closing speech on training program

Closing Ceremony Speech

A Closing Ceremony Speech is a pivotal moment, providing a chance to leave a lasting impression. This guide, brimming with diverse speech examples , offers a roadmap for creating impactful concluding remarks. Whether it’s encapsulating key moments, acknowledging contributions, or inspiring future endeavors, these speech examples serve as a foundation for crafting a message that resonates deeply. Ideal for anyone from students to professionals, this guide equips you with the tools to deliver a memorable and effective closing speech.

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As the old saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.”-1374 ( Chaucer) , and this has never rang true than in making closing speeches. Whether it be at a conference, during a big training or a special event. Everything has to come to an end and that is a fact. With that being said, some closing ceremony speeches can be tricky to write especially if you are told to write one and have no idea what to put. No worries, that problem will end too. Here are some 13+ closing ceremony speech examples to wow the right audience.

13+ Closing Ceremony Speech Examples

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2. Closing Ceremony Speech in School

3. Closing Ceremony Speech For Students

4. Closing Ceremony Speech Template

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5. Sample Closing Ceremony Speech Example

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6. Closing Ceremony Speech Example

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7. Basic Closing Ceremony Speech Example

8. Closing Ceremony Speech in PDF

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9. Formal Closing Ceremony Speech Example

10. Printable Closing Ceremony Speech Example

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11. Closing Ceremony Speech by the President

12. Standard Closing Ceremony Speech Example

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13. Closing Ceremony Speech on Education

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14. Closing Ceremony Speech Format Example

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Tips on Writing and Presenting Your Closing Ceremony Speech

You are about to be making or writing a closing ceremony speech. Whether it is for a church meeting, a wedding, a funeral, a graduation, or an award. There are a lot of people watching you, and you are supposed to be making it the best or a good closing speech. What are you going to do? Don’t panic, here are some tips to help you with.

• Begin with a greeting : Begin with a simple greeting to welcome your guests, and the audience.
• Mention Honored Guests : Just like in any formal event, there would always be honored guests, greeting and mentioning them should be a part of the speech.
• Start with a thank you : Say thank you for those who have attended. Whether it is a sad event, a happy event, or any other type of formal event. Never forget to say thank you. You are being polite.
• State the agenda: State as to why all of them are there. State the agenda or the reason for the ceremony.
• Make eye contact : Do avoid bringing your copy of the speech in front. You can bring cue cards, and glance every now and then. But do not read your cue cards. You must maintain eye contact with your audiences.
• Voice, Tone and Intonation : Keep an eye on your voice projection, your tone and your intonation. When making closing speeches, be careful you are not going to hurt someone’s feelings nor mispronounced someone’s name. Practice makes perfect.

Closing speeches for any type of occasion does not always mean it’s a sad event. Nor does it mean it has to be a boring event as well. When making your speech, interact with your audience, make them feel that they are part of the event as much as you are. Watch your tone when making and writing them as well, as a closing speech can also be a sad one especially when made in a funeral. But most of the time, closing speeches are used for happy events. With that being said, remember practicing makes it better.

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Closing remarks - training workshop for policy makers from lldcs and transit countries, strengthening capacity in developing bankable transport infrastructure projects for enhanced connectivity, statement by ms. fekitamoeloa katoa‘utoikamanu, high representative for the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states, 6 april 2021  new york, usa.

Mr. Gideon Mmolawa, Director of International Trade, Ministry of Trade, Botswana

Distinguished participants,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me a great pleasure to address this closing session.

Allow me to first convey special thanks and appreciation to the Government of Botswana for co-organizing this training session.

I would like to thank the resource persons and representatives of African Development Bank, World Bank, Islamic Development Bank, UNECA, UNECE, UNOPS as well as African Union Development Agency/NEPAD for sharing important knowledge on developing bankable transport infrastructure projects for enhanced connectivity.

I thank all the participants who have attended the training, raised pertinent questions and shared experiences on enhancing transport connectivity in your countries.

I would like to congratulate all of you for your dedication and active engagement in the learning experience.

Indeed, I have heard a lot of good feedback.

I understand that your learning experience covered a wide breadth of topics from the key steps involved in project preparation to how to secure funding for the projects, to upstream soft infrastructure issues such as policies, institutions, legislation and regulatory approaches.  

I also understand that the training showcased a wide variety of case study examples to illustrate the key points in developing bankable infrastructure projects, the challenges involved and how they were dealt with.

I also understand that there was intense discussion on some issues such as the critical role of de-risking infrastructure projects in order to attract other sources of funding; how to shorten the project preparation process from project definition to financial close; the important role of government in prioritizing projects; what to do with projects that have undergone feasibility assessment but many years have passed with them not securing the needed financing; the innovative sources of financing that are available and how to tap on them; and how to make public-private-partnerships work for transport infrastructure projects.

I am informed about the numerous initiatives to support transport connectivity that were presented and discussed in the meeting such as: the Africa50 infrastructure Fund; PIDA Service Delivery Mechanism to support regional project preparation; the PIDA Quality Label - a quality recognition awarded to projects that excel in project preparation; and International Transport Infrastructure Observatory – just to name a few.

I also understand that one area that resonated in your discussion was the need to adopt integrated corridor approach as a means to promote transport connectivity and overall sustainable development. Indeed, this is an area that OHRLLS actively promotes because it is at the heart of the Vienna Programme of Action.

I am also informed that the learning experience in this workshop stressed the crucial role of capacity building for the entire life cycle of the project from definition to implementation to its commissioning. I do agree with the consensus that each transport infrastructure project proposal should have built in required capacity needed to ensure its success.   

I am also informed that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transport connectivity and some responses to support sustainable recovery were discussed. 

Let me finish by saying that you all have worked hard, but in fact, the real work only starts now. This is the beginning of our concerted efforts to work together with our partners to support the capacity needs of landlocked and transit countries in promoting transport connectivity.  

As I said in the opening immediately after this training workshop, we plan to establish an online platform where you can continue to exchange data and experiences. Our resource person has already introduced the platform to you and I encourage you to join and share your experiences.

Later this year, we plan to establish a community of practice in the context of the LLDC national focal points network.

Again, later in the year, we also plan to organize another training. We hope to continue collaborating with our partners the UNECA, African Development Bank, World Bank, UNOPS, AUDA-NEPAD, Islamic Development Bank and others to promote sustainable transport connectivity for LLDCs.

I wish to encourage you to complete the evaluation of this training workshop that will be shared with you today as it shall help us shape our future capacity building activities.

In concluding my remarks, I would like to thank all of you once again for your engagement.

My great appreciation goes to the interpreters for their important support to our training workshop.

I want to thank the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund of the United Nations Peace and Development Trust Fund for supporting this training workshop.

Let me end by assuring you that My Office will continue to facilitate capacity building activities to enhance transport connectivity for land-locked developing countries.  

I look forward to continue working closely with you to advance the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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Tip #363: How to Close a Training Session on a High Note

• February 21, 2011
• activities , evaluation , feedback , kinesthetic , touch , train the trainer , trainers , training evaluation

“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” Thomas J. Peters

“Begin with the end in mind.” Steven Covey

Training programs typically end with the participants quickly completing an evaluation sheet. The activity is fine but the timing is problematic.

Trainers spend the entire session attempting to create connections between the participants to build a learning community. When participants complete an evaluation at the very end of the program, it takes all of the energy out of the learning environment. Their focus immediately goes inward and they stop communicating with those around them.

There is a better alternative. Make evaluations the next-to-last activity in the session. Then use one or more of these four more engaging, physical and interactive activities to close the training session in a manner that will maintain learning excitement and energy.

The first two activities reinforce what the participants have learned. The last two activities reinforce the social connections that the participants have made with each other.

1. Report key learning.

Give participants a minute or so to write down the most significant learning they gained because of the program. (This may be either new learning or validated previous learning). Then have them stand up and take turns reporting their key learning. A Koosh toss works well for this. The participants sit after they state their key take away and throw the Koosh to someone who is still standing. If some participants identify the same key learning, this will simply reinforce its importance.

To set up this closing activity, create a learning contract with the participants at the very beginning of the session. It asks them to let you know whenever they have issues with the training content or process. It also encourages them to take charge of their own learning, so they will be able to report their key learning at the end of the session.

Their reports will provide an effective summary of the training content, emphasize and reinforce what the participants found most important, and give the trainer immediate feedback about the program’s effectiveness.

2. Go on a walkabout.

Ask the participants to jot down how they plan to use what they have learned. Then have them pair up with someone with whom they have not worked during the session and go for a short (4-minute) walk.

While they walk, they should take turns talking about their plans. This will increase the probability that they will implement them. When the pairs return from the walkabout, they can give each other a high ten.

This closing may be less satisfying for the trainer than the key learning reports, because the trainer will not hear what the participants are saying. However, the process of walking and talking will generate a high level of energy and enthusiasm among the participants. Choosing to walk with someone “new” to them will also create new social connections.

3. Write personal notes.

This activity works well with a multiple-day training program when the participants have a number of opportunities to work together in different situations. This activity must also be set up at the beginning of the session.

It begins as an art project. Give the participants colorful markers and something to draw on. It might be a light-colored cloth bag, a large paper bag, a flip chart page or a piece of paper. Ask them to draw pictures or write words that describe what is important in their lives. (One option is to have them trace a hand and write or draw something for each finger). If they have a motto or saying that speaks to them, they can also write that down.

The participants will use what they have drawn or written to introduce themselves to the rest of the group. Make sure that they put their name on their project, because other people will be writing on it later.

At the end of each day, have the participants trade their projects and then write something to the owner of the project. It helps to give them a sentence to finish, such as: “What I learned about you is….,” “I hope that we will both remember…., or ” “Thank you for….” Ask them to sign what they write.

There will be a lot of laughter when they pass the projects back and read what was written on their own.

This is a great closing activity that, used every day during a multi-day program, provides continuity and reinforces social connections.

4. Create a celebration circle.

This activity can be used to close any training program, but is particularly effective at the end of the last day of a multi-day program. Have the participants stand in a circle and then use one or more of the following variations:

Express gratitude . Let them take turns walking over to participants to thank them in specific terms for what they did to enrich their learning. This celebrates the supportive learning community.

Blow bubbles . Hand out small containers of bubbles with wands and have the participants blow bubbles while an upbeat song plays in the background (“Celebration” by Kool and the Gang is a great one). This celebrates the conclusion of a job well done.

Sing a song . Have the participants sing a song or anthem that is relevant to the training experience. This celebrates the shared bond between the participants.

Each of these four closing activities will generate energy, joy and connection. The training will end on a high note and the participants will leave happy and enthusiastic.

May your learning be sweet.

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How to Conclude a Seminar or Workshop

Wrapping up and concluding a workshop or seminar can be difficult. After a day or more of learning, questions, and discussions it is hard to sum things up in just a few minutes, while at the same time ending with impact and excitement.

Why Are Closing Remarks for a Seminar Important?

How you conclude a seminar is important because it provides the opportunity to recap the main points of your presentation. The audience is able to review your seminar mentally and leave with a lasting effect. Closing remarks can also end your presentation on a high note, encouraging your audience to improve upon the subject you taught.

After summarizing the information, a final closing remark, such as a quote or thank you, can let the audience know your presentation is over. Some examples of a closing remark would be:

• Thank you for being here today, I wish you all a good evening.
• It was an honor to present my perspective here today, thank you for taking the time to listen. Have a great day.
• Let me end by saying . . . (include a call to action, express your gratitude, or end on a note of excitement for the topic you discussed)

When conducting a leadership skills session, strategic management workshop, or team training seminar , here are a few ways to be sure you conclude seminars and workshops effectively and end on an encouraging note.

1. Summarize the training by restating the main points.

As you start to conclude a seminar, make sure to clarify the main points. This will tie back in what specific points you want your audience to leave with, and be a quick way for them to connect the whole of your training workshop.

2. Review the objectives and highlight how they have been met.

When you start a training workshop , it’s likely that you created several learning objectives you wanted to teach. Make sure that your workshop includes elements that will enable your audience to learn and have the skills available to enact on the objectives. At the conclusion, point out these new skills and how they’re applicable to the audience.

3. Provide time for participants to create action plans and set goals for applying the training topics.

Once the objectives have been taught, and you showed the participants how to make them applicable, now it’s important to set aside time for implementation. Let your participants write down action plans and goals. Invite them to share, and have a few examples of your own prepared. This will make your objectives more valuable and relevant to each individual.

4. Use humor to end the training session on a positive note.

Humor can be a lighthearted way to conclude a seminar. It can revive the audience’s attention, and show that even though a training session is a serious matter, the whole of it can be a fun experience.

Here is a humorous way David Peoples from IBM frequently closes his presentations: “I fully realize that I have not succeeded in answering all your questions. Indeed, I feel I have not answered any of them completely. The answers I have found only serve to raise a whole new set of questions, which only leads to more problems. To sum it all up, I feel we are just as confused as ever in some ways, but I believe we are confused at a higher level and about more important things.”

5. Conclude the seminar with a quote.

Ending with a quote is also an impactful way to conclude a seminar. Read through the following famous examples for inspiration:

• Confucius said in 451 B.C. “What I hear, I forget; what I see, I may remember; but what I do, I understand.”
• Another great quote that is recommended is by C.S. Lewis, “A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument.”
• To show how a training is a wise investment for mental growth, use Benjamin Franklin’s quote, “For the best return on your money, pour your purse into your head.”
• Henry Ford, who is a well-known inventor your audience will likely be familiar with, also touched on learning here, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

Adapted from: Robert W. Pike, Creative Training Techniques Handbook.

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9 Closing a Speech: End with Power and Let Them Know It is Time to Clap

Open Your Speech With a Bang Close It With a Slam-Dunk Westside Toastmasters

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending,” according to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The first few words of your speech make the audience want to listen and the last few sentences help them decide what they feel about you and your topic. In this chapter, I will explain the function of a conclusion, the format of a conclusion, and I will give you numerous examples of ways to end your speech. Most of this chapter is dedicated to showing you good examples of different types of speech closings. Let’s get started by talking about the purpose of the closing.

A Strong Closing Does Many Things

• Summarizes the points. By restating your points your audience is more likely to remember them.
• Tells the audience when to clap. Let’s face it, it is so awkward when you are done with your speech, and no one claps. Being clear the end is near, relieves the audience of the pressure of wondering if they are clapping at the right time.
• Provides resolution. Your speech should give the audience a sense of resolve or a sense of being challenged.

The Formula for Closing Most Speeches

• Transition statement to ending.
• Review the main points–repeat the thesis.
• If it is a persuasive speech, tell the audience what you want them to do or think.
• Provide a closing statement.

Restate the Thesis

Tell them what you are going to say, say it, tell them what you have said. This speech pattern is useful in most types of speeches because it helps the speaker to remember your key points. As you build your closing, make sure you restate the thesis. A good rule of thumb is to write it in such a way that if the audience were asked to restate the main points, their answer would match closely with your thesis.

EXAMPLE Watch as Stella Young gives her thesis and then restates her thesis at the end of the speech as she wraps up. The thesis of the talk in the introduction: We’ve been sold the lie that disability is a Bad Thing, capital B, capital T. It’s a bad thing, and to live with a disability makes you exceptional. It’s not a bad thing, and it doesn’t make you exceptional. Restates the thesis of the talk at the closing: Disability doesn’t make you exceptional but questioning what you think you know about it does.

Stella Young, I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPGrLoU5Uk

This next example is from a student’s speech. It is easy to pull out one sentence that clearly summarizes the main points of her speech. Following her summary, she winds the speech down into a thoughtful conclusion and ends with three powerful words.

Now is the time to separate the war on drugs from the war on addiction. T oday you’ve heard the problems, impacts, and solutions of criminalizing addictions. Bruce Callis is 50 years old now. And he is still struggling with his addiction. while you all are sitting out there listening to this, I’m living with it. Bruce Callis is my father and for my entire life, I have watched our misguided system destroy him. The irony here is that we live in a society where we are told to recycle. We recycle paper, aluminum, and electronics. But why don’t we ever consider recycling them most precision think on Earth– the human life. Student Tunnette Powell, Winner of the 2012 Interstate Oratorical Association Contest.

Closing Phrases

After you restate your thesis, you should carefully deliver your closing phrases.  Your closing should provide a resolution to your speech and/or it should challenge the audience. Frantically Speaking writer Hrideep Barot suggests  “a conclusion is like tying a bow or ribbon to a box of your key ideas that your audience will be taking along with them.”

A speech closing is not just about the words you say, but it is also the way you say it. Change the pace near the end of your speech. Let your tone alone should signal the end is near. It is about deliberate voice control, don’t let your voice weakly away.

