true.
At the conclusion, the speaker could just recap by saying, “So in conclusion, since teens get most of their news via social media, if we increase our coverage with teens, we will also increase interest in our station, and if we make our social media selective we will stand out from the crowd, I believe that we can increase the number of young viewers by focusing more on social media.”
The summary technique is a very easy way to conclude your speech, and it will also increase the retention of your audience.
For additional examples, see How to Write a Speech in Just a few Steps .
(2) End with an Example, Story, or Anecdote.
I spoke for another 45 minutes, and then I finished the presentation by describing the success story of one of my class members. He had implemented the very content that I had just delivered to that breakout session group. However, he was delivering a very data-intense presentation for the Center for Disease Control. (So his content was even more boring than the type of content the audience had to deliver.) The story showed the group how a speaker can take even boring, data-filled material and deliver it well.
Those contrasting stories — the one at the start of my presentation, and the one at the end, work really well together. They bookend the entire presentation.
An Easy Way to Find a Funny Anecdote to End Your Presentation.
Sometimes a good anecdote or funny story can be a good way to end on a positive as well. A good place to get funny anecdotes is from Reader’s Digest . (RD has a great book published that has just funny work-related stories. You can purchase it here: Laughter the Best Medicine @ Work: America’s Funniest Jokes, Quotes, and Cartoons )
This is kind of an embarrassing incident, but it shows that if you get a little creative, any type of story can be a great ending.
I was training an instructor years ago, and I had her just pick a random funny anecdote from Reader’s Digest. I told her that, no matter what the story was about, I’d find some way to insert the funny story into our class. Here is the story that she picked…
A woman went to her boss saying that she was going to go home early because she was feeling sick. The boss, having just gotten over a cold said that he hoped it wasn’t something that he had given to her. A coworker overhearing the conversation said, ‘I hope not. She has morning sickness.'”
(Obviously, this instructor-in-training also had a sense of humor, as well.) I thought about it a while, and I just ended the session with, “So, in summary, one of the most important parts of the presentation design process is knowing your audience. In fact, that reminds me of a story…” I then just added the anecdote word-for-word, and I got a big laugh.
I created a whole series of posts on storytelling starting with Storytelling in Public Speaking .
(3) Finish Your Speech by Telling the End of an Earlier Story.
Then, I finished the presentation by telling how, just a year later, after a little outside training, I had to stand in front of over 400 people to give an acceptance speech for an award. This time, I was calm, and I used my humor to win over the audience, and I killed it. By continuing the story and providing a positive result at the end, it makes for a pretty nice presentation ending.
So start with a story where you had a challenge and end with a success story about how you overcame that challenge.
(4) End Your Presentation with an Open-Ended Question.
That’s why people are drawn to thought-provoking questions. So a great way to end your speech is with a well-designed, thought-provoking question.
When I teach a class, I use this technique before almost every break. For instance, if I teach an hour-long session, it will be easy for the audience to forget a lot of the content if it isn’t reinforced right away. So, by asking a thought-provoking question about the content, it stimulates the content in the minds of the audience.
When you ask questions, though, avoid easy questions where the answer is an obvious “yes” or “no.” Instead, ask open-ended questions. The easiest way to do this is to ask for the audience members’ opinions.
For instance, if my title is “Starting with a 3-Point Outline Will Help You Save Time When You Design Presentations,” I could end the speech with a question like, “Based on what we’ve talked about today, how can you see starting with a three-point outline helping you save time?”
Any answers that the audience provides will help me prove my point. The more the better.
(5) Give the Audience a Call-to-Action at the End of Your Speech.
Just as an FYI, here, though, if you ask them to do a single thing, they are more likely to do it. If you ask them to do a second thing, they are more likely to do neither. Sp, to prevent that and to inspire your audience, challenge them to do one specific thing from your speech.
If your presentation is about why your company should invest in advertising, make your call to action very specific. “So, my suggestion is that we increase our advertising budget by 10% and use that budget for additional re-targeting ads.”
The thing to keep in mind here is that the more calls to action that you have, the less likely they will do anything. So, make your call to action just a single item. And make the item easy to implement.
(6) The Echo Close Is an Inspirational Way to End Your Speech with a Bang.
A wise man once said, “The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” So, when you present, kindle the fire of knowledge. Kindle the fire of enthusiasm. Kindle the fire of humor. Kindle the fire of empathy. And you will kindle the fire of learning from your audience.
Another example might be.
So, in conclusion, brevity in public speaking is pretty important. In fact, George Orwell once said, “If it is possible to cut a word out of your speech, always cut it out.” So, when you create a presentation, cut the fluff. Cut the repetitive bullets. Cut the platitudes. And when you do, you will cut the confusion from your audience.
It is an easy technique if you prepare the ending and practice it a few times.
So that concludes the six ways that you can end your presentation with a bang. However… There is…
“One More Thing”
Steve Jobs was famous for concluding his keynotes with “One more thing…” then following it up with a surprising fact, feature, or innovation.
Why is this effective? Because it leaves people talking.
Regardless of how you choose to end your presentation, spend a little time on the ending. Make it flawless, and you will leave your audience wanting more! If you do, you will end your presentation with a bang!
Choose the Best Presentation Ending for Your Presentation Purpose
With all of the great choices, how do we know which presentation ending to use? Luckily, we have created a free handout to help you pick the best presentation ending. Although many of the tips above will work in many different types of speeches, the handout will help you identify which ending will accomplish specific purposes for your specific presentation.
For instance, if your goal is to help your audience retain the content, then summarizing your key points is a great choice. If your purpose is to inspire the audience, you might try the Call to Action or Echo technique instead. Just complete the form below for instant access!
Download the Free “How to End Your Presentation” Handout!
Podcasts , presentation skills
View More Posts By Category: Free Public Speaking Tips | leadership tips | Online Courses | Past Fearless Presentations ® Classes | Podcasts | presentation skills | Uncategorized
7 Brilliant Ways to End Any Presentation: When to Use a Presentation Thank You Address
I like building and growing simple yet powerful products for the world and the worldwide web.
Published Date : December 4, 2020
Reading Time :
As important as an introduction is to a Speech <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:374">A <strong>motivational speech</strong> 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 <strong>professional speaking</strong> to boost morale, drive performance, and foster a positive and collaborative environment.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:17"><strong>Key Elements:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-12:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:145"><strong>Compelling vision:</strong> Articulate a clear and inspiring vision for the future, outlining goals and aspirations that resonate with the audience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:140"><strong>Empathy and understanding:</strong> Acknowledge challenges and obstacles, demonstrating empathy and connection with the audience's experiences.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:134"><strong>Empowering message:</strong> Focus on empowering the audience, emphasizing their strengths, potential, and ability to overcome obstacles.</li> <li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:170"><strong>Storytelling and anecdotes:</strong> Integrate relatable stories, personal experiences, or inspiring examples to illustrate points and connect with the audience emotionally.</li> <li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0"><strong>Call to action:</strong> Provide a clear and actionable call to action, motivating the audience to take specific steps towards achieving their goals.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="13:1-13:38"><strong>Benefits of Motivational Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="15:1-20:0"> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:116"><strong>Boosts morale and motivation:</strong> Inspires individuals to strive for their full potential and overcome challenges.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:142"><strong>Promotes teamwork and collaboration:</strong> Fosters a shared purpose and encourages individuals to work together towards common goals.</li> <li data-sourcepos="17:1-17:118"><strong>Enhances confidence and self-belief:</strong> Empowers individuals to believe in themselves and their ability to succeed.</li> <li data-sourcepos="18:1-18:121"><strong>Increases creativity and innovation:</strong> Inspires individuals to think outside the box and pursue innovative solutions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="19:1-20:0"><strong>Drives positive change:</strong> Motivates individuals to take action and contribute to positive change in their personal and professional lives.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="21:1-21:46"><strong>Developing a Powerful Motivational Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="23:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="23:1-23:96"><strong>Define your purpose:</strong> Identify the desired outcome you want your speech to achieve.</li> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:119"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Understand their motivations, challenges, and aspirations to tailor your message effectively.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:134"><strong>Focus on storytelling:</strong> Use compelling stories and anecdotes to illustrate your points and connect with the audience emotionally.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:170"><strong>Practice and rehearse:</strong> Hone your delivery to refine timing, vocal variety, and stage presence. Consider using <strong>public speaking tips</strong> to enhance your presentation.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Deliver with passion and authenticity:</strong> Inject your enthusiasm and genuine belief in your message to inspire the audience.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:20"><strong>Additional Tips:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:123"><strong>Use humor strategically:</strong> Use humor appropriately to lighten the mood and connect with the audience on a deeper level.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:121"><strong>Embrace your personality:</strong> Let your unique personality shine through to create a genuine and captivating connection.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:121"><strong>End with a memorable closing:</strong> Leave the audience with a powerful quote, inspiring call to action, or lasting image.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Seek </strong>feedback from trusted colleagues or advisors to refine your speech and delivery.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:371"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="36:1-36:371">A well-crafted and delivered <strong>motivational speech</strong> can be a transformative experience for both the speaker and the audience. By understanding the key elements, focusing on your audience, and honing your <strong>professional speaking</strong> skills, you can deliver speeches that ignite passion, inspire action, and empower individuals to achieve their full potential.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech presentations is to:
Pitch a business Idea |
Ask people to join a corporation. |
Recruit staff |
Other potential needs for introducing an idea |
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:
