How to Successfully End a Presentation

Many people spend a great deal of time preparing the opening of their presentation. They want to make sure it is just right and they start off with a bang.  While the opening of a presentation is certainly important, the ending is equally as relevant. In fact, the audience is more likely to remember a powerful conclusion. For this reason, it is essential that presenters leave an impact with a strong closing statement. A strong ending motivates and empowers the audience to take action. Here are a few tips for successfully ending your next presentation. 

Summarize Your Key Points

You want to reiterate the main points from your presentation. This will ensure that your audience understands the main purpose of your presentation and they walk away with the appropriate information. To help you get a better idea of what points to emphasize, ask yourself the following questions: 

-What do I want my audience to understand at the end of my presentation?

-What is the main message?

-How do I want my audience to feel?

-How can I convey my message?

In addition to summarizing your key points, make sure you repeat the core message that was mentioned in the introduction. To an audience, this makes them feel like the presentation has come full-circle.

Present a Call to Action

This is your chance to let your audience know where to go from here. Suggest what they can do now that they are armed with the right information. Without a call to action, your audience will wonder what you want them to do. Your call to action should include strong action verbs.For example, if you want them to invest in your product, ask them to do so. If you want them to try a new approach at work and apply what you have taught them, tell them. Make it worth their while by guiding them on the next steps. 

Use a Powerful Quote

This is a relatively easy way to conclude a presentation, but in order to make it truly impactful, you want to choose something unique so it doesn’t seem cliche. Choose a quote that hasn’t been heard over and over and make sure it aligns with your message. 

Tell a Compelling Story

Ending your presentation with a personal story is a great way to make an impact. A meaningful story can bring your message to life and help the audience relate to it. It’s also a useful way to connect with your audience by evoking emotion. People love a good story and this can be a highly effective technique for leaving a lasting impression on your audience. 

Develop a Powerful Final Sentence

Your final words will leave your audience with food for thought. It’s your last chance to make an impact and leave a lasting impression. Leaving an audience with a memorable statement will grab their attention and leave them pondering your message long after the presentation is over. A great way to do this is by using the power of three. For example, Julius Caesar said, “I came, I saw, I conquered.†Groupings of three are easy for people to remember and can really create that wow factor you want in a conclusion.