In the next section, I will cover these ways to end your speech:

End with powerful words End with a quote End with a graphic End with parallel construction End on a positive note End with a challenge End with a question End with inspiration End with well-wishing End with humor End with a call to action End with a feeling of resolve End with a prop

The best way to teach you about advanced closings is to show not tell. For this section, I will briefly explain each type of closing and then provide a video. Each video is queued so you can play the video and watch the closing statement.  I included a transcript under each video if you want to follow along.  It will be most beneficial for you to watch the clip and not just read the text. By watching, you will have a chance to hear the subtle changes in the speaker’s voice as they deliver their closing statements.

End with Powerful Words

As you design your closing, look at the last three to five words and examine them to see if they are strong words. Oftentimes, you can rearrange a sentence to end with a powerful word. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Watch this clip for how BJ Miller ends with a powerful thought and a powerful word. 

Parts of me died early on, and that’s something we can all say one way or another. I got to redesign my life around this fact, and I tell you it has been a liberation to realize you can always find a shock of beauty or meaning in what life you have left, like that snowball lasting for a perfect moment, all the while melting away. If we love such moments ferociously, then maybe we can learn to live well — not in spite of death, but because of it. Let death be what takes us, not lack of imagination. BJ Miller, What Really Matters at the End of Life

End by Circling Back to the Opening

Another type of ending is to circle back to what you said in the beginning. You can revisit a quote, share the end to an illustration that was begun in the beginning, or you can put away a prop you got out in the beginning.

Watch this clip for how Zubing Zhang begins and ends with the same quote to circle back around to the main idea. 

She starts by telling a story of bungee jumping off the world’s highest platform and how she saw a sign with a quote that says, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.” After telling her own story about pushing her emotional limits, she circles back around at the end by saying, “As the words said high on the bungee platform, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.”

Yubing Zhang, Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone. 

End With Quote

If you end your speech with a quote, attend to the following.

• Always say the author of the quote before the quote for example, “I want to leave you with a leadership quote ‘What you do has far greater impact than what you say,’ Steven Covey.” The problem with this ending is that “Stephen Covey” are the last two words of the speech and that is boring. Consider instead this ending. “I think Robin Sharma said it best ‘Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.'” In this arrangement, the last three words are powerful–influence and inspiration.
• Provided context for the quote before or after. Make sure the quote is meaningful and not just an easy way to end.

Watch this clip for how Sir Ken Robinson ends with a quote. Notice how he says the author and then the quote.

Also, notice how he then ties his speech to the quote with a final few sentences and ends with the powerful word–“revolution” and how he uses a strong vocal emphasis as he says his last word. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

There’s a wonderful quote from Benjamin Franklin. “There are three sorts of people in the world: Those who are immovable, people who don’t get it, or don’t want to do anything about it; there are people who are movable, people who see the need for change and are prepared to listen to it; and there are people who move, people who make things happen.” And if we can encourage more people, that will be a movement. And if the movement is strong enough, that’s, in the best sense of the word, a revolution. And that’s what we need.

Sir Ken Robinson, How to Escape Education’s Death Valley. 

End with a Graphic

You might want to use a visual to make your final point. Bringing in a picture, graphic, or object, reengages the audience to pay attention to your final ideas.

Watch this clip for how Barry Schartz uses the magic words “so to conclude” and then he creatively uses a picture of a fishbowl to narrow in on his point. Notice how his final word is spoken with urgency as he says “disaster.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

 So, to conclude. (He shows a picture of fish in a fishbowl) He says, “You can be anything you want to be — no limits.” You’re supposed to read this cartoon and, being a sophisticated person, say, “Ah! What does this fish know? Nothing is possible in this fishbowl.” Impoverished imagination, a myopic view of the world –that’s the way I read it at first. The more I thought about it, however, the more I came to the view that this fish knows something. Because the truth of the matter is, if you shatter the fishbowl so that everything is possible, you don’t have freedom. You have paralysis. If you shatter this fishbowl so that everything is possible, you decrease satisfaction. You increase paralysis, and you decrease satisfaction. Everybody needs a fishbowl. This one is almost certainly too limited –perhaps even for the fish, certainly for us. But the absence of some metaphorical fishbowl is a recipe for misery and, I suspect, disaster. Barry Schwartz, The Paradox of Choice

End with Parallel Construction

Parallel construction is a series of repeated phrases. It can be a powerful tool to use in a persuasive speech as it creates a feeling of importance.

Watch this clip for how Malala Yousafzai ends with a series of parallel statements to build momentum. Notice how her pace perfectly matches her words and you feel her strength when she ends with “education first.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are suffering from poverty, injustice, and ignorance. We must not forget that millions of children are out of schools. We must not forget that our sisters and brothers are waiting for a bright peaceful future. So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education First.

Malala Yousafzai,  United Nations Youth Assembly

End on a Positive Note

Audiences are constantly evaluating a speaker to determine their attitude and motivation. As you consider your speech closing, ask yourself what type of impression do you want to leave?  Do you want to leave them with depression or hope? Sadness or promise? Most of the time, audiences will receive messages that end positively better than speeches that end negatively.

In this speech sample, Hans Rosling showed the audience some hard statistics and he even pointed fingers at the audience as part of the problem. To help them hear his main point, he wisely ends on a positive note.

Watch this clip for how Hans Rosling ends this thought-provoking talk on a positive note. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Now, when thinking about where all this leaves us, I have just one little humble advice for you, besides everything else, look at the data. Look at the facts about the world and you will see where we are today and how we can move forwards with all these billions on our wonderful planet. The challenge of extreme poverty has been greatly reduced and it’s for the first time in history within our power to end it for good. The challenge of population growth is, in fact, already being solved, the number of children has stopped growing.  And for the challenge for climate change, we can still avoid the worst, but that requires the richest, as soon as possible, find a way to use their set their use of resources and energy at a level that, step by step, can be shared by 10 billion or 11 billion by the end of this century. I’ve never called myself an optimist, but I do say I’m a possibilist and I also say the world is much better than many of you think.

Hans Rosling, Facts about the Population.

End with a Challenge

Leave the audience with a doable personal challenge. Help them mentally make sense of all the information that you shared by helping them know how to file it away and how to use it.

Watch this clip for how Melissa Butler ends with a challenge. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

So, I challenge each of you, when you go home today, look at yourself in the mirror, see all of you, look at all of your greatness that you embody, accept it, and love it. And finally, when you leave the house tomorrow, try to extend that same love and acceptance to someone who doesn’t look like you . Melissa Butler, Why You Think You’re Ugly. 

Watch this clip as Darren LaCroix literally falls face down to anchor the point that when we fall, we “fall forward.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Darren LaCroix talks about taking risks and falling down and getting back up, he literally and purposefully falls down during his speech and ends this way: What’s your next step… take it. I didn’t want to look back at my life and say you know I never did try that comedy thing, but I died debt-free. All of us are headed toward that goal we are going to teach a point where we get stuck and our feet are like in cement and we can’t move but we’re so afraid of that ouch but we forget that if we lean forward and take a risk–(He falls face down) and we fall on our face. When we get up, notice, you still made progress. So please, with me, go ahead and fall. But fall forward. Darren LaCroiz, Winning Speech delivered at National Speech Association

End with a Question

Asking a question at the end is one way to reengage the audience. It helps them think about what your topic might mean for them.

Watch this clip for how David Eagleman reminds us about why his topic is important and then ends with a question. Notice how he pauses before his final question and how he changes the pace of his speech for the final sentence. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

So I think there’s really no end to the possibilities on the horizon for human expansion. Just imagine an astronaut being able to feel the overall health of the International Space Station, or, for that matter, having you feel the invisible states of your own health, like your blood sugar and the state of your microbiome, or having 360-degree vision or seeing in infrared or ultraviolet. So the key is this: As we move into the future, we’re going to increasingly be able to choose our own peripheral devices. We no longer have to wait for Mother Nature’s sensory gifts on her timescales, but instead, like any good parent, she’s given us the tools that we need to go out and define our own trajectory. So the question now is, how do you want to go out and experience your universe?

David Eagleman, Can We Create New Senses for Humans? 

Watch this clip for how Lera Boroditsky ends with a personal note and a  powerful final question. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

I want to leave you with this final thought. I’ve told you about how speakers of different languages think differently, but of course, that’s not about how people elsewhere think. It’s about how you think. It’s how the language that you speak shapes the way that you think. And that gives you the opportunity to ask, “Why do I think the way that I do?” “How could I think differently?” And also,  “What thoughts do I wish to create?” Lera Boroditsky, How Language Shapes the Way We Think

End with Inspiration

“Inspiring your audience is all about helping them see their own vision, not yours.”

You may want to end your speech with inspiring and encouraging words. Pick words that resonate with most of your audience and deliver them in such a way that your audience feels your lift in emotion.

Watch this clip for how Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ends with an inspiring final note and a powerful last few words “regain a kind of paradise” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.

I would like to end with this thought:   That when we reject the single-story,   when we realize that there is never a single story   about any place,   we regain a kind of paradise.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,  The Danger of a Single Story  

Watch this clip for how Dan Pink ends with an inspiring final note. (I have the video cued to play just the closing) Let me wrap up. There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does. Here is what science knows. One: Those 20th century rewards, those motivators we think are a natural part of business, do work, but only in a surprisingly narrow band of circumstances. Two: Those if-then rewards often destroy creativity. Three: The secret to high performance isn’t rewards and punishments, but that unseen intrinsic drive– the drive to do things for their own sake. The drive to do things cause they matter.

And here’s the best part. We already know this. The science confirms what we know in our hearts. So, if we repair this mismatch between what science  knows and what business does, if we bring our motivation, notions of motivation into the 21st century, if we get past this lazy, dangerous, ideology of carrots and sticks, we can strengthen our businesses, we can solve a lot of those candle problems, and maybe, maybe — we can change the world. I rest my case. Dan Pink, The Puzzle of Motivation

End with Well Wishing

There are several types of closings where the speaker wished the audience well.

The Benediction Close: M ay God bless and keep you…. The Presidential Close: God bless you and may God bless the USA The Congratulatory Close: I congratulate you on your accomplishment and wish you continued success. 

End with Humor

You can end on a fun lighthearted note. It is important to always run your humor by a variety of people to make sure you are funny, and your humor is appropriate.

Watch this clip for how Andrew Dunham uses humor throughout his speech and ends with a funny one-liner. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

I wish you all the best as we begin this journey on our paths and I sincerely hope and pray that your time and success have proven to be as memorable and spiritually rewarding as mine. If not, there’s always summer school.

Andrew Dunham, Valedictorian Comes Out As Autistic During Speech

End with a Call to Action

If you are delivering a persuasive speech, let the audience know exactly what you want them to do.

End with a Feeling of Resolve

Paul Harvey made famous the line “And now you know…the rest of the story.” Your closing should allow us to know the rest of the story or to know how a situation was resolved.

Watch this clip for how Lucy Hone ends this tough but inspiring talk with a feeling of resolve (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

https://youtu.be/9-5SMpg7Q0k?t=913 If you ever find yourself in a situation where you think there’s no way I’m coming back from this, I urge you to lean into these strategies and think again. I won’t pretend that thinking this way is easy and it doesn’t remove all the pain. But if I’ve learned anything over the last five years, it is that thinking this way really does help. More than anything it has shown me that  it is possible  to live and grieve at the same time. And for that I will be always grateful. Lucy Hone, The Three Secrets of Resilient People

End with a Prop

Nancy Duarte says you should give your audience, SOMETHING THEY  will ALWAYS REMEMBER–S.T.A.R. One way to do that is with an action or statement that will have the audience talking about it for a long time. President Obama did it with a mic drop.

Memorize Your Conclusion

End on time.

Do not diminish the effect of a great speech with a bloated, aimless conclusion. Dan Rothwell.

“Times about up.”

Don’t end with any references to time. It is like a giant stop sign saying, “stop listening.”  Don’t highlight that you ran over time or that it is almost time for lunch. You want them to think about your speech, not the clock.

“Any Questions?”

You want them to feel a sense of closure for your speech.  End with something powerful and let them applaud.  After the applause, you can offer to answer questions. Similarly, projecting your last slide with the words, “Any Questions” is a weak ending.

“Let Me Add This Point I Missed”

If you forget something in the body of your speech, it is usually best to leave it out.  Most of the time you are the only one who will miss it.

“Thank You to the Team”

There is a time to thank the organizers and those who helped you but it is not at the end of your speech. Your focus should be on your audience and what they need and what they need to hear is your idea.  Send a thank you letter to the team if you want them to feel your appreciation.

“I’m Sorry”

“Sorry again for the technology issue,” “I apologize for going over time, ” “I regret I have no answer to this.” These are all negative phrases.  Keep to your topic that is what they need to hear and stay focused.

“I’ll Close with this Video”

No, you should close with talking about the big idea.

If you don’t have a plan at the end, you will ramble. “Steer clear of meandering endings they kill a story,” according to the Moth Storytelling website. “Your last line should be clear in your head before you start. Yes, bring the audience along with you as you contemplate what transpires in your story, but remember, you are driving the story, and must know the final destination. Keep your hands on the wheel!”

To Thank or Not to Thank, That is the Question

There is a debate amongst speech professionals, speech teachers, and speech coaches about whether or not you should thank the audience. Here are their main arguments.

Why You Should Not Say Thank You

• You want to end with powerful words. “Thank you” are not strong words.
• The recency effect suggests they will remember the last words you spoke. You want them to remember more than just “thank you.”
• It is not a very creative way to end.
• It can be a sign of a lazy speaker, “I have no idea how to end this, I’ve run out of good things to say so I’ll say ‘Thank you’ so you will clap now.”

Why You Should Say Thank You

• It has come to be the expected ending in many settings. Violating their expectations can cause them to have a negative reaction.
• It clearly signals you are finished so the audience knows when to clap. The relieves the pressure from both you and the audience.
• It expresses gratitude.

I will leave it up to you to decide what works for you. As for me, I plan on trying to find more creative ways to end other than just saying “thank you.”

Maximizing the Primacy Recency Effect

If I were to read you a list of thirty things on my grocery list and then asked you to list all that you can remember, chances are you would remember the first times on the list and the last items on the list ( and any ones you found interesting from the middle). When people engage in listening, they tend to remember the first and last things they hear, it is called the primacy-recency effect. T his is just one more reason that your introduction and conclusion should be so well planned out. It is those first words and last words that the audience is going to remember. 

The primacy recency effect influences, not only what people pay attention to in a speech, but also which speech we pay the most attention to in a series of speeches. For example, if there is a lineup of six speakers, the first and last speakers tend to get the most attention.

As a speaker, you can use this information to your advantage by volunteering to go first or last. If you are giving a long presentation, you can break it up by allowing the audience to move around or talk to a neighbor. When you come back from break, you have re-engaged that primacy effect and moved them back to a high state of attention.

Do You Have Everything You Need for a Strong Closing?

• Have I signaled my speech is coming to an end with my words or my voice?
• Have I restated my main points?
• If I am persuading my audience, do they know what I want them to do or think?
• Have I written the last three to five words in such a way that I end with powerful words?
• Have I memorized my closing?

Getting Off the Platform is Part of Your Closing

Plan on making a strong exit. Whether you are stepping off a stage or simply going to your seat, you should consider that the audience is watching you.

I have had students who finished their speech and then walked over to the trashcan and in a large, exaggerated movement, they threw their notecards in the trash. In our minds, we threw their message away with those cards. I’ve seen speakers, sit in their chairs and then announce, “I can’t believe my hands were shaking so much.” I’ve sat there and thought, “I didn’t notice.” I then realized that the comments they made influenced my perception of them and my perception of their topic.

You said your last word and the audience is applauding, now what? Look at your audience and smile and nod in appreciation before walking off the stage. If you will be answering questions, wait until after the applause stops to begin your question and answering period.

When practicing your speech, it is a good idea to start from your chair, walk up to a spot and then give your speech, and then walk back to your chair and sit down. Your “speech” impression begins and ends from your chair.

Key Takeaways

Remember This!

• A speech closing should include a review of the main points and a purposeful closing sentence.
• Persuasive speech endings should tell the audience specifically what they should do or think about.
• The recency effect suggests that people remember the most recent things they have heard which is one reason the closing is so important.
• Chance the pace of your speech and the tone of your voice to signal the end of the speech.

Please share your feedback, suggestions, corrections, and ideas.

I want to hear from you. 

Do you have an activity to include? Did you notice a typo that I should correct? Are you planning to use this as a resource and do you want me to know about it? Do you want to tell me something that really helped you?

Click here to share your feedback. 

Adichie, C.N. (2009). The danger of a single story. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg Standard YouTube License.

Anderson, C. (2016). TED talks: The official TED guide to public speaking. Mariner Books.