Building personal self-esteem and " href="https://orai.com/glossary/confidence/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0">confidence |
Gratitude promotes optimism |
It boosts productivity (especially in the workplace) |
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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><br /><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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'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. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><br /><!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Tips for public speaking</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --><br /><!-- wp:list --> <ul> <li>Have a sense of humor.</li> <li>Tell personal stories that relate to the speech you're giving.</li> <li>Dress appropriately for the event. Formal and business casual outfits work best.</li> <li>Project a confident and expressive voice.</li> <li>Always try to use simple language that everyone can understand.</li> <li>Stick to the time given to you.</li> <li>Maintain eye contact with members of your audience and try to connect with them.</li> </ul> <!-- /wp:list --> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:305">In the context of <strong>public speaking</strong>, <strong>confidence</strong> refers to the belief in one's ability to communicate effectively and deliver one's message with clarity and impact. It encompasses various elements, including self-belief, composure, and the ability to manage one's <strong>fear of public speaking</strong>.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:16"><strong>Key Aspects:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-12:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:108"><strong>Self-belief:</strong> A strong conviction in your knowledge, skills, and ability to connect with your audience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:95"><strong>Composure:</strong> Maintaining calmness and poise under pressure, even in challenging situations.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:100"><strong>Assertiveness:</strong> Expressing your ideas clearly and concisely, avoiding hesitation or self-doubt.</li> <li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:104"><strong>Positive self-talk:</strong> Countering negative thoughts with affirmations and focusing on your strengths.</li> <li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0"><strong>Strong body language:</strong> Using gestures, posture, and eye contact that project confidence and professionalism.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="13:1-13:27"><strong>Benefits of Confidence:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="15:1-19:0"> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:99"><strong>Reduced anxiety:</strong> Feeling confident helps manage <strong>fear of public speaking</strong> and stage fright.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:133"><strong>Engaging delivery:</strong> Confident speakers project their voices, hold eye contact, and connect with their audience more effectively.</li> <li data-sourcepos="17:1-17:137"><strong>Increased persuasiveness:</strong> A confident presentation inspires belief and motivates your audience to listen and remember your message.</li> <li data-sourcepos="18:1-19:0"><strong>Greater impact:</strong> Confidently delivered speeches leave a lasting impression and achieve desired outcomes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="20:1-20:15"><strong>Challenges:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="22:1-26:0"> <li data-sourcepos="22:1-22:112">Overcoming <strong>fear of public speaking</strong>: Many people experience some level of anxiety when speaking publicly.</li> <li data-sourcepos="23:1-23:101"><strong>Imposter syndrome:</strong> Doubting your abilities and qualifications, even when objectively qualified.</li> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:92"><strong>Negative self-talk:</strong> Internalized criticism and limiting beliefs can hamper confidence.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-26:0"><strong>Past negative experiences:</strong> Unsuccessful presentations or negative feedback can erode confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="27:1-27:24"><strong>Building Confidence:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="29:1-36:0"> <li data-sourcepos="29:1-29:102"><strong>Practice and preparation:</strong> Thoroughly rehearse your speech to feel comfortable with the material.</li> <li data-sourcepos="30:1-30:101"><strong>Visualization:</strong> Imagine yourself delivering a successful presentation with confidence and poise.</li> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:100"><strong>Positive self-talk:</strong> Actively replace negative thoughts with affirmations about your abilities.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:106"><strong>Seek feedback:</strong> Ask trusted individuals for constructive criticism and use it to improve your skills.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:157">Consider a <strong>speaking coach</strong>: Working with a coach can provide personalized guidance and support to address specific challenges and confidence barriers.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-34:114"><strong>Start small:</strong> Gradually increase the size and complexity of your speaking engagements as you gain experience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="35:1-36:0"><strong>Focus on progress:</strong> Celebrate small successes and acknowledge your improvement over time.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="37:1-37:282"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="37:1-37:282"><strong>Confidence</strong> in public speaking is a journey, not a destination. By actively practicing, embracing feedback, and focusing on your strengths, you can overcome <strong>fear of public speaking</strong> and develop the <strong>confidence</strong> to deliver impactful and memorable presentations.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:269">In <strong>public speaking</strong>, <strong>clarity</strong> 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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:16"><strong>Key Aspects:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-13:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:133"><strong>Conciseness:</strong> Avoid unnecessary details, digressions, or excessive complexity. Focus on delivering the core message efficiently.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:149"><strong>Simple language:</strong> Choose words and phrases your audience understands readily, avoiding jargon or technical terms unless you define them clearly.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:145"><strong>Logical structure:</strong> Organize your thoughts and ideas logically, using transitions and signposts to guide your audience through your message.</li> <li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:136"><strong>Effective visuals:</strong> If using visuals, ensure they are clear, contribute to your message, and don't distract from your spoken words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="11:1-11:144"><strong>Confident delivery:</strong> Speak clearly and articulately, avoiding mumbling or rushing your words. Maintain good eye contact with your audience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="12:1-13:0"><strong>Active voice:</strong> Emphasize active voice for better flow and avoid passive constructions that can be less engaging.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="14:1-14:24"><strong>Benefits of Clarity:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="16:1-20:0"> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:123"><strong>Enhanced audience engagement:</strong> A clear message keeps your audience interested and helps them grasp your points easily.</li> <li data-sourcepos="17:1-17:123"><strong>Increased credibility:</strong> Clear communication projects professionalism and expertise, building trust with your audience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="18:1-18:111"><strong>Improved persuasiveness:</strong> A well-understood message is more likely to resonate and win over your audience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="19:1-20:0"><strong>Reduced confusion:</strong> Eliminating ambiguity minimizes misinterpretations and ensures your message arrives as intended.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="21:1-21:15"><strong>Challenges:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="23:1-27:0"> <li data-sourcepos="23:1-23:129"><strong>Condensing complex information:</strong> Simplifying complex topics without sacrificing crucial details requires skill and practice.</li> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:128"><strong>Understanding your audience:</strong> Tailoring your language and structure to resonate with a diverse audience can be challenging.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:85"><strong>Managing nerves:</strong> Nerves can impact your delivery, making it unclear or rushed.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-27:0"><strong>Avoiding jargon:</strong> Breaking technical habits and simplifying language requires constant awareness.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="28:1-28:22"><strong>Improving Clarity:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="30:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="30:1-30:117"><strong>Practice and rehearse:</strong> The more you rehearse your speech, the more natural and clear your delivery will become.</li> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:107"><strong>Seek feedback:</strong> Share your draft speech with others and ask for feedback on clarity and comprehension.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:161"><strong>Consider a public speaking coach:</strong> A coach can provide personalized guidance on structuring your message, simplifying language, and improving your delivery.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:128"><strong>Join a public speaking group:</strong> Practicing in a supportive environment can help you gain confidence and refine your clarity.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Listen to effective speakers:</strong> Analyze how clear and impactful others achieve communication.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:250"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="36:1-36:250"><strong>Clarity</strong> is a cornerstone of impactful <strong>public speaking</strong>. 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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">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.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">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.</p> " 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 <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><br /><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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'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. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --><br /><!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Tips for public speaking</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --><br /><!-- wp:list --> <ul> <li>Have a sense of humor.</li> <li>Tell personal stories that relate to the speech you're giving.</li> <li>Dress appropriately for the event. Formal and business casual outfits work best.</li> <li>Project a confident and expressive voice.</li> <li>Always try to use simple language that everyone can understand.</li> <li>Stick to the time given to you.</li> <li>Maintain eye contact with members of your audience and try to connect with them.</li> </ul> <!-- /wp:list --> " 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!
You might also like
How many words is a 5-minute speech, good attention getters for speeches with 10+ examples, quick links.
- Presentation Topics
Useful Links
- Start free trial
- The art of public speaking
- improve public speaking
- mastering public speaking
- public speaking coach
- professional speaking
- public speaking classes - Courses
- public speaking anxiety
- © Orai 2023
Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance
Improve your practice.
Enhance your soft skills with a range of award-winning courses.
Guide for Handling Questions after a Presentation
October 19, 2017 - Dom Barnard
The questions at the end of a presentation can be terrifying for many speakers as they can’t be controlled and are hard to prepare for. However, questions form an important part of the presentation for the whole audience as they allow for clarification and consolidation of learning.
The presenter can enhance the usefulness of the question and answer session by treating it as a formal part of the presentation that requires as much careful planning and control as the delivery of the core material.