Barot, H.  Fifteen powerful speech ending lines (and tips to create your own). Frantically Speaking. https://franticallyspeaking.com/15-powerful-speech-ending-lines-and-tips-to-create-your-own/

Boroditsky, L. (2017). How language shapes the way we think.  https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think  Standard Youtube License. 

Butler, M. (2018). Why you think you’re ugly. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imCBztvKgus  Standard YouTube License. 

Dunham. A. (2019). Valedictorian comes out as autistic during speech. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPGrLoU5Uk  Standard Youtube License. 

Eagleman, D. (2015). Can we create new senses for humans?[Video]. YouTube  https://youtu.be/4c1lqFXHvqI  Standard YouTube License. 

Hone, L. (2019).  The three secrets of resilient people. [Video]. YouTube  https://youtu.be/NWH8N-BvhAw  Standard YouTube License. 

Jeff, P. (2009). Ten ways to end your speech with a bang. http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/10-ways-to-end-your-speech

Jobs, S. (2005). You’ve got to find what you love. https://news.stanford.edu/2005/06/14/jobs-061505/

Khanna, P. (2016). Let the head of TED show you how to end your speech with power. https://www.fastcompany.com/3059459/let-the-head-of-ted-show-you-how-to-end-your-speech-with-p

Karia, A. (2013). How to open and close a TED talk (or any other speech or presentation). https://akashkaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HowtoOpenandCloseaTEDTalk.pdf

LaCroix, D. (2001). World champion of public speaking. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUDCzbmLV-0  Standard YouTube License. 

Mandela, N. (2011). Speech from the dock in the Rivonia trial.[Video]. YouTube https://www.nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/i-am-prepared-to-die  Standard YouTube License. 

Mandela, N. (1994). Presidential Inaugural Speech. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/nelsonmandelainauguralspeech.htm  Standard YouTube License. 

Miller, B.J. (2015). What really matters at the end of life. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.ted.com/talks/bj_miller_what_really_matters_at_the_end_of_life?language=en  Standard YouTube License. 

Moth. (2021). Storytelling tips and tricks: How to tell a successful story. https://themoth.org/share-your-story/storytelling-tips-tricks 

Obama, B. (2016). White House correspondents dinner. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxFkEj7KPC0  Standard YouTube License. 

Pink, D. (2009). The puzzle of motivation. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_the_puzzle_of_motivation  Standard YouTube License. 

Rothwell, D. (2014). Practically Speaking. Oxford University Press.Robinson, K. (2013). How to escape education’s death valley. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX78iKhInsc  Standard YouTube License. 

Rosling, H. (2014). Don’t Panic-Hans Rosling showing the facts about population.[Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FACK2knC08E  Standard YouTube License. 

Schwartz, B. (2005). The paradox of choice. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_the_paradox_of_choice  Standard YouTube License. 

Toastmasters International. (2016). Concluding your Speech. https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Concluding-Your-Speech

Young, S. (2014). I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPGrLoU5Uk  Standard YouTube License. 

Yousafzai, M. (2013). Malala Yousafzai addresses United Nations Youth Assembly. [Video]. YouTube https://youtu.be/3rNhZu3ttIU  Standard YouTube License. 

Zhang, Y. (2015). Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmN4xOGkxGo  Standard YouTube License. 

Media Attributions

• Audience clapping © Alex Motoc is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license
• jose-aragones-81QkOoPGahY-unsplash © Jose Aragones is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license

Advanced Public Speaking Copyright © 2021 by Lynn Meade is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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5 Strategies for Delivering the Best Closing Remarks

• Carolyn Manion Kinnie
• November 2, 2023

Table of Contents

Delivering a keynote speech is an exhilarating responsibility. It is up to you to set or reiterate the tone for an entire event, inspiring a potentially massive audience. This is no small feat–especially when done in less than an hour, under blinding lights, when you have just hopped off a plane. What’s one foolproof way to ensure you make a difference and achieve all the goals of your keynote? Prepare the best closing remarks possible. 

In this piece we’re going to give you five implementable strategies you can use to nail your closing remarks every time you speak. And before you ask “what are closing remarks? Why do they matter?” Rest assured, we’ve got you covered. 

Keep these tips in your back pocket next time you’re preparing a speech and get ready to leave your audience inspired and motivated to put your words into action. 

What are closing remarks? 

Haven’t heard the term “closing remarks” before and are wondering what the heck it means? Are you confused by how we’re using those words? Let’s get a few things straight. 

“Closing remarks” generally refers to one of two things: 1) the concluding section of a talk, or 2) the speech that ends an event or conference. In this piece, we’re talking about closing remarks in the context of #1– the last part of your speech before you walk off stage (or take questions). But if you landed here because you’re delivering “closing remarks” (the final talk) at a big event coming up, our strategies will help you write amazing closing remarks for your closing remarks! 

In short, we’re talking today about how you wrap up your talk. You might be thinking that how you open your talk is the most important part of the composition and preparation process–after all, you want to make a good first impression . Important as those first few words you utter on stage may be, closing remarks are arguably even more important. In fact, TSL podcast guest Shane Sams even recommends writing your closing remarks before you write the rest of your speech! Listen to his appearance on our podcast here and check out other episodes of the show right here.

Closing remarks are the last words your audience hears from you, so it’s important to a) maintain audience engagement and b) say something actually worth listening to. According to our founder Grant Baldwin, every good talk answers two questions– so what? and now what? With the five strategies we’re giving you today, you’ll be prepared to answer those questions in your closing remarks in a way that successfully sticks in your listeners’ brains! 

1. Close open loops

Opening and closing loops throughout your talk is a great way to maintain your audience’s attention. Opening a loop means raising a question in your audience’s mind. This draws them into your talk as they listen for an answer to that question. Resolving the question later on “closes the loop” and voila! They’ve been paying close attention that whole time! 

Opening and closing loops doesn’t have to be perfectly linear. If you have three or four open loops, your audience will probably be able to follow along if you close one and open another. But if you close one and open ten before you close another, you’ll lose them. Think of it like browser tabs–if you have too many open, you forget what they are!

Most of the time, you will open and close small loops to illustrate supporting points throughout your talk. You will also likely open a couple big overarching loops at the start of your talk. Things like “what’s the point of this industry trend” or “this is the most pertinent challenge to our profession.” Your closing remarks are the perfect time to close those loops to tightly wrap up your talk. Closing open loops reminds your audience of the points you made at the beginning (when you opened the loop) and offers resolution. Ideally, they are left secure in the new information they have acquired and excited to implement it!

An example of closing remarks aligned with this strategy could go something like this. You start your talk with “I’m going to tell you a crazy story today.” Your audience perks up, excited for the story. Then, you dive into the overall content and message of your talk. Then, you drive your point home at the end with the story you referenced at the beginning (see section #3 for more tips on storytelling in closing remarks)

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2. Give implementable solutions. 

In TSL founder Grant Baldwin’s book The Successful Speaker, he gives a few examples of different structures you can use to create your talk. One of those structures involves presenting a problem and offering the solution. If you structure your talk this way, closing remarks that package up the solution to a problem will come naturally. But even if your talk is structured differently–perhaps it’s a linear exposition of new information or a step-by-step presentation–offering solutions as you close could be the way to go. 

Your closing remarks are the last thing your audience hears from you. If you’re giving the final keynote, it’s the last thing they hear at the entire event. This means they should contain the most important information in your talk. If you give your audience a lot of information, they will be left wondering: “how do I implement what I just heard?” Don’t leave them hanging! Give them some solid implementable steps to take once they leave the auditorium so your talk isn’t just empty words. 

For example of closing remarks that eloquently showcase this strategy, look no further than the esteemed speaker Mel Robbins. In her famous TED talk “ How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over ,” Mel closes with ideas for how her audience can practice her “5-second rule” at the upcoming cocktail hour. 

In general, it’s wise to offer long-term solutions as well as short-term ideas as Mel does. If you can equip your audience with the tools to fix their problems not just now, but far into the future, you are adding incredible value to your lives. And speakers who add value are the ones who get booked and paid to speak again and again. 

You can listen to an in-depth speech breakdown of Mel’s talk by TSL founder Grant Baldwin here . 

3. Tell a Story

Storytelling is one of the most compelling tools in any speaker’s toolkit. Stories about yourself are especially powerful. Even if you haven’t lived a very exciting life, when you tell a personal story it comes alive for your audience in a special way. If you have a powerful story that illustrates the point you’re trying to make, it deserves a spot in your closing remarks.  

It’s actually scientifically proven that people pay more attention to stories . If a few eyes have glazed over during the course of your talk, telling a story is a great way to bring those lost sheep back into the fold. If your field uses a lot of jargon or you have been presenting data, charts, and numbers, a story lightens the mood while conveying important information.  

When you close your talk with a story, you should give a one-liner explanation of how it relates to your point. (If you’re positive that the story speaks for itself, get outside feedback from friends and family first to confirm this.) Otherwise, listeners might get caught up in the details and remember the story but not your message. As we mentioned above, using a story to close a final open loop is a great way to release tension and give your audience closure. You can listen to our founder Grant chat with Mike Pacchione about these storytelling tips and more here . 

4. End with a quote

Ending your talk with a quote can be tricky. You don’t want to bore your audience with something they’ve heard a million times, nor do you want to distract them from your message with an obscure quote that they struggle to remember. However, If someone else has said something that coordinates with your message, why reinvent the wheel? 

Many motivational speakers use quotes to their advantage in their closing remarks. J.K. Rowling’s Harvard Commencement Speech in 2005 is a great example of utilizing a famous quote without going off track. One of the overarching themes of her speech is the concept of human goodness and the urge to better the lives of others. As she draws to a close, she cites the Roman author Seneca: “As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters.” Then, just in case her point isn’t obvious, she ends with: “I wish you all very good lives.” 

You don’t have to be delivering a Harvard Commencement Speech to integrate a powerful quote into your closing remarks. If somebody’s words helped teach you the same lesson you’re trying to teach your audience, by all means share them!

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5. Sell yourself

It might sound tacky, but the closing remarks of your talk are a great opportunity to pitch other services you offer, like coaching, consulting, and courses. Yes, you can even pitch your speaking business. Selling yourself onstage is vital to getting new clients during the scrappy and ambitious stage of your speaking career. 

This tactic is assuredly dependent upon the context of your talk, and you should always check with your event planner before making a sales pitch. 

Selling yourself falls flat if you haven’t offered any value. But you can’t pack all your expertise into a one-hour keynote. Your talk should be able to stand on its own while leaving the most ambitious and inspired listeners wanting more. The value you can add might be enough for some audience members, but you can encourage others to reach out or talk to you afterward to learn more about how you can continue helping them! 

We have two great podcast episodes on how to sell yourself as a speaker here and here .

As you prepare and rehearse your speech, keep in mind that you may have to do a little improv once in a while. Yes, even for your closing remarks. Whether you run out of time or have to fill extra time, stay on top of your ability to improvise and keep these five tips in mind. For example, if you offer a strong solution to a pertinent challenge in your industry but realize you have to fill a few more minutes, you can tell a story of how you overcame that challenge using that exact solution. Alternatively, if you find yourself running out of time, you can make a pitch for joining your email list or hiring you as a coach to find out more information (again, only do this after adding value). 

Ultimately, using one or a combination of these five strategies will ensure that your closing remarks really stick with your audience. If you need help crafting your next speech, get in touch with us here .

Closing remarks make up the conclusion to your talk. It’s where everything comes together and you reiterate the overarching message.  

What is the best closing remarks strategy? 

The best closing remarks are those that leave your audience empowered to apply your talk to their own lives. You can do that by closing thematic loops that you opened earlier in your speech, offering implementable solutions, leaving your audience with an inspiring quote, telling a story, or letting them know about your other professional services. 

What are examples of closing remarks?

J.K. Rowling’s 2005 Harvard Commencement Speech and Mel Robbins’s TED talk offer great examples of closing remarks that use these strategies. 

• Last Updated: February 29, 2024

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How to Wrap Up: 9 Tips and Tricks to Close Effectively

Nothing can undercut a great training session like a conclusion that fizzles out. Maybe you're running short on time or simply find yourself a little flat footed as the end of training approaches. This is a mistake both rookie and veteran trainers can make from time to time. Luckily a lackluster conclusion is an error that's easy to correct.

You want to leave your participants with a fantastic last impression - you want them buzzing with positive energy when they leave your training session. These tips and tricks will make your conclusions memorable, energizing, and foolproof.

The Basics: Summarize

Any good speech or essay is going to have a conclusion during which the author (or speaker) makes it a point to remind everyone of what was discussed. The same basic idea is true of training. So, as you reach the end of the session, you may want to:

• Summarize your main points: Going over what was learned throughout training is a critical step. That’s because most training programs cover a lot of ground. And even when you’ve done a fantastic job, it’s still possible for participants to lose the thread. A good conclusion will reinforce the important lessons and concepts.

Advanced Tips

Most trainers know that they need a good conclusion, but there are often obstacles that pop up and derail you. That’s where the advanced tips come in. These are ways to help make your closing stronger, both in terms of planning and in execution.  

• Pop a Quiz: Forget what you learned about quizzes in high school. When you’re drawing a training session to a close, you can use quizzes as an engagement tool more than an assessment tool. Going over quiz questions and answers can help you reinforce important material (it’s like summarizing, but more fun).
• Make an Action Plan: As your training session draws to a close, give your participants some time to develop personalized action plans based on everything they’ve learned. A good action plan will help connect material to participants’ everyday lives and reinforce your main themes.
• Group Presentations: If you’re leading a participant-centered training session, then it makes sense for your closing to be learner-led, too. Divide your participants into small groups (if applicable) and invite them to provide presentations on what they’ll take away from your shared experience.
• Sprinkle in a Dash of Humor: No training session should be so dry as to avoid all semblances of humor. And humor can be a great way to close out your day. You can place a funny meme on your final PowerPoint slide or share an amusing story or anecdote. Participants that leave laughing and energized will remember more of what they’ve learned.
• Set Some Goals: Like action plans, structured goals can help get participants thinking about the future. Goals can serve as nice memory joggers , helping participants connect what they’ve learned to what they’re going to do. And inviting participants to share those goals is a great way to close out the training session.

The Real Trick: Time Management

However you decide to end your training session, one element is essential: time. If your conclusion is crunched for time, any method of closing will be undercut. It’s important that you manage your time effectively. Try these tricks to stay on track:

• Set an Alarm: Figure out how much time you need for your conclusion, then set a timer (make sure it’s something that gets your attention).
• Plan Your Breaks: Structure training so that you have a break right before the closing section begins. Participants will never let you be late for a break.
• Use Transitions and Blank Slides: Blank slides in your PowerPoint or presentation material give you a chance (and reminder) to transition into your closing statements.

Keeping an eye on the clock can really help save your conclusion. Don’t be afraid to do what you have to in order to keep things on track!

Make a Lasting Impression

Making your conclusion work can help ensure that participants leave energized and prepared. These tips and tricks will help you wrap up your next training session with style and polish!

Learn more about presentations and how to construct a participant-centered approach with the Train-the-Trainer Boot Camp and Presentation Skills Workshop .

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9 Tips to End a Speech With a Bang

A good talk or public speech is like a good play, movie, or song.

It opens by arresting the listener’s attention, develops point by point, and then ends strongly.

The truth is, if you don’t know how to end a speech, the overall message won’t be persuasive and your key points may get lost.

The words you say at the beginning, and especially at the end of your talk, are usually the most persuasive parts of the speech and will be remembered longer than almost any other part of your speech.

Some of the great speeches in history and some of the most memorable Ted talks have ended with powerful, stirring words that live on in memory.

How do you end a speech and get the standing ovation that you deserve?

Keep reading to discover how…

Here are 9 tips and examples for concluding a speech.

1) Plan Your Closing Remarks Word for Word

To ensure that your conclusion is as powerful as it can be, you must plan it word for word.

Ask yourself, “What is the purpose of this talk?”

Your answer should involve the actions that you want your listeners to take after hearing you speak on this subject.

When you are clear about the end result you desire, it becomes much easier to design a conclusion that asks your listeners to take that action.

The best strategy for ending with a BANG is to plan your close before you plan the rest of your speech.

You then go back and design your opening so that it sets the stage for your conclusion.

The body of your talk is where you present your ideas and make your case for what you want the audience to think, remember, and do after hearing you speak.

2) Always End a Speech With a Call to Action

It is especially important to tell the audience what you want it to do as a result of hearing you speak.

A call to action is the best way to wrap up your talk with strength and power.

Here is a Speech Conclusion Call to Action Example

“We have great challenges and great opportunities, and with your help, we will meet them and make this next year the best year in our history!”

Whatever you say, imagine an exclamation point at the end. As you approach the conclusion, pick up your energy and tempo.  This is even more important if the presentation you are giving is virtual .

Speak with strength and emphasis.