Identify possible questions and scope in your preparation
The background work that you undertook whilst planning your presentation is the key to handling questions effectively and understanding what type of audience you’ll be faced with. If you have defined a focus for your presentation and have explored this thoroughly in your research and planning, you are more likely to be able to confidently respond to questions.
When planning your presentation, you will need to prepare prompts for questions that are open and straightforward, for example saying “That’s the end of my presentation. I’ll be taking questions for the next 10 minutes”.
You might also want to define topics for discussion before taking questions, by stating the areas you’re willing to field questions in. Your preparation will help you identify topics you are not confident with and want to avoid in the questioning.
Set some rules for asking questions
At the start of your presentation, make it clear when you would prefer to deal with questions – as you go along or at the end of the presentation.
Some speakers prefer questions to be raised as they arise during the presentation. The advantage of this approach is that any misunderstandings can be dealt with immediately. However, there is also a danger that the question will disrupt or distract the speaker, or that questions are raised that would have been covered later in the presentation.
If you leave questions until the end, plan to leave plenty of time for questions so that the audience doesn’t feel rushed.
Framework for responding to questions
Answering questions under pressure can make you say things you shouldn’t have – the nerves can force you to give an inappropriate response. In your panic you might have misinterpreted the question or given away company information that was sensitive. Use the following framework to help you respond effectively to your audience.
Practice answering AI-generated questions on your speech or presentation with VirtualSpeech .
1. Listen to the whole question
You don’t have to answer a question immediately. Pause for a few seconds, actively listen to all parts of the question and think about the best way to answer.
Frequently questions can change direction at the last moment, particularly if the questioner is thinking on their feet. This can throw you if you have already started to prepare an answer. Remember that questioners will frequently try to make a point whilst asking their question – it’s therefore important to both hear the content of the question and try to decipher the questioner’s intention.
2. Understand the context
If you are worried that you haven’t understood a question, ask them to clarify what they mean. Check for confirmation by paraphrasing the question back to the questioner – “You want me to list the improvements of X?”.
3. Involve the whole audience
It is important to remember that even though you are taking a question from one member of the audience, you are still responsible for the interest of the other audience members. This is particularly important in large groups as the audience will become bored if the presentation descends into a series of one-to-one discussions.
To involve the rest of the audience, make sure the whole audience has heard and understood the question by repeating it or paraphrasing it to the audience.
4. Respond concisely
When you reply to a question, direct your answer to both the questioner and other members of the audience. Try to keep your responses as focused as possible, leaving space for other questions. To avoid going into too much detail, check back with the questioner to see if you have answered their query – “Does that answer your question in enough detail?”.
We’ll cover different ways to respond in a later section.
5. Allow follow-up questions via email
You can also encourage your audience to ask questions after the event has finished by providing your email address. This shows a high level of respect for your audience and implies that the topic still has much further scope for enquiry.
Two good resources for handling questions
- What’s the art of answering a tricky question?
- Dodging the Question
Practice Answering Questions
Practice answering questions after your presentation using a 4 step process. Learn More
Options for answering the question
There are five possible choices depending on how well you understand and can answer the question. It’s okay to say that you don’t know the answer to something. This can add to your credibility instead of trying to waffle through an answer you don’t really know.
If you have a good answer for the question from the audience, go ahead and answer it in a short and clear message.
Ask a question back the audience member, such as “Can you clarify what you mean by that”. You can also attack the question if it is not related to the issue, factually inaccurate, personal or based on false assumptions. Be careful with this method.
Ask the question back to the audience or pass it to another panel member if possible. If suitable, another technique is to imply the question has been asked already, with you stating you don’t want to cover old ground.
Tell the audience member you will talk to them after the event. This gives you more time to think of a good answer and there is less pressure to give a perfect answer.
Or mention that that point is coming up in a slide.
This involves answering the question but changing the subject. You can also give a partial answer or give a negative answer, saying that something else will happen instead.
Avoid answering questions that fall outside of the remit of your talk: “I’m afraid that really falls outside of my objectives for today’s presentation. Perhaps we can resume discussion of that particular point later?”
Diagram Explained : Once you receive a question, you’ll have a few moments to think about it and reframe it in a way that makes sense to you. This will give you five choices on how to react – you can answer, reflect, deflect, defer or change the scope of the question. Once you’ve answered concisely, you can then follow up to check if the person asking the question is satisfied and then continue with the presentation.
Strategies to use when struggling to answer
Here are some strategies to use when you are struggling to answer the question posed to you. For more information, read this article on Dodging the Question .
- Acknowledge the question without answering it – “That’s a good question, let’s consider the impact by looking at…”
- The question fails to tackle the important issue.
- The question is based on a false assumption.
- The question is factually inaccurate.
- The question is too personal or objectionable.
- Decline to answer. Refuse to answer on the basis that it is not your area of responsibility or it is sensitive company information – “You will have to ask [name] because I wasn’t involved in that particular project.”
- Partial answer
- Start to answer but change the subject
- Negative answer. You state what won’t happen instead of what will happen
- Answer a similar question
- State or imply the question has already been answered – “We’ve already covered that topic”
Things to avoid
When handling questions and answers, you will still need to be as professional as you have been for the main delivery of your presentation. There are some common dangers to avoid.
Answering the question you wished you’d been asked
A common trick played by politicians, this strategy ignores the precise nature of the question and uses a predetermined answer to the broad topic area. If handled poorly, this technique is very obvious to the audience and frustrating to the questioner.
Giving a lengthy response
This is the process whereby you make a lengthy response, including all the information you’d left out in planning the main presentation. Your unplanned response will be unstructured and rambling, so keep things focused and brief. If you find yourself rambling, ask them to talk to you after.
Passing the blame
Passing the blame to others comes across as weak and evasive. If an idea from the audience is a good one, acknowledge its value. If it isn’t, make a polite rebuttal and move on.
Defensive answers
Occasionally, questions can really put you on the spot, but it is important to remain calm and in control. An aggressive or defensive reply will be seen as weakness on your part and will spoil the effect of an otherwise successful presentation.
Handling difficult questions
It is important not to start responding to a difficult question before you have thought about the answer. Repeating the question and asking for clarification will help create some space for your thoughts.
Sometimes you will need to think about a question for a moment before responding. You may be able to buy a little bit of thinking time to help focus your response. Useful strategies include searching for an appropriate visual aid to help focus your response or simply pausing for a moment or two to think. For even more time, suggest that you’ll come back to the topic later (but don’t forget to do this).
7 myths when answering tough questions during presentations
Sometimes questions are too difficult to answer. Don’t worry about admitting that you don’t know something or haven’t considered an alternative approach. An enthusiastic “That’s an interesting idea, I’d not thought of that” is much more positive than a mumbled “I don’t know ”. Remember that a presentation is a two-way process and it is important to show that you are learning from your audience as well.
Finally, you can come across a questioner who disagrees strongly with your argument. Although this can feel very awkward, remember that you are still responsible for the whole audience and that you cannot allocate all of your question time to one individual.
If you feel that you have answered the initial question, announce that you will move on and suggest that you might continue discussion after the presentation. If the questioner persists, assert your position calmly by saying “I’m afraid I need to move on”.
You can read more on this topic here: Responding to questions effectively (PDF)
- SUGGESTED TOPICS
- The Magazine
- Newsletters
- Managing Yourself
- Managing Teams
- Work-life Balance
- The Big Idea
- Data & Visuals
- Reading Lists
- Case Selections
- HBR Learning
- Topic Feeds
- Account Settings
- Email Preferences
How to Nail the Q&A After Your Presentation
- Caroline Webb
You can’t rehearse it, but you can be prepared.
When preparing to give a presentation, most professionals focus their energy on the main portion of their talk — their key messages, slides, and takeaways. And far too few people think through how you’ll answer questions at the end of the presentation can be a big mistake. If you’re worried about how to hand the Q&A, there are several things you can do. Change your mindset. Rather than dreading this part of the talk, develop an appreciation for the conversation. It’s a good thing that people have follow-up questions and want to further engage with your content. Beforehand, think through the types of questions audience members might ask. Put yourself in your shoes and ask yourself what concerns they might have about how your message impacts their job. Then, when you’re asked a question, especially one that might be contentious, start your answer by focusing on where you and the person asking it agree. This makes the person feel seen and connected to you. And if you’re asked a question out of left field, be curious. Ask follow-up questions that help you understand what they’re getting at and where they’re coming from.
If you’re not a huge fan of public speaking , you’re in good company. It’s such a widely shared source of anxiety that when psychologists want to induce unpleasant stress in a person for experimental purposes, they often use a public speaking task called the Trier Social Stress Test . The test requires people to give a talk and do sums in front of a panel of impassive listeners, and it reliably generates stress markers such as a faster heart rate, raised cortisol levels, and “enhanced skin conductance,” which is the polite way of saying sweaty palms.