Drive the final point home.

Regardless of whether the audience participants agree with you or are willing to do what you ask, it should be perfectly clear to them what you are requesting.

3) End a Speech With a Summary

There is a simple formula for any talk:

• Tell them what you are going to tell them.
• Then, tell them what you told them.

As you approach the end of your talk, say something like,

“Let me briefly restate these main points…”

You then list your key points, one by one, and repeat them to the audience, showing how each of them links to the other points.

Audiences appreciate a linear repetition of what they have just heard.

This makes it clear that you are coming to the end of your talk.

4) Close with a story

As you reach the end of your talk, you can say,

“Let me tell you a story that illustrates what I have been talking about…”

You then tell a brief story with a moral and then tell the audience what the moral is.

Don’t leave it to them to figure out for themselves.

Often you can close with a story that illustrates your key points and then clearly links to the key message that you are making with your speech.

To learn more about storytelling in speaking, you can read my previous blog post “8 Public Speaking Tips to Wow Your Audience.”

Here’s a recap of these 4 tips in a video…

5) Make Them Laugh

You can close with humor.

You can tell a joke that loops back into your subject and repeats the lesson or main point you are making with a story that makes everyone laugh.

During my talks on planning and persistence, I discuss the biggest enemy that we have, which is the tendency to follow the path of least resistance. I then tell this story.

Ole and Sven are out hunting in Minnesota and they shoot a deer. They begin dragging the deer back to the truck by the tail, but they keep slipping and losing both their grip and their balance.

A farmer comes along and asks them, “What are you boys doing?”

They reply, “We’re dragging the deer back to the truck.”

The farmer tells them, “You are not supposed to drag a deer by the tail. You’re supposed to drag the deer by the handles. They’re called antlers. You’re supposed to drag a deer by the antlers.”

Ole and Sven say, “Thank you very much for the idea.”

They begin pulling the deer by the antlers. After about five minutes, they are making rapid progress. Ole says to Sven, “Sven, the farmer was right. It goes a lot easier by the antlers.”

Sven replies, “Yeah, but we’re getting farther and farther from the truck.”

After the laughter dies down, I say…

“The majority of people in life are pulling the easy way, but they are getting further and further from the ‘truck’ or their real goals and objectives.”

That’s just one example of closing using humor.

6) Make It Rhyme

You can close with a poem.

There are many fine poems that contain messages that summarize the key points you want to make.

You can select a poem that is moving, dramatic, or emotional.

For years I ended seminars with the poem, “Don’t Quit,” or “Carry On!” by Robert W. Service. It was always well received by the audience.

7) Close With Inspiration

You can end a speech with something inspirational as well.

If you have given an uplifting talk, remember that hope is and has always been, the main religion of mankind.

People love to be motivated and inspired to be or do something different and better in the future.

Here are a few of my favorite inspirational quotes that can be tied into most speeches.  You can also read this collection of leadership quotes for further inspiration.

Remember, everyone in your audience is dealing with problems, difficulties, challenges, disappointments, setbacks, and temporary failures.

For this reason, everyone appreciates a poem, quote or story of encouragement that gives them strength and courage.

Here are 7 Tips to Tell an Inspiring Poem or Story to End Your Speech

• You have to slow down and add emotion and drama to your words.
• Raise your voice on a key line of the poem, and then drop it when you’re saying something that is intimate and emotional.
• Pick up the tempo occasionally as you go through the story or poem, but them slow down on the most memorable parts.
• Especially, double the number of pauses you normally use in a conversation.
• Use dramatic pauses at the end of a line to allow the audience to digest the words and catch up with you.
• Smile if the line is funny, and be serious if the line is more thought-provoking or emotional.
• When you come to the end of your talk, be sure to bring your voice up on the last line, rather than letting it drop. Remember the “exclamation point” at the end.

Try practicing on this poem that I referenced above…

Read through “Carry On!” by Robert Service .

Identify the key lines, intimate parts, and memorable parts, and recite it.

8) Make it Clear That You’re Done

When you say your final words, it should be clear to everyone that you have ended. There should be no ambiguity or confusion in the mind of your audience. The audience members should know that this is the end.

Many speakers just allow their talks to wind down.

They say something with filler words like, “Well, that just about covers it. Thank you.”

This isn’t a good idea…

It’s not powerful…

It’s not an authoritative ending and thus detracts from your credibility and influence.

When you have concluded, discipline yourself to stand perfectly still. Select a friendly face in the audience and look straight at that person.

If it is appropriate, smile warmly at that person to signal that your speech has come to an end.

Resist the temptation to:

• Shuffle papers.
• Fidget with your clothes or microphone.
• Move forward, backward, or sideways.
• Do anything else except stand solidly, like a tree.

9) Let Them Applaud

When you have finished your talk, the audience members will want to applaud…

What they need from you is a clear signal that now is the time to begin clapping.

How do you signal this?

Some people will recognize sooner than others that you have concluded your remarks.

In many cases, when you make your concluding comments and stop talking, the audience members will be completely silent.

They may be unsure whether you are finished.

They may be processing your final remarks and thinking them over. They may not know what to do until someone else does something.

In a few seconds, which will often feel like several minutes, people will applaud.

First one…

Then another…

Then the entire audience will begin clapping.

When someone begins to applaud, look directly at that person, smile, and mouth the words thank you.

As more and more people applaud, sweep slowly from person to person, nodding, smiling and saying, “Thank You.”

Eventually, the whole room will be clapping.

There’s no better reward for overcoming your fear of public speaking than enjoying a round of applause.

BONUS TIP: How to Handle a Standing Ovation

If you have given a moving talk and really connected with your audience, someone will stand up and applaud. When this happens, encourage others by looking directly at the clapper and saying, “Thank you.”

This will often prompt other members of the audience to stand.

As people see others standing, they will stand as well, applauding the whole time.

It is not uncommon for a speaker to conclude his or her remarks, stand silently, and have the entire audience sit silently in response.

Stand Comfortably and Shake Hands

But as the speaker stands there comfortably, waiting for the audience to realize the talk is over, one by one people will begin to applaud and often stand up one by one.

If the first row of audience members is close in front of you, step or lean forward and shake that person’s hand when one of them stands up to applaud.

When you shake hands with one person in the audience, many other people in the audience feel that you are shaking their hands and congratulating them as well.

They will then stand up and applaud.

Soon the whole room will be standing and applauding.

Whether you receive a standing ovation or not, if your introducer comes back on to thank you on behalf of the audience, smile and shake their hand warmly.

If it’s appropriate, give the introducer a hug of thanks, wave in a friendly way to the audience, and then move aside and give the introducer the stage.

Follow these tips to get that standing ovation every time.

« Previous Post 8 Public Speaking Techniques to Wow Your Audience Next Post » 15 Ways to Start a Speech + Bonus Tips

About Brian Tracy — Brian is recognized as the top sales training and personal success authority in the world today. He has authored more than 60 books and has produced more than 500 audio and video learning programs on sales, management, business success and personal development, including worldwide bestseller The Psychology of Achievement. Brian's goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier than you ever imagined. You can follow him on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , Linkedin and Youtube .

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Closing a Speech: End with Power and Let Them Know It is Time to Clap

Open Your Speech With a Bang Close It With a Slam-Dunk Westside Toastmasters

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending,” according to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The first few words of your speech make the audience want to listen and the last few sentences help them decide what they feel about you and your topic.

Most of this chapter is dedicated to showing you good examples of different types of speech closings. Let’s get started by talking about the purpose of the closing.

A Strong Closing Does Many Things

• Summarizes the points. By restating your points your audience is more likely to remember them.
• Tells the audience when to clap. Let’s face it, it is so awkward when you are done with your speech, and no one claps. Being clear the end is near, relieves the audience of the pressure of wondering if they are clapping at the right time.
• Provides resolution. Your speech should give the audience a sense of resolve or a sense of being challenged.

The Formula for Closing Most Speeches

• Transition statement to ending.
• Review the main points–repeat the thesis.
• If it is a persuasive speech, tell the audience what you want them to do or think.
• Provide a closing statement.

Restate the Thesis

Tell them what you are going to say, say it, tell them what you have said. This speech pattern is useful in most types of speeches because it helps the speaker to remember your key points. As you build your closing, make sure you restate the thesis. A good rule of thumb is to write it in such a way that if the audience were asked to restate the main points, their answer would match closely with your thesis.

Watch as Stella Young gives her thesis and then restates her thesis at the end of the speech as she wraps up. The thesis of the talk in the introduction: We’ve been sold the lie that disability is a Bad Thing, capital B, capital T. It’s a bad thing, and to live with a disability makes you exceptional. It’s not a bad thing, and it doesn’t make you exceptional. Restates the thesis of the talk at the closing: Disability doesn’t make you exceptional but questioning what you think you know about it does.

Watch Stella Young, I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much (9 mins) on YouTube

Video source: TED. (2014, June 9). Stella Young, I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much [Video]. https://youtu.be/8K9Gg164Bsw

This next example is from a student’s speech. It is easy to pull out one sentence that clearly summarizes the main points of her speech. Following her summary, she winds the speech down into a thoughtful conclusion and ends with three powerful words.

Now is the time to separate the war on drugs from the war on addiction. Today you’ve heard the problems, impacts, and solutions of criminalizing addictions. Bruce Callis is 50 years old now. And he is still struggling with his addiction. while you all are sitting out there listening to this, I’m living with it. Bruce Callis is my father and for my entire life, I have watched our misguided system destroy him. The irony here is that we live in a society where we are told to recycle. We recycle paper, aluminum, and electronics. But why don’t we ever consider recycling them most precision think on Earth– the human life. Student Tunnette Powell, Winner of the 2012 Interstate Oratorical Association Contest.

Closing Phrases

After you restate your thesis, you should carefully deliver your closing phrases.  Your closing should provide a resolution to your speech and/or it should challenge the audience. Frantically Speaking writer Hrideep Barot suggests  “a conclusion is like tying a bow or ribbon to a box of your key ideas that your audience will be taking along with them.”

A speech closing is not just about the words you say, but it is also the way you say it. Change the pace near the end of your speech. Let your tone alone should signal the end is near. It is about deliberate voice control, don’t let your voice weakly away.

In the next section, I will cover these ways to end your speech:

End with powerful words End with a quote End with a graphic End with parallel construction End on a positive note End with a challenge End with a question End with inspiration End with well-wishing End with humor End with a call to action End with a feeling of resolve End with a prop

The best way to teach you about advanced closings is to show not tell. For this section, I will briefly explain each type of closing and then provide a video. Each video is queued so you can play the video and watch the closing statement.  I included a transcript under each video if you want to follow along.  It will be most beneficial for you to watch the clip and not just read the text. By watching, you will have a chance to hear the subtle changes in the speaker’s voice as they deliver their closing statements.

End with Powerful Words

As you design your closing, look at the last three to five words and examine them to see if they are strong words. Oftentimes, you can rearrange a sentence to end with a powerful word. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Watch What really matters at the end of life (19 mins) on YouTube for how BJ Miller ends with a powerful thought and a powerful word.

Parts of me died early on, and that’s something we can all say one way or another. I got to redesign my life around this fact, and I tell you it has been a liberation to realize you can always find a shock of beauty or meaning in what life you have left, like that snowball lasting for a perfect moment, all the while melting away. If we love such moments ferociously, then maybe we can learn to live well — not in spite of death, but because of it. Let death be what takes us, not lack of imagination.

Source: Miller, B. J. (2015).  BJ Miller – What really matters at the end of life [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/bj_miller_what_really_matters_at_the_end_of_life

End by Circling Back to the Opening

Another type of ending is to circle back to what you said in the beginning. You can revisit a quote, share the end to an illustration that was begun in the beginning, or you can put away a prop you got out in the beginning.

Watch Life begins at the end of your comfort zone – Yubing Zhang (10 mins) on YouTube for how Zubing Zhang begins and ends with the same quote to circle back around to the main idea.

She starts by telling a story of bungee jumping off the world’s highest platform and how she saw a sign with a quote that says, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.” After telling her own story about pushing her emotional limits, she circles back around at the end by saying, “As the words said high on the bungee platform, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.”

Source: TEDx Talks. (2015, June 8). Life begins at the end of your comfort zone – Yubing Zhang [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/cmN4xOGkxGo

End With Quote

If you end your speech with a quote, attend to the following.

• Always say the author of the quote before the quote for example, “I want to leave you with a leadership quote ‘What you do has far greater impact than what you say,’ Steven Covey.” The problem with this ending is that “Stephen Covey” are the last two words of the speech and that is boring. Consider instead this ending. “I think Robin Sharma said it best ‘Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.'” In this arrangement, the last three words are powerful–influence and inspiration.
• Provided context for the quote before or after. Make sure the quote is meaningful and not just an easy way to end.

Watch How to escape education’s death valley (19 mins) on YouTube for how Sir Ken Robinson ends with a quote. Notice how he says the author and then the quote.

Also, notice how he then ties his speech to the quote with a final few sentences and ends with the powerful word–“revolution” and how he uses a strong vocal emphasis as he says his last word. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

There’s a wonderful quote from Benjamin Franklin. “There are three sorts of people in the world: Those who are immovable, people who don’t get it, or don’t want to do anything about it; there are people who are movable, people who see the need for change and are prepared to listen to it; and there are people who move, people who make things happen.” And if we can encourage more people, that will be a movement. And if the movement is strong enough, that’s, in the best sense of the word, a revolution. And that’s what we need.

Source: TED. (2013, May 10). How to escape education’s death valley – Sir Ken Robinson [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/wX78iKhInsc

End with a Graphic

You might want to use a visual to make your final point. Bringing in a picture, graphic, or object, reengages the audience to pay attention to your final ideas.

Watch The paradox of choice (19 mins) on TED for how Barry Schartz uses the magic words “so to conclude” and then he creatively uses a picture of a fishbowl to narrow in on his point. Notice how his final word is spoken with urgency as he says “disaster.”

 So, to conclude. (He shows a picture of fish in a fishbowl) He says, “You can be anything you want to be — no limits.” You’re supposed to read this cartoon and, being a sophisticated person, say, “Ah! What does this fish know? Nothing is possible in this fishbowl.” Impoverished imagination, a myopic view of the world –that’s the way I read it at first. The more I thought about it, however, the more I came to the view that this fish knows something. Because the truth of the matter is, if you shatter the fishbowl so that everything is possible, you don’t have freedom. You have paralysis. If you shatter this fishbowl so that everything is possible, you decrease satisfaction. You increase paralysis, and you decrease satisfaction. Everybody needs a fishbowl. This one is almost certainly too limited –perhaps even for the fish, certainly for us. But the absence of some metaphorical fishbowl is a recipe for misery and, I suspect, disaster.

Source: Schwartz, B. (2005). The paradox of choice [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_the_paradox_of_choice

End with Parallel Construction

Parallel construction is a series of repeated phrases. It can be a powerful tool to use in a persuasive speech as it creates a feeling of importance.

Watch Malala Yousafzai addresses United Nations Youth Assembly (18 mins) on YouTube for how Malala Yousafzai ends with a series of parallel statements to build momentum. s Notice how her pace perfectly matches her words and you feel her strength when she ends with “education first.” (Video is cued to play just the closing)

Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are suffering from poverty, injustice, and ignorance. We must not forget that millions of children are out of schools. We must not forget that our sisters and brothers are waiting for a bright peaceful future. So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education First.

The parallel statements she repeats (underlined above) are: “we must not forget”, “let us”, and “one”

Source: United Nations. (2013, July 12). Malala Yousafzai addresses United Nations Youth Assembly [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/3rNhZu3ttIU

End on a Positive Note

Audiences are constantly evaluating a speaker to determine their attitude and motivation. As you consider your speech closing, ask yourself what type of impression do you want to leave?  Do you want to leave them with depression or hope? Sadness or promise? Most of the time, audiences will receive messages that end positively better than speeches that end negatively.

In this speech sample, Hans Rosling showed the audience some hard statistics and he even pointed fingers at the audience as part of the problem. To help them hear his main point, he wisely ends on a positive note.

Watch DON’T PANIC — Hans Rosling showing the facts about population (60 mins) on YouTube for how Hans Rosling ends this thought-provoking talk on a positive note.

Now, when thinking about where all this leaves us, I have just one little humble advice for you, besides everything else, look at the data. Look at the facts about the world and you will see where we are today and how we can move forwards with all these billions on our wonderful planet. The challenge of extreme poverty has been greatly reduced and it’s for the first time in history within our power to end it for good. The challenge of population growth is, in fact, already being solved, the number of children has stopped growing.  And for the challenge for climate change, we can still avoid the worst, but that requires the richest, as soon as possible, find a way to use their set their use of resources and energy at a level that, step by step, can be shared by 10 billion or 11 billion by the end of this century. I’ve never called myself an optimist, but I do say I’m a possibilist and I also say the world is much better than many of you think.

Source: Gapminder Foundation. (2014, December 15).  Don’t panic — Hans Rosling showing the facts about population [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/FACK2knC08E

End with a Challenge

Leave the audience with a doable personal challenge. Help them mentally make sense of all the information that you shared by helping them know how to file it away and how to use it.

Watch Why you think you’re ugly – Melissa Butler (8 mins) on YouTube for how Melissa Butler ends with a challenge.

So, I challenge each of you, when you go home today, look at yourself in the mirror, see all of you, look at all of your greatness that you embody, accept it, and love it. And finally, when you leave the house tomorrow, try to extend that same love and acceptance to someone who doesn’t look like you .

Source: TEDx Talks. (2018, October 17).  Why you think you’re ugly – Melissa Butler [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/imCBztvKgus

Watch Darren LaCroix gives his Winning Speech at NSA (10 mins) on YouTube as Darren LaCroix literally falls face down to anchor the point that when we fall, we “fall forward.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Darren LaCroix talks about taking risks and falling down and getting back up, he literally and purposefully falls down during his speech and ends this way:

What’s your next step… take it. I didn’t want to look back at my life and say you know I never did try that comedy thing, but I died debt-free. All of us are headed toward that goal we are going to teach a point where we get stuck and our feet are like in cement and we can’t move but we’re so afraid of that ouch but we forget that if we lean forward and take a risk–(He falls face down) and we fall on our face. When we get up, notice, you still made progress. So please, with me, go ahead and fall. But fall forward.

Source: LaCroix, D. (2010, June 23).  Darren LaCroix gives his Winning Speech at NSA [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/FUDCzbmLV-0&t=512s

End with a Question

Asking a question at the end is one way to reengage the audience. It helps them think about what your topic might mean for them.

Watch Can we create new senses for humans? – David Eagleman (21 mins) on YouTube f or how David Eagleman reminds us about why his topic is important and then ends with a question. Notice how he pauses before his final question and how he changes the pace of his speech for the final sentence. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

So I think there’s really no end to the possibilities on the horizon for human expansion. Just imagine an astronaut being able to feel the overall health of the International Space Station, or, for that matter, having you feel the invisible states of your own health, like your blood sugar and the state of your microbiome, or having 360-degree vision or seeing in infrared or ultraviolet. So the key is this: As we move into the future, we’re going to increasingly be able to choose our own peripheral devices. We no longer have to wait for Mother Nature’s sensory gifts on her timescales, but instead, like any good parent, she’s given us the tools that we need to go out and define our own trajectory. So the question now is, how do you want to go out and experience your universe?

Source: TED. (2015, March 18). Can we create new senses for humans? – David Eagleman [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/4c1lqFXHvqI

Watch How language shapes the way we think (14 mins) on TED for how Lera Boroditsky ends with a personal note and a  powerful final question.

I want to leave you with this final thought. I’ve told you about how speakers of different languages think differently, but of course, that’s not about how people elsewhere think. It’s about how you think. It’s how the language that you speak shapes the way that you think. And that gives you the opportunity to ask, “Why do I think the way that I do?” “How could I think differently?” And also,  “What thoughts do I wish to create?”

Source: Boroditsky, L. (2017).  How language shapes the way we think [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think

End with Inspiration

“Inspiring your audience is all about helping them see their own vision, not yours.”

You may want to end your speech with inspiring and encouraging words. Pick words that resonate with most of your audience and deliver them in such a way that your audience feels your lift in emotion.

Watch The danger of a single story – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (19 mins) on YouTube for how Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ends with an inspiring final note and a powerful last few words “regain a kind of paradise” . (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.

I would like to end with this thought:   That when we reject the single-story,   when we realize that there is never a single story   about any place,   we regain a kind of paradise.

Source: TED. (2009, October 7). The danger of a single story – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/D9Ihs241zeg&t=1056s

Watch The puzzle of motivation – Dan Pink (19 mins) on YouTube for how Dan Pink ends with an inspiring final note. (I have the video cued to play just the closing) Let me wrap up. There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does. Here is what science knows. One: Those 20th century rewards, those motivators we think are a natural part of business, do work, but only in a surprisingly narrow band of circumstances. Two: Those if-then rewards often destroy creativity. Three: The secret to high performance isn’t rewards and punishments, but that unseen intrinsic drive– the drive to do things for their own sake. The drive to do things cause they matter.

And here’s the best part. We already know this. The science confirms what we know in our hearts. So, if we repair this mismatch between what science  knows and what business does, if we bring our motivation, notions of motivation into the 21st century, if we get past this lazy, dangerous, ideology of carrots and sticks, we can strengthen our businesses, we can solve a lot of those candle problems, and maybe, maybe — we can change the world. I rest my case. Source: TED. (2009, August 25).  The puzzle of motivation – Dan Pink [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/rrkrvAUbU9Y&t=1042s

End with Well Wishing

There are several types of closings where the speaker wished the audience well.

The Benediction Close: M ay God bless and keep you…. The Presidential Close: God bless you and may God bless the USA The Congratulatory Close: I congratulate you on your accomplishment and wish you continued success. 

End with Humor

You can end on a fun lighthearted note. It is important to always run your humor by a variety of people to make sure you are funny, and your humor is appropriate.

Watch Valedictorian reveals he’s autistic during speech (13 mins) on YouTube for how Andrew Dunham uses humor throughout his speech and ends with a funny one-liner. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

I wish you all the best as we begin this journey on our paths and I sincerely hope and pray that your time and success have proven to be as memorable and spiritually rewarding as mine. If not, there’s always summer school.

Source: Dunham, J. (2019, May 16). Valedictorian reveals he’s autistic during speech [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/GtPGrLoU5Uk&t=680s

End with a Call to Action

If you are delivering a persuasive speech, let the audience know exactly what you want them to do.

End with a Feeling of Resolve

Paul Harvey made famous the line “And now you know…the rest of the story.” Your closing should allow us to know the rest of the story or to know how a situation was resolved.

Watch The three secrets of resilient people – Lucy Hone (16 mins) on YouTube for how Lucy Hone ends this tough but inspiring talk with a feeling of resolve . (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

If you ever find yourself in a situation where you think there’s no way I’m coming back from this, I urge you to lean into these strategies and think again. I won’t pretend that thinking this way is easy and it doesn’t remove all the pain. But if I’ve learned anything over the last five years, it is that thinking this way really does help. More than anything it has shown me that it is possible to live and grieve at the same time. And for that I will be always grateful.

Source: TEDx Talks. (2019, September 25).  The three secrets of resilient people – Lucy Hone [Video]. YouTube.  https://youtu.be/9-5SMpg7Q0k?t=913

End with a Prop

Nancy Duarte says you should give your audience, SOMETHING THEY  will ALWAYS REMEMBER–S.T.A.R. One way to do that is with an action or statement that will have the audience talking about it for a long time. President Obama did it with a mic drop.

Watch President Obama complete remarks at 2016 White House Correspondents’ Dinner (C-SPAN) (33 mins) on YouTube

Video source: C-SPAN. (2016, May 1).  President Obama complete remarks at 2016 White House Correspondents’ Dinner (C-SPAN) [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/hA5ezR0Kh80&t=1915s

Memorize Your Conclusion

End on time.

Do not diminish the effect of a great speech with a bloated, aimless conclusion. Dan Rothwell.

Never End a Speech This Way

“times about up.”.

Don’t end with any references to time. It is like a giant stop sign saying, “stop listening.”  Don’t highlight that you ran over time or that it is almost time for lunch. You want them to think about your speech, not the clock.

“Any Questions?”

You want them to feel a sense of closure for your speech.  End with something powerful and let them applaud.  After the applause, you can offer to answer questions. Similarly, projecting your last slide with the words, “Any Questions” is a weak ending.

“Let Me Add This Point I Missed”

If you forget something in the body of your speech, it is usually best to leave it out.  Most of the time you are the only one who will miss it.

“Thank You to the Team”

There is a time to thank the organizers and those who helped you but it is not at the end of your speech. your focus should be on your audience and what they need and what they need to hear is your idea.  send a thank you letter to the team if you want them to feel your appreciation., “i’m sorry”.

“Sorry again for the technology issue,” “I apologize for going over time, ” “I regret I have no answer to this.” These are all negative phrases.  Keep to your topic that is what they need to hear and stay focused.

“I’ll Close with this Video”

No, you should close with talking about the big idea.

If you don’t have a plan at the end, you will ramble. “Steer clear of meandering endings they kill a story,” according to the Moth Storytelling website. “Your last line should be clear in your head before you start. Yes, bring the audience along with you as you contemplate what transpires in your story, but remember, you are driving the story, and must know the final destination. Keep your hands on the wheel!”

To Thank or Not to Thank, That is the Question

There is a debate amongst speech professionals, speech teachers, and speech coaches about whether or not you should thank the audience. Here are their main arguments.

Why You Should Not Say Thank You

• You want to end with powerful words. “Thank you” are not strong words.
• The recency effect suggests they will remember the last words you spoke. You want them to remember more than just “thank you.”
• It is not a very creative way to end.
• It can be a sign of a lazy speaker, “I have no idea how to end this, I’ve run out of good things to say so I’ll say ‘Thank you’ so you will clap now.”

Why You Should Say Thank You

• It has come to be the expected ending in many settings. Violating their expectations can cause them to have a negative reaction.
• It clearly signals you are finished so the audience knows when to clap. The relieves the pressure from both you and the audience.
• It expresses gratitude.

I will leave it up to you to decide what works for you. As for me, I plan on trying to find more creative ways to end other than just saying “thank you.”

Maximizing the Primacy Recency Effect

If I were to read you a list of thirty things on my grocery list and then asked you to list all that you can remember, chances are you would remember the first times on the list and the last items on the list ( and any ones you found interesting from the middle). When people engage in listening, they tend to remember the first and last things they hear, it is called the primacy-recency effect. T his is just one more reason that your introduction and conclusion should be so well planned out. It is those first words and last words that the audience is going to remember. 

The primacy recency effect influences, not only what people pay attention to in a speech, but also which speech we pay the most attention to in a series of speeches. For example, if there is a lineup of six speakers, the first and last speakers tend to get the most attention.

As a speaker, you can use this information to your advantage by volunteering to go first or last. If you are giving a long presentation, you can break it up by allowing the audience to move around or talk to a neighbor. When you come back from break, you have re-engaged that primacy effect and moved them back to a high state of attention.

Do You Have Everything You Need for a Strong Closing?

• Have I signaled my speech is coming to an end with my words or my voice?
• Have I restated my main points?
• If I am persuading my audience, do they know what I want them to do or think?
• Have I written the last three to five words in such a way that I end with powerful words?
• Have I memorized my closing?

Getting Off the Platform is Part of Your Closing

Plan on making a strong exit. Whether you are stepping off a stage or simply going to your seat, you should consider that the audience is watching you.

I have had students who finished their speech and then walked over to the trashcan and in a large, exaggerated movement, they threw their notecards in the trash. In our minds, we threw their message away with those cards. I’ve seen speakers, sit in their chairs and then announce, “I can’t believe my hands were shaking so much.” I’ve sat there and thought, “I didn’t notice.” I then realized that the comments they made influenced my perception of them and my perception of their topic.

You said your last word and the audience is applauding, now what? Look at your audience and smile and nod in appreciation before walking off the stage. If you will be answering questions, wait until after the applause stops to begin your question and answering period.

When practicing your speech, it is a good idea to start from your chair, walk up to a spot and then give your speech, and then walk back to your chair and sit down. Your “speech” impression begins and ends from your chair.

Key Takeaways

Remember This!

• A speech closing should include a review of the main points and a purposeful closing sentence.
• Persuasive speech endings should tell the audience specifically what they should do or think about.
• The recency effect suggests that people remember the most recent things they have heard which is one reason the closing is so important.
• Chance the pace of your speech and the tone of your voice to signal the end of the speech.

Attribution & References

Except where otherwise noted, this chapter is adapted from “ Closing a Speech: End with Power and Let Them Know It is Time to Clap ” In Advanced Public Speaking by Lynn Meade, licensed under CC BY 4.0 .

Anderson, C. (2016). TED talks: The official TED guide to public speaking. Mariner Books.

Barot, H.  Fifteen powerful speech ending lines (and tips to create your own). Frantically Speaking. https://franticallyspeaking.com/15-powerful-speech-ending-lines-and-tips-to-create-your-own/

Boroditsky, L. (2017). How language shapes the way we think . https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think  Standard Youtube License. 

Jeff, P. (2009). Ten ways to end your speech with a bang. http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/10-ways-to-end-your-speech

Jobs, S. (2005). You’ve got to find what you love. https://news.stanford.edu/2005/06/14/jobs-061505/

Khanna, P. (2016). Let the head of TED show you how to end your speech with power . https://www.fastcompany.com/3059459/let-the-head-of-ted-show-you-how-to-end-your-speech-with-p

Karia, A. (2013). How to open and close a TED talk (or any other speech or presentation) . https://akashkaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HowtoOpenandCloseaTEDTalk.pdf

Moth. (2021). Storytelling tips and tricks: How to tell a successful story. https://themoth.org/share-your-story/storytelling-tips-tricks

Toastmasters International. (2016). Concluding your Speech. https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Concluding-Your-Speech

Dynamic Presentations Copyright © 2022 by Amanda Quibell is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Write a Powerful Closing

by Allison Shapira | Mar 31, 2016 | Speaking Tips , Writing Tips , Newsletter | 5 comments

Absolutely! In fact, the opening and closing sentences are the two most important parts of any speech or presentation.

Every speech is an opportunity influence people’s behaviors, beliefs, or actions. That’s an incredible opportunity and a deep responsibility to make your speech matter. One of the ways to do that is through writing a powerful closing.

Before you write your closing, it’s important to identify the emotion of your speech . How do you want people to feel after your speech: Inspired? Outraged? Excited? Your speech should build toward that feeling and your closing sentences should be the culmination of that feeling.

Before you write your closing, it’s also important to identify the goal of your speech. What do you want people to do as a result of hearing you speak: Vote for you? Hire your company? Join your company? Identifying this in advance helps you write a closing that reinforces the goal of the speech.

Here are some options for ending your speech:

• Close with an inspirational quotation.  Find a short quote that captures the feeling you want the audience to have. Set it up with a transitional sentence that introduces the quote and its relevance to the audience, something like, “The author Marianne Williamson said it best when she wrote…”
• Include a call to action. Once you identify what you want people to do as a result of your speech, conclude with a clear call to action that specifically tells the audience how they can get involved. Make sure it’s a reasonable request as opposed to something too unrealistic. For instance, asking the audience to introduce you to potential investors is an easier “ask” than asking them to become investors themselves. If you truly know your audience, you will know what “call to action” is important. Be sure to mention how this call to action benefits the audience, not just you.
• Tell a story. If you’ve just delivered a presentation that’s an overview of a subject with facts and figures, make it personal by telling a story that helps the audience visualize the subject on a more human level. For instance, “Finally, let me show you an example of this work in action…” [Tip: This technique works really well as a speech opener as well, though you will frame it differently]
• Describe the impact of what happens if the audience does what you ask. If your speech is about changing people’s actions, then paint a picture of a positive future to help them visualize the outcome. For instance, “By working together, we can all live in a world where…”
• Transition to Q+A. After ending with a concluding sentence, pause and then confidently ask if there are any questions in the audience. That transition from speech closing to Q+A is very important to maintain your authority in the room. Don’t end with, “So, yeah” and then look questioningly at the audience. Practice that transition with confidence and purpose.
• Match the opening sentence. Ideally, the opening and closing sentences should relate to one another in meaning and intensity. As you write your closing sentence, re-read the opening sentence and see how you can refer back to it or build on it. You might need to re-write the opening sentence to match the conclusion. In fact, I often write the two sentences at the same time to make sure they match.

Should I thank the audience?

Toastmasters International often advises its members against saying “thank you” to the audience, but in my experience I think it can be appropriate when said authentically. However, the words “thank you” should not replace your closing; they should be said after the meaningful, momentum-building closing we discussed above. If you do thank the audience, pause after your final sentence, then look the audience members in the eye and say “thank you.”

A few other tips:

• Memorize your final sentence. This helps you make direct eye contact with the audience which really drives home your message. Don’t end your speech by staring down at your paper or staring at your feet and mumbling something unintelligible.
• Speak slowly when you conclude. Many people feel rushed to finish their speech so they wind up rushing their conclusion. That can leave the audience confused as to whether or not the speech is over. Speak the final sentence slowly, with confidence and meaning.

Jon, thanks for requesting this topic! I’m sure other readers had similar questions. By using the above methods, you insure that your speech builds to a powerful conclusion that moves your audience to take action. That creates a truly dynamic closing.