- Caroline Webb is the author of How to Have a Good Day: Harness the Power of Behavioral Science to Transform Your Working Life . She is also CEO of coaching firm Sevenshift , and a senior adviser to McKinsey & Company. Follow her on Facebook or Google + . caroline_webb_
Partner Center
- EXPLORE Random Article
- Happiness Hub
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 6,229 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
You Might Also Like
- ↑ 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
- ↑ https://youtu.be/VRJzvJ5XPQI?t=11
About this article
Did this article help you?
- About wikiHow
- Terms of Use
- Privacy Policy
- Do Not Sell or Share My Info
- Not Selling Info
- +34 938757356
- Subscribe for free
- Confidence in business meetings
- Excellence in email writing
- How to engage people in conversation
- Business Idioms 1
- how to teach any language online starter course
- Upper-Intermediate (B2) General English Online Course
- Intermediate (B1) General English Online Course
- Pre-intermediate (A2) General English Online Course
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (C1)
- Cambridge First Certificate in English (b2)
- How to avoid the most common mistakes in English
- one-to-one-private-coaching
No products in the cart.
041 How to close a presentation and take questions
Hi there and welcome back to another episode of The Art of Business English. Today I have the third instalment on presenting for you all. We are going to be looking at the vocabulary and techniques for closing our presentation and taking questions.
If you haven’t already checked out the previous two episodes, 39 and 40 on presenting then go and take a look. They will help you to get a complete picture of the presentation development process.
As usual in this episode we will be covering three main parts. Today we will be looking at:
- The importance of summarising and closing arguments
- Key expressions for the closing stage and question taking
- An example of a closing
Summarising and closing
If you recall our three-step process from the previous episodes you will remember that we preview, give and review at all stages of our presentation. So, now I want to explain an important step for the closing.
During our presentation we will have discussed many points, each idea should have had a clear introduction, body with supporting arguments and conclusion. This natural process helps to provide a clear and logical flow to our ideas. Therefore, the conclusion is also incredibly important for bringing all of these ideas back together to reaffirm them. Remember, many people in the audience need to have the main ideas repeated back to them in a summarised format in order to fully remember all the information that they have been exposed to.
Golden rule, the fastest way to lose your audience’s attention and break the unifying thread (hilo conductor) is to not bring all the ideas together at the end into a clear summary. This is especially important when we are using a story-telling presentation format.
So, it is safe to say that the end of your presentation is just as important as all the other parts that come before it. People will often only remember what you said at the beginning and end of your presentation and they may lose focus during the body. Therefore, you should end with a powerful call-to-action or convincing argument if you want to be sure you will get people to adopt your idea or plan. You should recall from the previous episode that we need to move people away from pain and towards comfort. So, your CTA should paint a picture of comfortable bliss when your idea has been adopted.
You should try and define future rewards which compel people to adopt your ideas. If you just list the ideas or next steps at the end of your presentation, but fail to attach a future reward to them, then you stand less chance of having your ideas adopted. So, how can we create this sense of reward that compels people to move away from pain and towards comfort?
Firstly, we need to associate a direct benefit to the individual. How can we frame our idea so that it will some way meet the audiences needs, allow them to gain more freedom, influence, status or time?
Secondly, we can also try and associate our idea with the immediate circle of our individuals in the audience. What I mean by that is, how can our idea help our audience to impact on their direct reports or bosses, customer, suppliers etc.
Finally, how will our ideas benefit the world. How can we impact on the masses, such as improving the environment?
Remember, the more benefits we can attach to our ideas and then transmit these benefits to our audience, the better we will be able close our presentation and get things done.
Right, so to summarise, when we are closing our presentation with a list of action points we need to try and attach a future reward to the completion of each of these points, by transmitting the benefits to our audience.
Finally, before I finish this part of the episode I want to list the other important things that should not be forgotten in your closing.
The closing of your presentation in many cases will be an important opportunity for your audience to ask questions and for you to clarify any areas that may not have been clear. So, if you are taking questions, make sure you invite your audience to ask them.
Make sure you thank everyone for their time. This is polite and shows respect for other people’s time.
Be sure to share your contact information, when appropriate, in case anyone wants to email you with further questions. This is a great way to network and develop your professional network.
Now that we understand the importance of the conclusion, let’s take a look at some useful vocabulary and expressions.
Language and expressions
As with previous episodes, I have broken this section into separate functions with the supporting expression.
Closing signals | Well, that brings me to the end of my presentation. |
That concludes my presentation. However, I’d like to quickly summarize the main points or takeaways. | |
Summarising | I’d like to summarize the main points again... |
Before finishing I would like to review the following points... | |
To sum up I would like to just repeat the main points... | |
To quickly recap, I’d like you to remember these key points … | |
So, this concludes the focus of discussion today. To end, I’d like to highlight … | |
Thanking | I’d like to thank you all for your attention (formal ending). |
Thank you all for coming (less formal). | |
Thank you so much for your interest and attention. | |
I can see that our time is just about up so to finish I’d like to say thank you. | |
Inviting questions | Now, if there are any questions... |
If anyone has any questions I would be more than happy to answer them. | |
If anyone has any questions, I’d be happy to open up the discussion. | |
Accepting questions | Thank you for raising that point... |
I am glad you brought that up that is an important consideration... | |
Thank you for your question; I will do my best to answer you... | |
Qualifying questions | I am sorry, but I don’t have that information available, please see me afterwards... |
Sorry but our company policy does not allow me to share that information with you... | |
We can’t say at the moment, but... | |
So, if that is all... | |
Perhaps we could leave it there...? | |
Giving contact info | Now, before I leave, here is my email address if anyone would like to contact me to discuss any points further. |
Well, before I leave, I would like to share my contact details with you all just in case you need further information. |
So, there we have an overview of some essential language to help you bring your presentation to an end and take questions from your audience.
In the last part of the episode we will take a look at an example dialogue for closing our presentation.
Creating the closing dialogue
Here we are going to be using the same scenario from our two previous episodes, with John Briggs wrapping up his presentation on sales data analysis. He will also provide a strong call-to-action to make his closing powerful.
That concludes my presentation. However, I’d like to quickly summarize the main point here today. As you can see we have had a strong Christmas period, however we are facing strong headwinds from a very competitive market place. If we are to start the new year with a strong first quarter it will take extra work from all departments to meet our sales objectives, but we can make those numbers a reality with a unified effort.
I know we have been working our tails off this Christmas but hang in there. We can pull together and meet our Q1 targets, this will set us up for a strong year, making the rest of the quarters much easier. And remember, the Q1 target rewards are bonuses and extra days off at Easter.
I’d like to thank you all for your time today, now if there are any questions.
OK, so if that is all, perhaps we can leave it there. Thanks again everyone.
So, there is our conclusion with a strong call-to-action. Can you see where the call to action was and where the future benefit/reward was imbedded?
Let’s take a second to break it down.
Firstly, the conclusion has a pain point:
We are facing strong headwinds from a very competitive market place.
Then we have the strong call-to-action. We use emotive language such as ‘we’, ‘strong’ and ‘unified effort’.
If we are to start the new year with a strong first quarter it will take extra work from all departments to meet our sales objectives, but we can make those numbers a reality with a unified effort.
Then in the second part we create the new future reward scenario which we hope will motivate our audience to move away from the pain and toward the comfort.
We can pull together and meet our Q1 targets, this will set us up for a strong year, making the rest of the quarters much easier.
Then finally, we attach a clear benefit for our audience. It’s the last point we make so that it is fresh in the listeners mind.
And remember, the Q1 target rewards are bonuses and extra days off at Easter.
So, there you have it a powerful closing with a strong CTA and benefit attached future reward.
Final thoughts
Well, that brings me to the end of another episode, I hope you have enjoyed this lesson on closing presentations with strong CTA´s.
Please get in touch with me if you are interested in developing your presentation skills further as we offer great online coaching programs which are developed specifically to meet your individual needs.
If you enjoyed this episode then please feel free to share it with your friends, family or work colleagues. Remember to head over to the AOBE website and sign up for the full transcript and quizzes as well as free weekly coaching.
Until next week take care and good luck with your presentations.
Pronunciation training
Listen to the following 10 words. Then record yourself below. Try and match the correct pronunciation and intonation.
Stage - Summary - Argument - Compel - Frame - Reward - Further - Discussion - Policy - Overview
Private Coaching
Perfect your English in only one hour per week with personalised online live coaching with native and highly qualified professionals.
If you have every felt frustrating speaking English, or worse you worry about feeling embarrassed or looking ridiculous in front of your next customer or colleague, then you know how important it is to feel comfortable and confident when you need to speak English for work or when you're traveling.
Listen & Subscribe For Free
Listen On iTunes!
Listen On Stitcher!
Listen On Spotify!
Related Posts
How English can launch your career with Arnau Camprubi
How to get the most out of your q&a, verbs of communication to help your express yourself better, twenty multi-word verbs starting with c for business.
Andrew is the CEO and founder of the Art of Business English. Besides teaching and coaching native Spanish speakers in Business English, he is also passionate about mountain biking, sailing and healthy living. When He is not working, Andrew loves to spend time with his family and friends.
Andrew Ambrosius
Session expired
Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.
The Art of Question & Answer: Handling Audience Questions Like a Pro
Hrideep barot.
- Presentation , Public Speaking
If you have ever given a presentation , you might know how witty and challenging a question-and-answer session can get. Not knowing the answer to a question can be quite unnerving and leave a bad impression even after a fabulous presentation. This blog will help you bridge that gap before your next presentation. We will talk about how to maintain your composure as you deal with questions and also the different types of difficult questions one can face.
Why should I have a Question-and-answer session?
Having a Question and Answer (Q&A) session serves multiple valuable purposes. It transforms one-sided communication into a two-way exchange, turning lectures or speeches into engaging discussions. This interaction not only enhances audience engagement but also promotes collaboration and the collective building of knowledge. Historically, great questions have driven innovation and change, such as Isaac Newton’s curiosity about gravity. During a Q&A , encouraging audience participation by inviting questions and making eye contact with various attendees creates a sense of connection and keeps the session lively, much like a talk show host engaging their audience.
Including a question and answer (Q&A) session after your presentation holds numerous advantages and is a pivotal aspect of engaging with your audience effectively.
Let’s delve into these reasons:
1. audience engagement and participation: .
Inviting questions at the end of your presentation allows your audience to actively participate, transforming your session into an interactive experience. As Albert Einstein aptly put it, “The important thing is not to stop questioning.”
2. Addressing Confusion and Skepticism:
Your presentation might leave some audience members perplexed or unconvinced. Before you begin, it’s vital to gauge your audience’s understanding. As Aristotle noted, “Rhetoric may be defined as the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of persuasion.” Q&A provides an excellent opportunity to clarify doubts and bolster your argument.
3. Expanding on Your Message:
Often, time constraints force you to condense crucial information during your presentation. Q&A, however, empowers you to elaborate on your points, share practical examples, and address any opposition, creating a more comprehensive understanding. This aligns with Robert Frost’s sentiment: “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.”
4. Fostering Natural Interaction:
Effective public speaking thrives on interaction. Audiences seek speakers who communicate openly and naturally. Q&A brings a conversational and relatable dimension to your presentation. As Maya Angelou wisely said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
5. Challenging Your Expertise:
The unpredictability of Q&A keeps you on your toes. You must be well-prepared and nimble to handle a variety of questions and objections. Eleanor Roosevelt’s words resonate: “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face.”
How do you answer Questions effectively?
Handling a question-and-answer session effectively requires preparation, communication skills, and adaptability. Whether you’re conducting a Q&A session as a speaker, presenter, or moderator, here are some tips to help you manage it effectively:
1. Preparation is Key:
Know your audience: Research your audience’s demographics, interests, and knowledge level. Tailor your responses to their needs and expectations. Imagine you’re hosting a Q&A session about pets. Knowing your audience means finding out if they’re mostly cat lovers, dog enthusiasts, or perhaps reptile fans. This helps you tailor your answers to their specific interests, like offering dog training tips for dog lovers and habitat ideas for reptile enthusiasts.
Anticipate questions: Develop a list of potential questions that might arise during the session. This can help you prepare concise and informative answers. If you’re giving a presentation about a superhero movie, anticipate questions like “Who’s the main villain?” or “What are the special powers of the hero?” Prepare concise answers to these common questions to keep the audience engaged.
Review your material: Revisit your presentation or discussion content before the Q&A session. This will help you recall key points and examples that may be relevant to questions. For Ex: You’re a teacher conducting a Q&A after a science class. Before the session, review your notes on the periodic table. This ensures that when a student asks, “What are the noble gases?” you can confidently explain their properties.
2. Set Expectations:
Clearly explain how the Q&A session will be structured. For example, inform the audience whether questions will be taken throughout the session or only at the end. Mention any time constraints.
Let the audience know if you have topics you’d like to cover or all questions are welcome.
For example: Think of a cooking class where you’re the instructor. Before starting, inform your students that they can ask questions anytime during the class. This sets the expectation that it’s an interactive learning experience.
3. Active Listening:
Give the questioner your full attention. Make eye contact, nod to acknowledge understanding, and avoid interrupting.
Repeat or rephrase the question if needed to ensure clarity and show that you are actively engaged with the questioner.
Imagine you’re a detective in a mystery novel. When a witness asks, “Did you see the suspect?”, listen attentively, nod to acknowledge, and ask follow-up questions to gather all the details. This demonstrates active listening.
4. Take a pause
Before answering any question there is a key aspect that makes you look smart and composed- “The Pause.” The Pause is where you gather your thoughts and prepare your answer in a gist. You decide how to answer the question and tackle it swiftly. If you perhaps don’t know the answer, what is the best way to say you will get back with an answer, and so on? You can get a firm grip on your audience as they wait for you to speak and then speak with utmost clarity, that is the power of Pauses.
5. Be Concise and Clear:
Answer each question briefly and directly. Avoid going off on tangents or providing excessive background information.
Use plain language and avoid jargon that might confuse the audience. Suppose you’re explaining how to play a video game. Instead of going into a lengthy backstory, say, “To win, you must collect all the magical crystals and defeat the dragon boss.” This clear and concise explanation keeps players engaged.
6. Stay Calm and Confident:
If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it gracefully. Offer to research or follow up later, and don’t try to bluff your way through.
Maintain a calm and composed demeanor even in the face of challenging or critical questions. Focus on addressing the question, not the tone.
This is also where your preparation becomes your backbone and provides you the confidence to deal with your audience.
Also, I want you to remember that knowledge is very vast- The more you gain knowledge the more you realize how little you know! Do not worry about admitting that you don’t know an answer, you can provide whatever information you have and later get back to them when you do find one.
7. Manage Time:
Allocate a specific amount of time for the Q&A session and communicate this at the outset. Stick to the schedule to ensure you cover all planned topics. If necessary, prioritize questions based on relevance or importance.
Think of a soccer coach during a practice session. Allocate specific time for different drills and stick to the schedule. This ensures that all aspects of the game are covered within the session.
8. Field Diverse Questions:
Encourage a wide range of questions, including those that challenge your viewpoint or prompt discussion. This diversity can lead to more engaging and informative sessions.
For Example: In a book club discussion, encourage members to ask questions about various aspects of the book, from plot details to character motivations. This diversity of questions leads to a more engaging conversation.
9. Moderate Effectively:
As someone who has to give direction to the discussion, try to maintain control of the session and ensure questions are relevant to the topic and audience. Politely redirect or filter out off-topic or inappropriate questions.
Give everyone a chance to ask questions, and manage time to allow for a variety of voices to be heard.
Pretend you’re a radio DJ taking calls from listeners. If someone goes off-topic, gently steer the conversation back to the music or topic of the show to maintain a cohesive experience.
10. Encourage Feedback:
After the Q&A, ask the audience for feedback on the session’s effectiveness. This can help you improve future sessions and tailor them to the audience’s needs.
Example: After a group art project, ask each participant what they liked and what could be improved. This feedback helps everyone learn from the experience and create better art in the future.
11. Follow-Up:
If you promised to provide additional information or research an answer, do so promptly after the session. This demonstrates your commitment to addressing the audience’s needs.
12. Reflect and Improve:
After each session, take time to analyze what went well and what could be improved. Consider seeking feedback from colleagues or mentors to refine your Q&A skills for future engagements.
Can I answer a Question with a Question?
Many a time we think is it disrespectful to answer a question with a question, or perhaps even condescending? However, answering a question with a question can be an effective communication technique when used thoughtfully, but it’s essential to be mindful of the context and tone to avoid coming across as disrespectful or condescending.
Consider, for instance, a scenario where someone asks, “Do you know where my keys are?” Responding with, “Have you checked your coat pocket?” instead of a direct “yes” or “no” can be helpful. However, if someone in a team meeting asks, “How do we solve this problem?” replying with, “Well, what solutions have you considered?” can encourage collaborative problem-solving. So, while answering a question with a question can be a valuable tool for prompting critical thinking or guiding discussions, it’s crucial to gauge the situation and intent to ensure it’s used appropriately.
Types of Difficult Questions:
Often times in presentations we don’t get softball questions that are easy to handle but rather some sort of pushback. The audience tries to gauge your authenticity or simply disagrees with you. These are what we call Difficult questions. They are inquiries that pose challenges beyond their surface. They require careful consideration, provoke thought, or test one’s knowledge, often demanding more than a simple yes or no answer. Handling difficult questions effectively is a skill that involves not only providing accurate responses but also managing the dynamics of the discussion and the emotions of those asking. In this exploration, we’ll delve deeper into these challenging types of questions, dissect their nuances, and offer strategies for responding adeptly and constructively.