Very helpful

Thank you so very much for your comment and for taking the time to read it!

Very Informative

Very good information and really practical tips.

Thank u for such great info

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38 Top Opening and Closing Remarks for Meetings

You found our list of opening and closing remarks for meetings .

Opening and closing remarks for meetings are statements that introduce and wrap up workplace get-togethers. The purpose of these remarks is to set the tone of the subject matter and summarize topics covered during the meeting. Examples of opening and closing remarks for meetings include quick welcomes to attendees, announcements explaining the reason for the meeting, and conclusions that wrap up the content covered.

Utilizing opening and closing remarks is among the top public speaking tips for employees . You can use conference jokes or conference quotes as your opening or closing remarks. These icebreaker jokes are a great addition to your conference agenda .

This list includes:

• short opening remarks for a meeting
• opening remarks for a virtual meeting
• chairman opening remarks in a meeting
• opening remarks for a seminar
• sample closing remarks for a meeting
• sample closing remarks for an event
• simple closing remarks

Here we go!

Short opening remarks for a meeting

• Welcome, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to attend our meeting this morning. This meeting will address some announcements we think you will find interesting. We have a lot to cover, so we will get started without further ado.
• Good morning, folks. We appreciate you blocking out your calendar so we can discuss some important topics with you. We promise to get through this as quickly as possible so you can get back to your day.
• Hey, everyone! Great to see so many shining faces in the room, especially for the early hour! Apologies for calling this meeting on such short notice. We have some significant announcements to make, so we will get right to it.
• Hi, team. Thank you for making an effort to be here today. Some serious developments occurred over the weekend, and we wanted to inform you of the details before you heard any worrisome rumors. Here is everything we can tell you so far.
• Hello, all! Glad you could make it on such short notice. We have some exciting news to share, and we just could not wait to spill the beans! Rather than wasting any time, we can get right to the good stuff.
• Good afternoon. Thanks for making time to be here today. As you know, we hit some important milestones this week. We thought sharing the success and discussing what comes next would be helpful. Away we go!
• Greetings, everybody! Here we are at another super exciting monthly meeting, our chance to share the highs and lows we all have been through since the last time we met. Would anyone like to get things started for us?
• Well, hey there! It has been a long time since our last meeting. We have all been quite busy, as you know. We have a lot to catch up on, so how about we jump right in and get started?

Opening remarks for a virtual meeting

• Good morning to everyone on our video call today. We have participants joining today from locations all over the world. Before we get started, we would like to take a moment to share our appreciation for everyone lining up their schedules across the time zones in this way. We understand how difficult it was to coordinate this meeting so all major stakeholders could attend. We promise to make it worth your while. If anyone on the call knows of a colleague who cannot attend, please feel free to share our discussion with them when you can. You should have a meeting deck in your email to help you follow along. Feel free to open it, and we will get started.
• Cyberteam: Assemble! Cheers to our remote crew, tuning in from the various workspaces around town and throughout the country. It is truly incredible that technology allows us to get together, even if only in digital form. You may have heard about some developments across several departments. We will address those topics and field any questions or concerns you may have. We will also discuss future developments in as much detail as possible. Much of what we will cover is still in the works, so we do not have as much information for you as we would like. However, we promise to do our best to get you up to speed and keep you informed as we learn more.
• Good afternoon, team. You may have seen the email announcing our new project calendar. This timeline includes tasks spanning multiple teams, so we have a coordinated effort. We wanted to get everyone on a call to brainstorm ways to approach our rollout of various tasks. Depending on the needs, you may find your name on multiple lists, or you may not appear on any lists. Our hope is to distribute the work as fairly as possible among the team to minimize potential overload. Because you are the players involved, we want you to have a say in how we assemble the list.
• Hello, everyone. Thank you for firing up your cameras and getting online this morning. We have a few special announcements to go over as well as updates on items we left in limbo during our last meeting. We also have a special guest joining us today. This guest speaker has information about making the most of your remote work experience. I know we have discussed workplace wellness in the past, and I thought we should hear from an expert on the subject. They will hop on for the last 30 minutes, which gives us the first 30 minutes to cover everything else. I will dive right in so we can have time for Q&A before our guest appears.
• Hey, crew! We have gotten away from our meeting schedule as of late, and for a good reason. Great job on catching up on the backlog! Now that we are ahead of the curve again, I would like us to pick back up on our semi-monthly schedule to stay informed in a more unified setting. I think it is also a good idea for us to see one another’s shining faces every so often so we can remember what we all look like! More sincerely, our remote team needs face-to-face interaction, which is what these meetings are all about. I will put new items on our calendars to keep us on track through the end of the year.

Chairman opening remarks in a meeting

• I am pleased to be speaking to all of you today. As the leader of this board, it is my duty to bring us together when necessary. This task can be challenging, considering our other obligations. I would like us to take this opportunity to review developments that occurred since our last meeting and cover several lingering action items.
• Good morning, fellow board members. It is a privilege to address you all this afternoon for such a fortunate occasion. It is not often that the board has the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of its own members. Today, we will celebrate the successes of a long-standing trustee who has reached the pinnacle of personal and professional achievement. Before we start, please join me in welcoming our esteemed member with a round of applause.
• Thank you all for attending. As chairman, I would like to begin this meeting by reviewing the minutes from our last session before covering our new agenda. You all know how quickly the new corporate strategy is unfolding. We have a growing list of issues to address, so we should get started.
• I would like to extend a warm welcome to all in attendance today. As your newly appointed chairman, I think it best to begin this meeting by introducing myself and explaining my background before having each member do the same. Once introductions are complete, we will review the charter and attend to any new business.

Opening remarks for a seminar

• Welcome, everyone, and thank you for being with us today. For those who may not know, this seminar is our opportunity to share our latest developments and explain how this progress will lead us into our next phase. We have laid out a roadmap that puts us on solid footing the whole way through. We are eager to share the details and get your input on what improvements we can make. As key stakeholders in the business, your viewpoints count as much as anyone on the team. We hope you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts.
• There are few moments in which our group can assemble for a subject as important as improving our culture. We feel the need is critical enough to halt operations and bring us all together. This company remains dedicated to the well-being of every employee, but dedication means nothing without action. We have created a seminar-style meeting that presents information intended to help make the most of your experience in the workplace. This is your space, after all, and we will do all we can to create an enriching culture for all of us.
• I can think of few workplace developments less stressful than learning new software. Unfortunately, we have outgrown our old platform and have no choice but to move to a bigger and better model. After a great deal of deliberation, we have chosen a package that will make your current work much easier while also accommodating future growth. To get a head start on learning, we have put together this seminar with a representative from the software company. This speaker will provide an overview of the system and its functions before going into detail about how each feature fits in with our current system. Please feel free to ask questions and share your insight as we proceed.

Sample closing remarks for a meeting

• We have covered a lot of material in a short time. If you need more details, you can schedule one-on-one time with your supervisors, who will have additional information shortly. Please write down any questions that arise so you can get answers and feel settled about our next steps.
• I hope you enjoyed our brainstorming session. We are off to a great start and should have a great second meeting. I will add an item to the calendar to continue with our planning phase. If everyone will kindly send me their notes, then I will create a master folder we can all access. I will also email today’s meeting minutes out so we can create a living document as we go. More to come!
• As you can understand, this meeting is only a first step. We will continue business as usual until we receive further word about new developments. Once we know more about the acquisition, we will put together another meeting for updates. You may have questions and concerns before then, which you may discuss with your manager, of course. To avoid creating unnecessary anxiety, we would ask that you refrain from speculating on details we have yet to disclose. I appreciate your cooperation.
• I hope you can all agree that it is important for our team to spend quality time together outside of our usual tasks. These team building meetings are a perfect forum for showing off other sides of our personalities and connecting in fun and exciting ways. This meeting is the first of many! To ensure everyone feels a sense of ownership, I would like you all to send me your ideas for events we can include in future meetings. If you know of any games or icebreaker activities we should include, please send me a note or drop by my office to chat. The more input we have, the better variety of activities we can draw from.

Sample closing remarks for an event

• We hope you enjoyed attending our event as much as we enjoyed putting it together. As always, we are ready to assist our clients in any way possible. If you have concerns after you head out, please get in touch with your account manager or a supervisor and let us know how we can help. We truly appreciate serving you and cannot wait to see where we go together next. Thank you for coming!
• Thank you for coming to our get-together. We know breaking away from your busy day can be challenging, and we do not take it for granted. That said, it is always great to see our team come together for time away from the daily grind! We would not be able to do what we do without you. You are all integral to this organization’s success, and we are grateful to have you.
• We have come a long way since the last time we were all together. The organization has grown considerably, and we know more growth will come. We hope we have clarified what comes next for this company and how we intend to achieve our goals. The agenda may seem ambitious, but we have no doubt that the people in this room are the right people to make the effort successful. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and dedication to our cause. We hope to see you again next time.
• Before we all head out, I would like to thank everyone who showed up tonight. You really came through and made this event a smashing success! I would also like to give a shout-out to our event team, who put together everything from decorations to catering without falling behind on their daily tasks. This team is phenomenal, and the credit for such a winning event goes to them. Please join me in showing our appreciation for all they have done.

Simple closing remarks

• Thank you all for coming. Enjoy the rest of your day!
• This meeting went quicker than expected, so I will give you 30 minutes back.
• Apologies for this meeting taking longer than scheduled. I appreciate you taking the extra time needed to finish up.
• If you have any questions after the meeting, please feel free to come to my office.
• Anyone needing more information can reach out to the contacts listed on the calendar item for this meeting.
• We have much more to discuss, so I will schedule a follow-up meeting for a week from now.
• As you can see, we have some serious challenges ahead of us. But I know that our usual team spirit will help us rise to the occasion.
• This topic is highly sensitive, so we ask that you treat it with the proper discretion.
• As a thank-you for your time and attention, there are treats in the breakroom. Feel free to drop by and grab a few!
• You all put the “dream” in “dream team.” Thank you for your incredible effort and amazing output during such a demanding time!

Preparing opening and closing remarks will provide definitive starting and ending points for your meetings. You can set the tone while alerting attendees to the main topic as well as sharing a list of agenda items. These remarks also create an opportunity to open your meeting with a warm welcome and close on a note of gratitude and encouragement.

Next, read about virtual workshop ideas and virtual brainstorming ideas , and team meeting tips .

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FAQ: Opening and closing remarks for meetings

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about opening and closing remarks for meetings.

What are opening and closing remarks for meetings?

Opening and closing remarks for meetings are introductions and conclusions that bring a sense of organization to your agenda. You can use opening remarks to announce the topic of your meeting, while closing remarks will provide a wrap-up and alert attendees to any follow-up meetings or actions needed.

Why are good opening and closing remarks important?

Good opening remarks are important because they set the tone for the meeting, set goalposts, and keep listeners engaged. Similarly, good closing statements summarize essential topics, establish goals for future sessions, and provide calls to action.

What are some good opening statements for meetings?

Some options for good opening remarks include quick reasons for the meeting and brief rundowns of topics you will cover. Choosing an opener that matches the tone of the topics you want to address is essential.

How do you create good closing remarks for meetings?

Preparing good closing remarks can be as simple as reiterating information already covered and assigning the next steps. Additionally, these remarks should leave meeting attendees with a sense of understanding and accomplishment. Examples of some good closing remarks include thank yous to workers for attending, confirmations of the following steps, and reminders of follow-up items.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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The Closing Circle: Closing Remarks After a Workshop (Top Facilitation Tips)

How do You Deliver Good Closing Remarks After a Workshop?

Every speech or presentation has a goal and something the audience can learn from. The key message of your presentation will be forgotten and scattered just as fast if you don’t end it properly.

Your final opportunity to be creative and fill in any gaps will be in your closing remarks after a workshop has ended.

It is important to close an online workshop on time and provide a sense of closure for participants. This can be done by providing value or meaning, setting action plans, highlighting accomplishments, and concluding the workshop with a sense of completeness.

While it may be overlooked, your closing can have some great benefits to your online workshop if it is done well. These are the benefits of having closing remarks after an online workshop:

• Providing space for reflection on lessons learned.
• Gain insight into others’ main takeaways.
• Facilitators get a feel of what has been beneficial to the group.
• You are aware that the day has come to an end.

In this article, we’ll go over some facilitation tips on how you can make compelling closing remarks after a workshop has finished!

What Makes a Good Closing Remark

While closing a workshop may seem simple, there are a lot of factors to consider. For a closing to be effective, it needs to:

1. Communicate the Value of the Online Workshop to Students : Students can determine what is important to their daily activities.

2. Provide Meaningful and Relevant Content: It applies to students’ actual workplace situations.

3. Allow Students to Think About How They Can Apply This New Information Outside of the Online Workshop: It’s time to let students choose how and where to apply this new knowledge while also allowing them to record it.

4. Let Students Know How Far They Have Come: A beneficial learning trip has been taken by the learners, who have transformed as a result of their new knowledge.

5. Have a Sense of Completeness: No loose ends exist, and learners have all they require.

Different Activities and Closing Remarks After a Workshop Has Ended

Value for me.

1. Request that students take two minutes to write down what they valued most about the (current piece of) information and how they might apply it to their daily tasks.

2. Instruct students to team up with someone who they’ve never interacted with or do not interact as much with.

3. Request that students discuss with their companions what they learned and how they will put it to use.

4. Request that a few pairs present their thoughts to the entire group.

1. Divide students into 3-5 small groups

2. Ask students to list the lessons they just learned that would help them the most at their jobs. In each small group, ask the participants to express their ideas.

3. Request that students spend seven minutes coming up with a phrase that encapsulates the main points of all the group members.

4. Request that each team come up and declare their slogan aloud for the benefit of the entire group. 

Fill In the Blank

Inform the participants that they will be reflecting on their online workshop experiences as a group during this exercise. The facilitator will pose an unfinished question to a student, and the student will answer that question and then move to the next student until everyone has gone. Some questions you can use are: 

• My favorite lesson was 

• The part I liked the least was 

I enjoyed myself the most when

• The task that was the hardest was

I still have concerns about

1. Request that students create four columns on a piece of blank paper.

2. Request that students put the headings “Fact,” “Question,” “Aha!” and “Action” at the top of each column, respectively.

3. Request that students consider the information they have just learned and in:

a. In column 1, list one knowledge gained that was previously unknown;

b. In column 2 (if they still have a query), they should write it;

c. In column 3, describe an “Aha!” moment, including one or more fresh ideas; and

d. In column 4, list the action(s) they plan to take in light of their recent discoveries.

4. Instruct students to work in groups of two or three and share the 1:4 sheets, adding any information they feel their companions may have missed.

Feeling Sounds

Each person in the group makes a sound that expresses how they are feeling right now. The group copies that sound. Then, the next person adds their sound. The group replicates that sound, as well as the sounds of the previous two people.

The goals of this exercise are to ultimately :

Encourage everyone to participate, give people a nonverbal channel to express their emotions, and enliven and conclude an activity.

Note to Future Self

For a workshop-related topic or notion where participants need to demonstrate the progression of thought, ask participants to compose a letter to their “future selves” that reflects their current thinking. The steps are as follows:

• Assemble the letters
• Re-distribute the letters to the online workshop attendees at a later time.
• Request that participants read their letters and consider how their perspectives have evolved.

One-Sentence Summary

• Participants write a one-sentence summary of the discussion that includes the relevant who, what, when, where, why, and how.
• You can either assign them to complete this work alone or in pairs.
• Share the participants’ sentences with the group.

Ask participants to consider and record the following after engaging in an experience or activity in the online workshop:

• What they discovered.
• What to do next: how to put this knowledge to use.

What follows is a discussion of the significance of what they have learned and its consequences. Then, share the participants’ responses either with the entire group or in smaller groups.

Give One, Get One

• On a piece of paper that has been folded in half, instruct participants to write “Give One” and “Get One,” respectively.
• Ask them to write four key takeaways from today’s material on the “Give One” side.
• Get people to get up and locate a companion. Everyone takes turns writing one suggestion on the “Get One” side of the paper and sharing one from the “Give One” side.
• Encourage participants to keep looking for new partners to continue adding fresh ideas to their “Get One” side of the paper.

Key Takeaway

Writing closing remarks after a workshop has ended is crucial because, without one, your session will sound incomplete. To end on a positive note, facilitators must time their sessions and plan with an ideal conclusion.

Closing remarks can take many forms, but choosing the right one for the occasion and situation can significantly improve your session.

What is Klatch?

Klatch is a first-of-its-kind all-in-one social learning platform for live, hands-on, virtual workshops across every topic – from hobbies to professional development. Say goodbye to pre-recorded lectures and passive webinars; say hello to real-time, group-based learning. The Klatch platform enables experts to launch a workshop in minutes and provides the tools to unify their communities, grow their audience, and monetize their expertise. Apply to join the Klatch Facilitator community here or browse featured workshops here .