1. When You Don’t Know the Answer:
- Challenge: It’s common to face questions to which you don’t have an immediate answer, especially in complex or unfamiliar topics.
- Example: In a technical presentation, someone asks a highly technical question beyond your expertise.
- Admit it gracefully: Acknowledge that you don’t have the answer, but express your willingness to find it.
- Offer a partial answer: Share what you do know or suggest possible resources or experts to consult.
- Follow up: Make a commitment to research and provide a comprehensive response after the session.
2. Too Many Questions at the Same Time (Machine Gun Questioning):
- Challenge: Some audience members may bombard you with multiple questions all at once, making it difficult to respond coherently.
- Example: An audience member asks, “How does this technology work, and what are its applications? Can you explain its impact on the industry?”
- Politely request clarification: Ask the person to specify which question they’d like you to address first.
- Address one question at a time: Break down the multiple questions into individual responses to maintain clarity.
- Control the pace: Politely request that questions be asked one at a time to facilitate a more organized discussion.
3. Audience Member Makes a Statement and Tries to Take Over:
- Challenge: Some individuals may attempt to dominate the Q&A session by making lengthy statements or challenging your expertise.
- Example: An audience member insists on sharing their own knowledge and experience, seemingly to undermine your credibility.
- Acknowledge their input: Politely thank them for their perspective and acknowledge their knowledge.
- Redirect the focus: Gently guide the conversation back to the topic or the question at hand.
- Set boundaries: Establish ground rules for the Q&A session at the beginning, emphasizing that questions should be concise and relevant.
4. Emotional Questions Driven by Anger:
- Challenge: Emotionally charged questions, often stemming from anger or frustration, can be challenging to handle without escalating tension.
- Example: An audience member confronts you with anger about a controversial topic you’re discussing.
- Stay calm and empathetic: Maintain composure, listen attentively, and acknowledge the person’s emotions.
- Avoid confrontation: Refrain from responding with defensiveness or aggression, as it can escalate the situation.
- Reframe the question: Politely ask the person to rephrase their question in a more constructive and specific manner.
5. Off-Topic Questions:
- Challenge: Sometimes, audience members ask questions that are unrelated to the topic of your presentation or discussion.
- Example: In a business presentation on marketing strategies, someone asks about your personal hobbies.
- Politely redirect: Acknowledge the question but gently steer the conversation back to the main topic.
- Offer to discuss later: Suggest discussing off-topic questions after the session to avoid derailing the current discussion.
6. Provocative Questions:
- Challenge: These questions are designed to provoke a reaction or create controversy.
- Example: During a political debate, someone asks a loaded question aimed at stirring up emotions rather than seeking a constructive answer.
- Stay composed: Maintain a calm and respectful demeanor when responding, regardless of the provocation.
- Address the core issue: Focus on the underlying topic or concern within the provocative question rather than getting drawn into the emotional aspect.
7. Incomprehensible Questions:
- Challenge: Some questions are poorly phrased or unclear, making it challenging to discern the intent behind them.
- Example: An audience member asks a question with convoluted language and vague references.
- Seek clarification: Politely ask the person to rephrase or clarify their question to ensure you understand it correctly.
- Paraphrase and respond: Restate what you believe the question is about, and answer based on your interpretation. The person can then confirm or correct your understanding.
8. Condescending Questions:
- Challenge: These questions are posed in a belittling or patronizing manner, often implying that the person asking believes they know better.
- Example: An audience member asks, “Do you even understand the basics of this topic?”
- Maintain professionalism: Respond with professionalism and confidence, avoiding any temptation to match the condescension.
- Address the question’s substance: Focus on providing a well-informed and concise response to demonstrate your expertise.
9. Overly Technical Questions:
- Challenge: In technical or specialized discussions, questions may become overly complex, making it challenging for a broader audience to follow.
- Example: A highly technical question filled with industry-specific jargon is asked in a general audience setting.
- Simplify the response: Offer a simplified explanation or analogy to make the answer accessible to a broader audience.
- Offer follow-up resources: Suggest additional reading or resources for those interested in delving deeper into the technical details.
Handling these challenging question scenarios effectively requires a combination of good communication skills, patience, and tact. Remember that the goal is to maintain a productive and respectful dialogue with your audience while addressing their concerns and inquiries.
People Also Ask:
Why is it important to know how to take the audience’s questions when you are presenting.
It is crucial to know how to handle audience questions when presenting for several reasons. Firstly, audience questions signify engagement and interest in your topic, making it an opportunity to further connect with your audience and demonstrate your expertise. Secondly, addressing questions allows you to clarify any misunderstandings or provide additional context, ensuring that your message is well-received and understood. Moreover, handling questions effectively helps you maintain control over the presentation’s flow, ensuring that it stays on track and doesn’t deviate too far from your intended message. Lastly, audience questions can provide valuable feedback, enabling you to gauge the audience’s comprehension and adapt your presentation in real time if necessary, leading to a more successful and impactful presentation overall.
Who is responsible for answering questions from the audience at the time of the presentation?
The responsibility for answering questions from the audience during a presentation primarily falls on the presenter (most likely You). You’re the one who’s been preparing and practicing your presentation for weeks, months, or maybe even years. You’re the guru on the stage, the oracle of information. When those curious souls in the audience raise their hands or type away with their burning questions, it’s your time to shine. You get to flex your brain muscles and give them answers that will make their heads spin (in a good way, of course). It’s your duty to facilitate a productive Q&A session by actively listening to each question, providing thoughtful and accurate responses, and ensuring that the discussion remains relevant to the topic at hand. However, in some cases, especially during larger presentations or panel discussions, a moderator or facilitator may assist in managing the question-and-answer
In conclusion, mastering the art of Q&A, and handling audience questions like a pro, is a skill that can transform any presentation, discussion, or public speaking engagement. By understanding the diverse types of questions that may arise and adopting effective strategies to address them, you can create an interactive and engaging dialogue with your audience. From riddles that stimulate creativity to emotionally charged inquiries that demand empathy, each question offers a unique opportunity to connect, educate, and inspire.
Remember, the key to success lies in active listening, clear communication, and maintaining composure, even in the face of challenging questions. Whether you’re a speaker, presenter, moderator, or simply someone engaged in a meaningful conversation, the ability to navigate difficult questions with finesse not only enhances your credibility but also fosters a more enriching and enlightening exchange of ideas. So, embrace the art of Q&A, and with practice and patience, you’ll continue to refine this valuable skill, ensuring that your interactions with your audience are both memorable and impactful.
To learn more about how to conduct presentations and improve your communication skills in the workplace you can try our coaching program here .
Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program
Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you
Less is More! Tips to Avoid Overwhelming Your Audience
What does it mean to Resonate with the Audience- Agreement, Acceptance, Approval
High-Stakes Presentations: Strategies for Engaging and Influencing Senior Leaders
- [email protected]
- +91 98203 57888
Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always
Copyright © 2023 Frantically Speaking All rights reserved
Presenters’ Secret Weapon: 32 English Phrases for Smooth Q&A
Let’s face it… At the end of a presentation, the questions can be terrifying for many speakers as they can’t be controlled and are hard to prepare for. For non-native speakers, particularly, it’s essential to be well prepared, and part of this preparation means knowing the phrases to handle questions!
In this lesson, you will learn the ‘Top 32 ways to handle Presentation Questions using Business English.’ Watch the lesson and then read the article for examples.
Remember, there’s a FREE Cheat sheet button below for this lesson:-
Don’t forget to like and follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn .
CLARIFYING QUESTIONS The presenter checks that they’ve understood the question from the audience correctly. A customer has called to the office and you pick up the phone.
- “I’m sorry, could you repeat your question please?”
- “So, if I understood you correctly, you’d like to know whether [there will be redundancies in our organisation?”]
- “So, in other words, you would like to know whether [the database purchase will ensure efficiency?”]
- “Does that answer your question?”
- “I’m afraid I didn’t quite catch that.”
- “If I could just rephrase your question. You’d like to know [if these security standards are the minimum?”]
CHECKING WHETHER THE AUDIENCE MEMBER IS SATISFIED An audience member has asked a question. The presenter answers and then checks to see that they’ve understood.
7. “Does that answer your question?”
8. “Is that clearer now?”
9. “Is that the kind of information you were looking for?”
RESPONSES TO GOOD QUESTIONS The presenter acknowledges that an audience member has asked a good question.
10. “Good point.”
11 “I’m glad you asked that.”
12. “That’s a very good question.”
ADMITTING YOU DON”T KNOW Sometimes the presenter might not know the answer to an audience member’s question.
13. “I don’t know the answer to your question, but I’ll aim to find out for you.”
14.. “Sorry I don’t know that off the top of my head.”
15. “Sorry, that’s not my area of expertise but I’m sure [Steve Beesley from the Research Department] could answer your question.”