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How to deliver a powerful closing to a speech on any topic

Most speeches end with a thud, or maybe a whimper. Yours doesn’t have to; this list of five ways to close a speech (with examples) will help you.

They click to their last slide, deliver the information on the screen, and limp to the finish line by mumbling something such as:

A speech’s close is one of its most important parts, but it may also be the most neglected. The close is your final opportunity to accomplish your goal, whether it’s to inspire the audience, drive an action, inform a community, break the status quo, or change an opinion.

Here are five great ways to close a speech, each with an example.

(Note that you may want to also include a call-to-action in your close, which I’ve written about here .)

Close No. 1: Deliver a summary.

You may have heard the old public speaking adage that advises speakers to use a three-step approach: “Tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you’ve told them.”

You don’t need to follow that rigid rule for every presentation. But you’ll probably use something similar to it the majority of the time, particularly in the “summary” close.

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Ideas for Closing your Workshop

The closing of your workshop is when you provide time for participants to reflect, synthesize, and consolidate what they have learned.

Guidelines:

• Provide a summary of the main points (either you or your participants can give a brief recap).
• Hold a short discussion on the workshop effectiveness and processes.
• Debrief: Hold a short discussion on workshop effectiveness and processes. Consider asking questions to the group that induce reflection from participants follow the ladder of inference: 1. What? ( i.e. what happened), 2. So what? ( i.e. why is this important), 3. Now what? ( i.e. What actions to take next?)
• Take time to recognize contributions. Acknowledge effort and achievement.
• Let participants know how they can continue their learning and follow up if they have questions.
• Thank participants and provide instructions for filling out the feedback form .
• Remind participants that the workshop is a part of the SKILLS21 program and is recognized on the co-curricular record, accessible through myInvolvement .

Additional Strategies to Consider:

Note to future self, one-sentence summary.

• Get one, Give one
• Prepare a prompt that you will ask participants to respond to in the last 5 minutes of the workshop and write it on the board, a chart paper, or on the screen, or in the chat for a virtual workshop.
• “What were three key points or ‘take-aways’ from today’s workshop?”
• “What is a question you have about what we discussed today?”
• “What did you want to learn more about?”
• “Create a quiz question based on today’s discussion.”
• “Which topics from today’s workshop do you think would be important to include in an end-of-module quiz?”
• Ask participants to respond individually. They can write on paper, create a drawing, or post their response to an online poll you create beforehand. Anonymous submissions are possible.
• Have participants submit their responses and then exit the workshop.
• Review participants’ responses.
• Decide whether to summarize results for sharing with participants. This may depend on whether or not you told participants their responses were confidential.
• Decide how participants’ responses may inform your facilitation of future workshops.
• Ask participants to write a letter to their “future self” that describes their current thinking on a workshop-related topic or concept where participants need to see progression of thinking.
• Collect the letters or ask participants to email them to you.
• Redistribute the letters to participants in the workshop at a later date.
• Ask participants to read their letters and reflect on how their thinking has changed.
• Ask participants to summarize the topic in one sentence that incorporates who/what/when/where/why/how, as appropriate. You might choose to ask them to do this task independently, or with a partner.
• Ask participants to share their sentences with the group.
• For a virtual workshop, ask participants to do this task independently and share their sentences in the chat.

After an experience or activity in the workshop, ask participants to reflect on and write down:

• What they learned.
• So what: why what they have learned is important, and what the implications are.
• Now what: how this learning can be applied.
• Have participants share their responses in small groups or with the whole group. In a virtual workshop, responses can be shared in breakout rooms or in the chat.

Get One, Give One

• Ask participants to fold a piece of paper in half and write “Give One” on one side and “Get One” on the other side.
• On the “Give One” side, ask them to write four insights from today’s material.
• Have participants stand up and find a partner. Each participant shares one idea from their “Give One” side of the paper and writes down one idea on the “Get One” side of the paper.
• Have participants continue finding new partners in an effort to fill their “Get One” side of the paper with new ideas.
• For a virtual workshop, give participants a few moments to reflect and take note of their "Give One" response. Ask participants to join breakout rooms and share their "Give One" responses and take note of "Get One" ideas.

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10 Of The Best Things To Say In Closing Remarks

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation , Public Speaking , Speech Writing

What are closing remarks?

A closing remark is the last sentence, paragraph or concluding part of your speech or presentation. They are also referred to as ‘concluding remarks’.

In a speech/presentation, the outset and the conclusion are 2 essentials. It leaves an impact on the audience and makes your speech/presentation eloquent .

We have written an article on opening lines in speech writing , read this article to know how to begin your speech perfectly.

Every speech or presentation comes with an objective and something to take away from it. The point is that if you don’t end your speech appropriately the main essence of your speech /presentation will be forgotten and dispersed just as quickly.

The closing remark will be your last chance to be innovative and make up for the missing bits if any.

The limit of your closing remark must last between 10% to 15% of your speech. So for instance, if your speech is a 7-minute speech your closing remark must last for at least a minute.

The purpose of closing remarks

The main purpose of closing remarks is, it lets the audience know that the speech is supposed to end.It helps to summarize your speech in short and accentuate the main points of your speech.

Also, research suggests that the audience often remembers the end closing part precisely than the entire speech.

A powerful speech ending does 40% of your work. It’s also not easy to write a ‘Closing remark’. You have to think and choose the right words that hit hard and leave a mark. Here’s a detailed video we have made of some amazing speech ending lines you can get inspiration for your own speech:

Some Dos of closing remarks

The speaker must follow a few things with respect to the format of the speech. Here are some dos which will help the speaker in concluding his speech.

Indicate that the speech is close to the end

An experienced speaker will always signal that the speech is about to end so that the audience is mentally ready for a conclusion. For example- In a novel, the author uses Epilogue as a tool to let the readers know that the story is going to get over soon.

Give a rundown of your speech/presentation

At times, it’s possible that the readers may have missed some points while you were speaking or they may have zoned out during the span of your speech. So give a brief run-through of your points at the end and this will reinforce the message of your speech.

Make eye-contact

As mentioned above, the closing remark or concluding part of your speech will be the last chance of leaving an impact on the audience. So a confident eye-contact may let the audience know so much more than just words could convey.

It will also make your call-to-action more effective and influencing.

In case you find eye contact difficult (like I did), here are some alternatives you can use that give the illusion that you are maintaining eye contact without you actually having to do so:

Some don’ts of closing remarks

Some things should be avoided when writing your closing remarks for a speech or presentation. Given below are the most primal things that the speaker should keep in mind.

Don’t make the closing remarks lengthy

If the speaker does not add a closing remark, the speech would look incomplete and end abruptly. Also, try not to make the closing remark too prolonged, this may bore the audience and they may lose interest.

The audience may also not be able to distinguish between the main points and jumble up what is important and what is not.

Don’t end with a simple ‘Thank You”

Saying a dry and plain ‘Thank you’ to be polite at the end of your speech is not very persuasive. It is a very mundane way of ending your speech.You need to drive your point home so be creative.

Don’t add new material out of no where

Adding in new material in the closing remarks which are not mentioned in the speech will catch the audience off guard. The audience may not be able to process what’s going on. So mention only those points in your closing remarks that have already been spoken about.

Types of closing remarks

You want your closing remarks to be such that the audience can get a flashback of the entire presentation or speech with just what you said at the end. These may alter accordingly with what kind of a presentation it is.

The fitting remark

What is it.

The fitting remark is the most basic remark of them all. It’s to the point, decisive and direct. The idea of your presentation is conveyed through this remark.

The fitting remark mainly summarizes your speech in sweet and simple words with no extra spice to your conclusion.

Example of a fitting remark

Here is an example of a Speech where Emma Watson closes her speech with a fitting remark. Like I mentioned above, this speech is to the point and decisive. The idea of Gender Equality was conveyed very clearly and directly by her closing remark.

The motivational remark

The motivational remark is used when the speaker uses motivational quotes, phrases, or even dialogues for that matter. The objective is to leave the audience on a ‘motivated to do something’ note.

This remark is to re-energize your audience towards your speech/presentation. When the speaker ends his speech it should have such an impact that they remember your words and do something with that motivation.

Motivational speeches can be given on a variety of topics. We have written an article about ‘How to give a motivational speech on leadership to students’ . You can check it out to get a better idea. This is just one example of how to go about it.

Example of a motivational remark

This speech by Jeremy Anderson just leaves a mark that has you sitting straight and energized. It motivates the audience to know their worth and not let themselves down.

The expository remark

In this type of a remark the speaker shares his anecdotes, his own experience or has a very relatable end to his speech. The main purpose of such an end is so that the audience can connect to the speaker on a deeper level and know exactly what he is saying.

It’s a sort of a congenial connect with the audience. We have written an article on Storytelling approaches you can use in your speech or presentation. This article will give you an insight into why storytelling is so important what are the different techniques used.

Example of a expository remark

Priyanka Chopra in this speech shares her own experiences and anecdotes that people can connect with which makes her speech so much more interesting and inspiring.

The contemplative remark

The contemplative remark leaves the audience pondering over what the speaker has said. Its goal is to make the audience think about all factors such as the lessons, the theme of the speech and wavelength during the span of the presentation/speech.

The speaker can emphasize ‘what the audience thinks’ and leave it there for them to figure out their thoughts.

Example of a contemplative remark

For instance, President Obama in his speech about Bin Laden’s death concludes with a contemplative remark that leaves the audience pensive.

“Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores. And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11.  I know that it has, at times, frayed.  Yet today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people. The cause of securing our country is not complete.  But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to.  That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are:  one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” President Obama in his speech about Bin Laden’s death

The propositional remark

In this remark, the speaker ends with a piece of advice for the audience. It’s more subjective than objective. This is more like a suggestion/tip.

Example of a propositional remark

Michelle Obama’s speech is an advice for students about how to succeed in life. Her closing remark suggests that it’s not important if you went to an Ivy League or a State School what is important is the hard work you do and that will take you closer to success.

The rhetoric remark

The rhetoric remark has to do with a question that doesn’t really need an answer. The speaker leaves the audience hanging with this question.

The speaker has no intention of expecting an answer from the audience and neither does he want one. He just wants the audience to consider what he said and reflect upon it.

Rhetoric is used in many forms and speakers use rhetoric in their speeches for a powerful effect. Here are 4 ways how you can use rhetorical devices in your speech to make it powerful.

Example of a rhetoric remark

 “In the end, that’s what this election is about. Do we participate in a politics of cynicism, or do we participate in a politics of hope?” President Obama in 2004 Democratic National Convention Speech

The funny remark

One of the best thing that helps make your speech effective and interactive is humour. It lightens the environment and works as a tool to break the ice between the speaker and the audience.

Adding humour to your speech will make the audience lively and enthusiastic. If you leave the audience laughing at the end of your speech you will leave on a positive note and they will most probably leave with a good impression of you and your words.

Humour can be one of the strongest tools in a speech, especially for a closing remark, if used correctly.

Qualified speakers frequently make use of humour all through their speech and then at the end strike with a humourless thought and leave the audience serious. Such a sudden change has a powerful impact.

Example of a funny remark

In this speech by Dananjaya Hettiarachchi he uses humour to close a speech by successfully summing up the title and summarizes the content of his speech.

The factual remark

In this type of remark, the speaker ends with some facts related to his speech and presentation. Adding facts as the closing boosts your speech. Facts presented in the form of tables, graphs and diagrams are easy to understand and visually appealing.

At times facts can seem boring if not presented appropriately. To know what facts to add and what not to add in a speech follow our article on ’11 Steps to Add Facts in A Speech Without Making It Boring’.

Example of a factual remark

Given below is a paradigm of a pie diagram. The speaker can fill in his facts according to the theme and research of his presentation.

Call-to- action

This is the most common remark and can be utilized in most of the closing remarks. Call- to- action is simply requesting your audience to take a step forward and take action towards the theme of your speech.

Make your CTA direct and don’t hint at it, this may induce confusion.

Why is it a must, you may ask? This is because the audience may have listened to your entire speech but until and unless you won’t take the initiative and be upfront not everyone is compelled to take action.

Example of a call-to-action

Leonardo DiCaprio in this speech is asking the audience and people to take action to put a price tag on carbon emissions and eliminate government subsidies for coal, gas, and oil companies.

The Activity Remark

This closing remark can be one of a kind for the audience. In this kind of a remark the speaker can undertake an activity that will help the audience understand the theme of the speech with an act of creativity.

For instance, the speaker can make use of his talents to showcase his message through them. Like singing, doing a trick or playing a quiz with the audience.

Example of a activity remark

Sparsh Shah a 13 year old boy who ends his inspiring speech with a song and rap wants to tell the audience that nothing is impossible in life. He uses music as a closing remark to end his speech in a heartening way.

Scenarios for closing remarks 

Closing remarks for a meeting/conference.

Meetings are often compulsory as compared to presentations or speeches. They can be called at any time and are mostly informal. Whereas, a conference is formal and has a specific time and place, where it is conducted.

But in both of them, the purpose is to plan and execute. So end your closing remarks with action.

For example- Reiterate the actions that need to be executed so that the actions will remain fresh and can be recalled easily.

Here is a pro-tip, do not drag the meeting/conference over time and then rush up to close the conference. This will make no room for your closing remark and many things will remain unsaid even if you manage to close the meeting/conference in a rush.

Closing remarks for a school activity

As the heading suggests the closing remark for a school activity will be for school kids so try not to use too many technical terms or make it complicated. Keep the remarks simple and fun.

Here the speaker can use the Activity remark mentioned in the types of closing remarks. It is creative, engaging and hence the kids will connect more to fun activities rather than to boring long remarks.

For example- The speaker can use the Q & A method to end or play a quiz and include all the points mentioned in their speech/activity.

Closing remarks after a workshop

Workshops come with an intent to teach and for the audience to learn. So make your closing remarks interactive. You can ask questions like ‘What is your take-away from this workshop?’

This will let the audience ponder over what they learnt during the entire span of the workshop.

One more way to end is by requesting the audience to fill out the feedback form and cater step by step guidance.

Closing remarks for a webinar/Zoom meeting

Since a zoom meeting/webinar is a virtual platform, there are chances the speaker might not see all the audience or ‘participants’ of the meeting but everyone can see the speaker.

So this may also fall as a disadvantage in the speaker’s case but don’t let this demotivate you.

In your closing remark, you can add a poll that is a feature of zoom to know how many of them are listening. Before closing the webinar, leave your Twitter or Facebook handles so that if the audience has questions they can connect with you on these platforms.

Closing remarks for a ceremony speech

A ceremony is more of a large scale event with too many decorations, music, and arrangements.

Keep in mind though, these things are not what the audience will want to leave with, so what you say last will be the end of what they take-away. Therefore, in a ceremony, you can use any one of the types of closing remarks mentioned above.

For example- You can use ‘The expository remark’ where you can share your own story to make your closing remark relatable and two-sided.

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Some last words

Closing remarks are important in speech writing because without a closing remark your speech will seem unfinished. To leave on a happy note the speaker must organize his speech with the perfect end and time it accordingly.

Closing remarks can be of varied types but using the appropriate closing remark according to the situation and time can make a huge difference in your speech.

Still looking for inspiration? Check out this video we made on closing remarks:

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How to Deliver an Effective Closing Speech for a Scientific Conference

In the world of scientific conferences, delivering a well-crafted closing speech is an important task. In this post, we will guide you through the key sections of a successful closing speech, helping you leave a lasting impression on the attendees and wrap up the conference on a high note.

Key Highlights and Breakthroughs

As the conference comes to an end, it's crucial to provide a concise summary of the main highlights. Reflect on the significant themes, breakthroughs, and notable research contributions discussed throughout the event. By summarizing the conference, you reinforce the key takeaways for the attendees and remind them of the value gained from their participation.

Recognizing Organizers and Contributors

Expressing gratitude is an essential part of any closing speech. Take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of the conference organizers. Recognize their efforts in creating a platform that fosters knowledge exchange and supports scientific advancement. This is also an opportune time to thank the speakers for sharing their expertise and the attendees for their active participation.

Spotlight on Inspiring Presenters

Highlighting the contributions of the keynote speakers and presenters adds a personal touch to your closing speech. Briefly mention some of the standout speakers and their presentations, emphasizing the significance of their research and the value it added to the conference. This recognition not only acknowledges their efforts but also provides a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for their contributions.

Thanking the Active Conference Participants

Expressing gratitude towards the attendees is crucial, as their presence and engagement play a pivotal role in the success of the conference. Thank them for their active participation, thought-provoking questions, and valuable discussions. Emphasize that their collective presence contributed to the vibrant and intellectually stimulating atmosphere of the event.