16. “I’m afraid I’m not in a position to answer that question at the moment.”
RESPONSES TO IRRELEVANT QUESTIONS Sometimes an audience member will ask a question that is not relevant to the presentation, and the presenter responds accordingly.
17. That’s not really my area of expertise.”
18. “Well, I think that goes beyond the scope of my expertise.”
19. “To be honest, I think that raises a different issue.”
AVOID GIVING AN ANSWER The presenter may get a difficult or awkward question and avoid answering.
20. “ If you don’t mind, could we discuss that on another occasion?”
21. “I’m afraid that’s not really what we’re discussing today.”
22. “Well actually, I’d prefer not to discuss that today.”
POSTPONING QUESTIONS The presenter assures the audience member that there will be an opportunity to revisit the question later on in the session.
23. “If you don’t mind, I’ll come back to this point later on in the presentation.”
24. “Can we get back to this point a bit later?”
25. “I will definitely answer your question towards the end of the presentation.”
26. “Would you mind waiting until the Question and Answer session at the end?”
27. “Perhaps we could go over this after the presentation?”
SUMMARISING AFTER INTERRUPTIONS An audience member interrupted and asked a question. Therefore, the presenter needs to remain composed in directing the audience back to the presentation.
28. “So, now I’d like to go back to what we were discussing earlier.”
29. “Before we go on, let me summarise the main points we’ve discussed.”
CLOSING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS The presenter gives the audience the option to ask any final questions.
30. “I think we have time for one more question…”
31. “So, if there are no further questions, [it’s time to end my presentation and thank you all for coming today.”]
32. “If there are no further questions, I’ll finish there. Thank you very much.”
LESSON END.
FREE! THE ULTIMATE 300 BUSINESS ENGLISH PHRASES FOR COMMUNICATION IN THE OFFICE
Get your FREE Ebook and receive more Business English lessons for FREE!
Please check your inbox (and spam folder) for the free Ebook. Happy reading!
At the end of your presentation, if it is appropriate for the type of presentation, solicit questions from the audience.
Responding to Audience Questions
When someone is asking a question, make eye contact with that person, listen positively, and acknowledge by saying "thank you for that question," or say "that is an excellent question" or "that is an important question".
If the audience is in a large room and cannot hear each other's questions, repeat the question loudly for everyone to hear, before answering it.
If you know the answer to the question, respond appropriately and briefly so you can take more questions and not spend too much time on one question.
Effective Response to Question
This video clip is an example of a presenter effectively responding to an audience member's question .
Ineffective Response to Question
This video clip is an example of a presenter ineffectively responding to an audience member's question .
If the question is not relevant to the presentation, say something like, "I am really sorry that question is outside the scope of this presentation, but I will be happy to stay after the presentation and discuss it with you."
Effective Response to Off-topic Question
This video clip is an example of a presenter effectively responding to an off-topic question or one in which he or she does not know the answer .
Inappropriate Response to Off-topic Question
This video clip is an example of a presenter inappropriately responding to an off-topic question or one in which he or she does not know the answer .
If time is running out for answering all of the questions, say, "I am sorry. I am running out of time, but I will take one last question, and then I will be available at the end to answer any remaining questions."
If you do not know the answer to a question say, "That is an interesting question, and I will have to get back to you later on that" or ask the audience "Can someone help me with this?" or be gracious and acknowledge you do not know the answer at that time.
If an audience member criticizes or attacks what you had covered in your presentation, do not attack back, but separate the valid criticism from the personal attack, and respond to the criticism appropriately.
Some things not to do during the question and answer period:
- Shuffling papers or technology and not making eye contact with the questioner
- Belittling the questioner
- Calling those who want to ask questions by their physical characteristics
- Not taking questions in the sequence they are asked, but focusing on certain people or a side of the room
Asking Good Questions
If you are in the audience, know also how to ask good questions to indicate that you are following the presentation.
You can ask some general questions about any topic, and you may be genuinely curious about some things presented.
- What were the most challenging aspects, or what surprised you the most, in conducting this project?
- Why did you choose this particular methodology or argument instead of another one?
- How did you collect the data? Were there any problems in collecting data? What was the sample size?
- How did you validate your work? Did you validate with a real problem or situation?
- What are some of the limitations of your work?
- What recommendations do you have for further exploration in this project?
Learning to ask good questions at the end of a presentation demonstrates your active participation.
Previous
Take Quiz
- Preparing for the Presentation
- Organizing the Presentation
- Designing Effective Presentation Materials
- Rehearsing the Presentation
- Delivering the Presentation
- Presentation Skills Quiz
- Presentation Preparation Checklist
- Common Reasons for Ineffective Presentations
More From Forbes
How do you close a presentation.
- Share to Facebook
- Share to Twitter
- Share to Linkedin
How should you close a speech? I recently had a query from a fellow coach who specializes in working with engineers and tech firms, and her complaint was that far too many speeches in her experience ended with a slide reading “Any Questions?” She was asking for alternative ways to end a presentation.
It would be hard to imagine a duller (and less engaging) way to finish, aside from simply walking off the stage in silence.
First of all, there’s the slide issue itself. Slide-ware like PowerPoint doesn’t help; it distracts, because it requires us to multitask. And all the research on multitasking shows that we can’t do it. We first pay attention to one thing, and then another. Moreover, the research on how our brains process visual information indicates that we don’t actually see what’s in front of us, but rather an approximation of it that our brain matches to reality based on its memory banks.
So what really happens when we’re confronted in a meeting or a presentation with a speaker and a set of slides is that we look at the speaker—because we’re inherently more interested in people than pictures—and when our attentions start to wander, then we look at the slides. Now, reading slides and looking at people occupy two different parts of our brain, and there’s a lot of inefficiency in switching back and forth. So when we’re looking at the speaker, we’re getting one set of cues. When we look at the slides, we get another set. When we switch, we lose a bit of either information stream.
So the result is two incomplete sets of information. That’s tiring and indeed annoying for us, so we get cranky and tune out.
That’s what slide-ware does. With some exceptions, it adds to our information load, overwhelming it even faster, and causing us to tune out.
Don’t do it.
Any questions?
OK, so how should you end a speech? Following are five suggestions, in order to avoid the dreaded “Any Questions” slide.
1. The simplest way to end a speech, after you’ve finished the content part, is to say, “thank you.” That has the virtue of being individually understood, unexceptional, and unambiguous.
That remains my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants a way to signal to the audience that it’s time to applaud and then head for the bar. Neat, simple, gets the job done.
2. But let’s say you want something more original and exciting. A personal favorite of mine is to end with a question suggested by the talk, something related that broadens the discussion and gets people thinking. So, for example, if you’re wrapping up a talk on the future of software, you might say, “We’ve had a great discussion today about what software will look like in near future; I’d like to close by asking you what you think software might look like 100 years from now. Are we actually heading for the Great Singularity?”
Or even, “I’d like to close by asking you whether or not you think there should be government controls on either the violence in or the length of time spent on gaming software?”
That should give them something to talk about into next week, or at least over the coffee and donuts.
3. Of course, as I’ve recommended many times, the best way to end a speech is to turn the audience loose on an action. After all, you’ve been asking the audience to sit passively for 20 or 30 or 50 minutes. Give them a chance to move, to do something. It should be related to what you’ve been talking about, it should be specific, and it should be relatively simple. Get them to turn to a neighbor and pledge to start the good health regimen you’ve been talking about with one specific food change, for example.
4. If you’re afraid of not getting any questions, then you can arrange for a friend in the audience to ask one. The “plant” is a good way to get questions started if you fear silence. But if you’ve turned the chore of asking for questions over to a slide, then that suggests either you don’t really want to engage in questions, or you’re afraid of them. If it’s the former, then get over yourself. You’ve had the floor for 45 minutes; now it’s someone else’s turn. If the latter, then you might think about sharing your fears in an authentic way: “Now, I’m a little afraid of the questions you might ask, since there are some people here in the audience who know more about the subject than I do, but if we agree to turn the answering over to anyone who is best positioned to answer the question, I’m happy with that.”
5. Finally, you might borrow an idea from the theatre and have a “talk back.” In the theatre, some groups invite the audience to give their thoughts back to the actors, the director, the stage crew, or anyone else who’s available. It’s a critique, a Q and A opportunity, a focus group, and a therapy session all rolled up into one. It’s risky, because you’re at the mercy of jerks in the audience who just want to ventilate or bloviate, but then Q and A can bring out those trolls too. If you choose this option, then it’s a big help to have someone else MC the discussion.
No excuses; there are plenty of interesting ways to end a presentation. Throw away that “Any Questions” slide and get to work.
With thanks to Susan de la Vergne for the question.
- Editorial Standards
- Reprints & Permissions
NOW AVAILABLE! The Presentation Playbook Series
- Trade Show Presenter
- Testimonials
- Trade Show Staffing
- Sample Videos
- Seminar Speaker
Spark's Presentation & Public Speaking Blog
- 7 Tips to Encourage Audience Questions in Your Presentation Q&A
September 19, 2017
Ever seen a presenter ask “Any questions?” at the end of their presentation, and heard only crickets from the audience?
In my work as a professional emcee and trade show presenter , I see it often, and it always makes me cringe because it’s so awkward, and so completely avoidable.
Asking for questions and getting none kills a presentation’s momentum. It usually goes like this:
- The presenter, having run out of content, asks “Any questions?”
- The audience, having no questions, freezes in place.
- Everyone thinks they hear crickets, though there are none in the room.
- The presenter, getting no questions, says, “OK, I guess I’m done.”
OUCH. How’d that happen?
Chances are, you caught your audience by surprise. They didn’t know you’d take questions, so they didn’t think of any. When you asked, you caught them off guard.
I want your next presentation to end with a bang, not a whimper. So try these tips to encourage questions:
1. PREPPING YOUR Q&A: PRIME YOUR AUDIENCE
> TIP THEM OFF EARLY: As you start your presentation, tell your audience: “I’ll take all your questions at the end, so write down your questions as you think of them along the way.” That’ll get them active thinking of questions throughout your presentation.
> REMIND THEM: A few minutes before you take questions, say: “I’ve got one more slide to cover, then I’ll take your questions.” That’ll remind them to think of some questions if they haven’t yet.
2. STARTING YOUR Q&A: GIVE THEM A NUDGE
> LEAVE ROOM: Starting a Q&A with little or no time left discourages questions; your audience wants to leave on time too! Instead, carve out 5-10 minutes or more for questions (and cut some content to make room if needed; your audience prioritizes the information they want to get over the information you want to share).
> USE A PLANT: Have a “plant” in the audience who’ll ask the first question (one you’re comfortable answering), which encourages other audience members to ask (and saves them the awkwardness of going first) and gives them time to think of something to ask.
> CHANGE YOUR PHRASING: Your audience may interpret the phrase “Any questions?” as a sign that you don’t expect or even want questions, which discourages them from asking. Instead, encourage questions by phrasing your question with a more upbeat, expectant tone: “Who’s got a question?” or “Who’d like to go first?”
> ASK IT YOURSELF: Ask yourself a common question: “One question I get often is…” Then answer it. Again, this encourages the audience to follow suit, and gives them more time to think of a question.
3. ENDING YOUR Q&A: ADD THAT BANG!
Q&A or not, ending your presentation by saying you’re ending your presentation (“OK, I guess I’m done”) will end your presentation with a whimper. You can easily replace that whimper with a “bang” by restating your main takeaway and thanking your audience:
“Folks, I hope my presentation has shown you that when it’s raining and you want to stay dry outside, use an umbrella! You won’t regret it. Thanks so much for your time.”
And thank you so much for your time!
by Andy Saks
Posted in: Sparky Says: Presentation & Public Speaking Tips | No Comments
Add your comment
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
Search Spark’s Blog
|
COMMENTS
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.".
But how you end it can make all the difference in your presentation's overall impact. Here are some ways to ensure you end powerfully: Way #1: Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA) Way #2: Don't End With a Q&A. Way #3: End With a Memorable Quote. Way #4: Close With a Story. Way #5: Drive Your Main Points Home.
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.
Asking questions after a presentation is not just about seeking clarity on what was discussed. It's a golden opportunity to delve deeper, engage with the speaker, and enhance your understanding of the subject matter. But knowing which questions to ask isn't always straightforward.
3. Call-to-action. Don't forget to include a compelling call to action in your final message that motivates the audience to take specific steps after the presentation. Whether it's signing up for a newsletter, trying a product or conducting further research, a clear call to action can encourage engagement.
At the end of a presentation, you typically say a few key things: Summarize your main points or key takeaways to reinforce the message. Provide a clear call to action, motivating your audience to take specific steps. Express gratitude and thank your audience for their time and attention.
Presentation end: 7 examples to leave a lasting impression. Summarize the main points: Repeat the main points of your presentation to reinforce them. Call-to-action: Ask your audience to perform a specific action or take a next step. Quote: A relevant and powerful quote can leave a lasting impression. Story or anecdote: A short, relevant story ...
Yes, If your audience asks you great questions, you can end your presentation on a high note. However, if your audience asks you odd questions or uninteresting questions, you can end on a low note. Even worse than getting crappy questions, though is getting no questions. Now, the ending will just seem odd.
Irrespective of how you decide to make your presentation thank you slide, these six tips will help you: Avoid leaving your audience confused about whether or not your presentation is over. Express gratitude: I am grateful you took the time to attend today's program. (Include gratitude for any other sacrifice they made.
1. Listen to the whole question. You don't have to answer a question immediately. Pause for a few seconds, actively listen to all parts of the question and think about the best way to answer. Frequently questions can change direction at the last moment, particularly if the questioner is thinking on their feet.
Stats and metrics can be a really useful tool when sprinkled into a presentation rather than the dominant force. Ending with one can be the most effective way to include one. Now that we have looked at ways you can end your presentation, it's time for the tools! Mentimeter. Venngage.
Beforehand, think through the types of questions audience members might ask. Put yourself in your shoes and ask yourself what concerns they might have about how your message impacts their job ...
Some things you can say include: [1] "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.". Provide a quick and concise summary of the presentation's key points.
They will help you to get a complete picture of the presentation development process. As usual in this episode we will be covering three main parts. Today we will be looking at: The importance of summarising and closing arguments. Key expressions for the closing stage and question taking. An example of a closing.
If you're not planning to take questions throughout your presentation, here are the final four steps you need to end your presentation memorably (in a good way): 1. Recap your main points. After ...
Closing your Presentation "Thank you for your attention/time." "Before I end, let me just say…" "Thank you for listening." Inviting Questions "Do you have any questions?" "Now we have time for a few questions." "If you have any questions, please do ask." "And now, I'll be happy to answer any questions you might ...
Here are five steps you can take to prepare for the question-and-answer portion of your presentation: 1. Consider what others might want to know. Your audience is an essential factor in how you approach your presentation because they're absorbing the information you present. If you're speaking to a crowd of experts in your field, your approach ...
Audience Engagement and Participation: Inviting questions at the end of your presentation allows your audience to actively participate, transforming your session into an interactive experience. As Albert Einstein aptly put it, "The important thing is not to stop questioning.". 2. Addressing Confusion and Skepticism:
The presenter gives the audience the option to ask any final questions. 30. "I think we have time for one more question…" 31. "So, if there are no further questions, [it's time to end my presentation and thank you all for coming today."] 32. "If there are no further questions, I'll finish there. Thank you very much." LESSON END.
Seed someone in the audience like a friend or colleague to ask the first question. Sometimes, having someone break through the silence and ask the first question will help others speak up or ask follow-up questions. Answer your own question at the end of the presentation. Use phrasing like, "When I first started this project, my main question ...
At the end of your presentation, if it is appropriate for the type of presentation, solicit questions from the audience. Responding to Audience Questions. When someone is asking a question, make eye contact with that person, listen positively, and acknowledge by saying "thank you for that question," or say "that is an excellent question" or ...
3. Of course, as I've recommended many times, the best way to end a speech is to turn the audience loose on an action. After all, you've been asking the audience to sit passively for 20 or 30 ...
So try these tips to encourage questions: 1. PREPPING YOUR Q&A: PRIME YOUR AUDIENCE. > TIP THEM OFF EARLY: As you start your presentation, tell your audience: "I'll take all your questions at the end, so write down your questions as you think of them along the way.". That'll get them active thinking of questions throughout your ...
Tips for Designing Effective Surveys. Keep it Short-ish and Simple: Respect your members' time by keeping the survey concise. Aim for a survey that takes no more than 5-10 minutes to complete. Use a Mix of Question Types: Combine multiple-choice questions for quantitative data with open-ended questions for qualitative insights. Provide Clear Instructions: Ensure that your questions are clear ...
Smart and thoughtful Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview can set you apart from other candidates, showcasing your genuine interest and proactive approach. This blog offers a curated list of 13 insightful questions, designed to leave a positive impression on your employer and gather crucial information about the company and role.
However, due to end-of-life, we do not offer support or upgrades after January 31st, 2023, and we advise you to carefully consider the ramifications of running unsupported software in a live environment. After End-of-Life, will I still be able to use ProPresenter 6 Cloud? As of January 31, 2024 ProPresenter 6 Cloud has been discontinued
The recorded IRB Overview presentation posted in the IRB ICON Course for Researchers provides a general orientation to the UI IRB and the IRB approval requirements for human subjects research. This is an excellent supplemental lecture for any research methods or responsible conduct of research course.
Trump steps onto the patio at Mar-a-Lago near dusk. The well-heeled crowd eating Wagyu steaks and grilled branzino pauses to applaud as he takes his seat. On this gorgeous evening, the club is a ...