Personal Insights and Takeaways

In this section, share your own reflections on the conference. Discuss the most memorable, interesting, or impactful moments that stood out to you personally. Highlight how the conference has contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the field and inspired further research. By offering your insights, you encourage others to reflect on the value and impact of the conference as well.

Keep momentum, keep the community

As the conference draws to a close, it's important to inspire and motivate the attendees to continue their scientific endeavors beyond the event. Encourage them to maintain the spirit of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and research excellence that the conference exemplified. Emphasize the importance of sustained efforts and continued engagement to drive scientific progress in the future.

In the closing section, provide your final remarks and wrap up the speech. Reiterate your gratitude to the attendees, organizers, and speakers for their contributions. Leave them with a positive and uplifting message that reinforces the significance of their involvement and participation in the conference.

Delivering a compelling closing speech for a scientific conference requires careful planning and execution. By following the structure outlined in this post, you can create a memorable and impactful closing speech that leaves a lasting impression on the attendees. Remember, a well-crafted closing speech not only signifies the end of a conference but also acts as a catalyst for future collaborations, research endeavors, and scientific advancements.

We hope this guide helps you deliver an effective closing speech at your next scientific conference. Best of luck with your future presentations.

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Roberto Rabasco

+10 years’ experience working for Deutsche Telekom, Just Eat or Asos. Leading, designing and developing high-availability software solutions, he built his own software house in '16

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How To End A Speech

Putting together and delivering an effective speech takes time and the right strategy. One of the most challenging aspects is figuring out how to end a speech effectively. You might have prepared a fantastic opening and delivered a compelling message, but if you fail to wrap up your speech in a powerful and memorable way, your audience may leave feeling unsatisfied or even forget what you said altogether.

Many speakers struggle with their closing words, whether it’s because they run out of time, they lose their train of thought, or they simply don’t know how to bring everything together in a cohesive and impactful way. This can lead to a lack of confidence, anxiety, and even embarrassment, all of which can significantly hinder your ability to communicate your message effectively.

In this article we’ll explore some proven tips and strategies, show you three simple techniques that summarize your message and key ideas, and explain how to get your audience members to take action. You’ll start delivering the final words of your speeches with confidence and know you’re leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker looking to polish your skills or a newcomer to public speaking , this article will help you overcome the hurdles of ending a great speech so you can deliver a powerful and memorable message every time. Your last words will be your most impactful words.

Why is a Conclusion Important?

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of the ending.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The conclusion of your speech is arguably the most critical part. It’s the pinnacle of your persuasion, the culmination of everything you’ve talked about so far, and it’s the moment when you state your final call to action. This is why it’s crucial to devote sufficient time and attention to crafting your last inspiring words and final point.

Your conclusion is where you’ll leave your audience with the most significant take away from your speech. These closing words are the last impression they’ll have of you and your key message, and it’s where you can reinforce the key message points you’ve made throughout your presentation. By reiterating your main message and summarizing your key arguments, you can ensure that your audience remembers your message long after your speech is over in such a way that inspires them to take action.

The conclusion is also where you summarize your entire speech and make your final call to action. Whether it’s encouraging your audience to remember and take specific actions, supporting a particular cause, or adopting a new way of thinking, your conclusion is the time to motivate your audience to act. This is where you can challenge them to make a difference, do something, or think differently about a particular issue.

Most importantly, your conclusion can make or break your speech. A weak or ineffective ending can leave your audience feeling unimpressed or even confused, undermining the impact of your entire presentation up to that point. Conversely, a strong and impactful conclusion can leave a lasting impression on your audience, motivating them to take action and inspiring them to share your message with others. It even has the potential to turn an average persuasive speech into an unforgettable speech.

Because the conclusion of your speech is so important, it’s worth taking the time to ensure that your final words are as effective as possible. By crafting a strong and impactful conclusion, you can leave your audience with a lasting impression, and ensure that your message is remembered long after your closing statement.

BE AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR Suasive Presentation Coaching

What is a good closing message?

A good closing is a bookend to your opening, but is much more concise. It should resolve the entire presentation. In the beginning you grab your audience’s attention. Next you navigate them through all the parts. Finally you introduce your call to action so the audience knows what to expect. Your speech’s closing message should fulfill the classical requirements of any story: a strong beginning, a solid middle, and a decisive end.

To fully understand how your closing message connects with your opening you’ll need to first understand the three parts of your opening and how to think about them: Opening Gambit, USP, and Point B.

Opening Gambit

The Opening Gambit is a series of short sentences to get the audience engaged and establish a need for your idea, concept, or solution. Suasive recommends the following seven Opening Gambits .

• Rhetorical question Get your audience thinking about your message by posing a meaningful question that is relevant to them. Scott Cook, the founding CEO of Intuit, used a rhetorical phrase when making a presentation at the Robertson, Stephens, and Company Technology Investment Conference in San Francisco. He began with: “Let me begin today’s presentation with a question. How many of you balance your checkbooks? May I see a show of hands?” Almost everyone’s hand went up. “Okay. Now how many of you like doing it?”  Everyone’s hand went down. He had their focus because he got them moving their body and used an easy question that would resonate with everyone. If he had launched into his presentation with a detailed description of Quicken accounting software, he likely would have lost them. Instead, he engaged the audience with a personal question and got them focused on thinking about their checkbooks.
• Factoid You can convert any question to a simple, striking statistic or factual statement to capture your audience’s attention. For instance, instead of asking, “How many iPhones are sold each year?” (which cedes control of the floor), turn it into a Factoid: “185 million iPhones are sold every year.” The Factoid you choose should be related to the main theme of your presentation and not just dropped in for shock value. We’ve all heard off-the-wall statements that only serve to throw the audience off track all the while never coming back to the main point thread or thesis.
• Retrospective/Prospective A Retrospective (backward) or Prospective (forward) look allows you to grab your audience’s attention by moving them in one direction or another, away from their present, immediate concerns. Consider this technique as a flashback or flashforward, or “That was then, this is now.” For instance, you could refer to the way things used to be done, the way they are done now, and the way you project them being done in the future. Technology companies often choose to start their presentations with a look back to earlier functions to contrast how their new technology disrupts the same functionality: library search before the internet, cassette tapes before digital music, brick and mortar shopping before e-commerce, a rat’s nest of tangled wiring before Bluetooth, and keypad entry before facial recognition.
• Anecdote An anecdote is a brief human interest story. “Personal stories” have recently become the holy grail of storytelling . A tsunami of consultants, courseware, workshops , seminars, blogs, and publications are now advising individuals and businesses to develop their great speeches and presentations by reaching deep inside themselves for a heartwarming opening anecdote. People naturally identify with other people, and a personal story can create empathy.
• Quotation You can also use a relevant quotation from a well-known, reliable source such as William Shakespeare, Winston Churchill , John F. Kennedy, Tom Peters or, as many businesspeople do, Sun Tzu’s The Art of War . Yet the best famous quotation is something from a third party that credentializes you, your idea, or your company. Whichever you use, be sure to tie the quotation closely to your content.
• Aphorism An aphorism is a well-known saying, maxim, or idiom. Because of its familiarity, as soon as you state an Aphorism, it rings a bell in your audience’s minds. They may not even recognize the source, but it brings them to attention.
• Analogy Analogies help explain complex subjects. If your business involves highly technical or specialized products, services, or systems, a simple analogous comparison can help clarify. During the early days of the internet, companies developing networking products analogized the web to highways: with main roads to represent carriers, interchanges to represent routing and switching equipment, on-ramps and off-ramps to represent local carriers, and tolls to represent revenues.

COMMUNICATION WITH PURPOSE

Unique Selling Proposition

Once you’ve stated your Opening Gambit, it’s time for your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). The USP is a succinct summary of your business, describing the basic premise that describes what your company, product, or service does. One of the most common complaints about presentations is “I listened to them for 30 minutes, and I still don’t know what they do!” The USP is what they do.

The Opening Gambit grabbed your viewer’s attention and established need, and your USP demonstrates your solution to that need with maximum clarity. It summarizes the body or middle part of your speech. The best USPs are short and are communicated in one sentence.

Which company’s USP is “Melt in your mouth, not in your hand?” 

Did you guess it? M&Ms of course.

Point B is your call to action. It’s how you end your speech with a bang and plan to bring your audience to action. The Opening Gambit, USP, and Point B are all connected in a sequence that feeds into one another.

Here’s an example of a full sequence from Opening Gambit to Point B.

• Opening Gambit (Anecdote): Last year, one of Acme’s customers had a flood in their home. The sprinkler system broke and damaged all the furniture, carpets, and other possessions. Not only did they lose their home, they took a big financial hit.
• Link: This customer is like many customers who purchase a basic policy not customized to their individual needs. That means being just one step away from disaster.
• USP: Acme Insurance has a solution. We can provide you with a customized, value-added package of insurance that provides for your Individual needs to protect you against serious financial loss.
• Proof of Concept (POC)–evidence that your USP is worthy: That’s why Acme is one of the fastest-growing insurance brokers in the state.
• Link: I know that you’ll want to take advantage of this opportunity…
• Point B: …and sign up for this important coverage today.

You can see how all three elements feed into each other. One can’t effectively exist without the other. What’s great about the three steps is they compromise your entire speech outline on a macro level, and you can also use them again on a micro level within the closing section of your presentation.

Three Ways to Close a Speech Effectively

“Tell ’em what you’ve told ’em” is a classic closing technique that involves summarizing your main points and reiterating your message in a clear and concise way. This technique helps to reinforce your key ideas and ensure that your audience remembers them long after your speech is over. By summarizing your main points and restating your message, you can drive home the key takeaways and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

“Tell ‘em what you’ve told ‘em” is your closing, a bookend to your opening, and includes three key elements: a Bookend Gambit (like the Opening Gambit but more concise), Recap (of the agenda and your main points), and Point B (call to action).

The Bookend Gambit is a powerful technique that involves referencing your Opening Gambit in your closing remarks. This technique creates a sense of closure and brings your presentation full circle, leaving your audience feeling satisfied and fulfilled.

A brief Recap of your agenda is the second element of the closing technique. By summarizing what you’ve covered you can reinforce the key points you’ve made and drive home your message in a powerful and impactful way.

Point B is the third element and involves making a clear and compelling call to action in your closing remarks. This technique encourages your audience to take specific actions based on the message you’ve delivered, whether it’s signing a petition, making a donation, or simply changing their behavior. By providing a clear and actionable next step, you can motivate your audience to take action and make a difference.

What is a Strong Concluding Statement?

A strong concluding statement is critical for leaving a long-term impression on your audience and motivating them to take action. You want to end your speech with your audience thinking about your objective, willing to do what you want them to do. It’s the last thing they hear you say at the end of your speech, and for many leading speakers it holds the most weight.

One of the most effective ways to close your speech with a bang is with a clear and concise call to action, also known as Point B as discussed above. This final remark should be a short and powerful statement that encapsulates the central message of your presentation and inspires your audience to act.

For example, let’s suppose that in your opening statement you said, “So that we can control our own destiny, I’m seeking your approval and a budget to start this unit.” In your closing statement, you might shorten this message to “All we need is your approval.” This statement is short, clear, and to the point, emphasizing the importance of your request.

Need Help Closing Your Speech?

Putting all the pieces of your speech or presentation together takes know how. The good news is because it’s more science than art, anyone can learn how to do it with the right training. A good presentation has all the parts of a good compelling story – a beginning, middle, and end. The only difference is the pacing and delivery techniques, but story is still at the heart. With practice and preparation, you can improve your speech writing and delivering skills, and make sure your ideas are heard and considered.

So whether you are preparing for a job interview, a presentation at work, or an entire speech in front of a large audience, remember to believe in yourself, focus on your key points, and prepare to the best of your ability. When it’s time to deliver your closing remarks, be sure to incorporate the three techniques you learned in this article and we’re confident you’ll make an impact.

How to tell your story so the audience feels it’s their story.

Suasive, Inc. is a Silicon Valley-based communication consulting company that offers public speaking classes for organizations and individuals. To date, we’ve coached over 600 CEOs and helped individuals in some of the world’s largest companies including Netflix , eBay , Sonos , Lyft , and Freshworks .

Start Your public speaking Training

Privacy Overview

SAS Integration Trainer (SASIT)

Module 3: introduction to training techniques, in this module:.

• Module 3 Introduction
• Needs of Adult Learners
• Adult Learning Theory
• Characteristics of Facilitators
• Questioning Techniques
• Topic A Activities
• Successful Traning
• Tips for Successful Training

Closing the Training Session

• Topic B Activities
• Training Registration
• Registration and Workshop Evaluation
• Addressing the Needs of Adult Learners: Introduction
• Overview of Adult Learning Theory
• Assessment 3-A-1
• Tips for Successful Training: Introduction
• General Tips for Successful Training
• The Basics: Content, Time Management, and Encouraging Participation
• Assessment 3-B-1
• Training Registration and Workshop Evaluation: Introduction
• Training Registration and Workshop Evaluation Demonstration

  Closing a training session is just as important as your opening.  You want to leave the trainees with a good overall impression of your delivery, the usefulness of the training materials, and the benefits of using SAS.  By finishing on a “high note” you’ll be encouraging your trainees to apply what they’ve learned from you.

A “good closing” includes 3 basic parts – summarizing, providing follow-up resources, and administering course feedback.

Trainer Review:

The trainer summarizes the key points in this technique.  in this way all of the major points will be covered, it requires the least amount of time, and keeps the trainer in control of the class.  disadvantages are that trainees are not actively involved in the review.  therefore, they’ll have more of a tendency to tune you out., trainee review:, in this method, the trainer asks the trainees questions such as, “in your opinion, what are the major points covered in this topic” to generate a discussion.  in this way the active involvement of your trainees keeps retention levels higher, gives you feedback on how much the trainees actually learned, and provides a chance to address any misconceptions or answer additional questions.  drawbacks to this strategy are that trainees may miss important points and it takes much longer to complete this kind of summarizing., follow-up documentation:, make sure that the trainees are aware of where they can find documentation on issues that arise after class., additional training:, point out resources for any additional training or tutorials that may benefit the trainees.  another option would be to inform the trainees if the course that you are teaching is part of a sequence of courses.  this would be a good time to present a flowchart of that sequence.  this shows where this course fits in and where the trainees would go next., phone numbers and email addresses:, if you are available as a resource for help after the course, provide the trainees with your phone number and email address.  also provide contact information for any help desk personnel who can provide assistance., welcome comments:, there is usually a place on feedback forms for open-ended comments.  encourage the trainees to enter comments, both positive and negative, and to be as specific as possible., reassure trainees of confidentiality:, if the trainees are assured that their marks and comments cannot be traced back to them (unless they want them to), this will increase the level of feedback received.  this allows them to honestly evaluate the course.  do not stand over the shoulders of the trainees as they complete their feedback form., providing feedback to others:, trainers, course designers, and training managers work together to make continuous improvements to instructional materials and the classroom environment.  this cooperation provides us with the opportunity to enable trainees to achieve their goals.  feedback – whether written or verbal - is an important aspect of this process..

Introduction to Training Techniques  •  Addressing the Needs of Adult Learners  •  Tips for Successful Training  •  Training Registration and Workshop Evaluation

© 2014 Performance Learning Systems

Improving Teacher Preparation and Credentialing Consistent with the National Science Education Standards: Report of a Symposium (1997)

Chapter: closing remarks and challenge for next steps.

but right from the beginning. State agencies and credentialing agencies can do much to assist in that partnership by asking colleges and universities to involve directly the K-12 community in a much more focused way.

In California we have a program called the "Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment System," in which beginning teachers are supported during the first year or two in the classroom. We see this as the second part of teacher preparation: the training that is needed on the job. These programs are working effectively in the schools in which the K-12 administrators and the higher education institutions have decided to work together to make the changes happen. Based on this collaboration, we are finding that the K-12 community is much more interested and much more able to be involved in undergraduate teacher preparation.

Communication is a critical issue. Credentialing institutions can leverage what beginning teachers know and the ways in which they are taught. But what leverage can be used to benefit existing teachers in the classroom? We hope that mentors for beginning teachers can become catalysts for change in their own locales.

Credentialing agencies can work in this area through the requirements for professional development. In California, 150 clock hours are needed every five years for continued certification. The credentialing agencies can focus those 150 hours in more individual ways. We are not able to now, but in the future we will be able. For now, we have to communicate to the existing teachers the changes that are needed in science instruction.

Participant Comment

Corrine Hill , Education Policy Adviser to Utah Governor

You need to get to the governors in your states. At the educational summit in New York on March 26th and 27th, the governors are going to talk about world class standards, assessment, and technology as ways to reform education. But I do not know that all of our governors know what a standard is. Make an appointment with your governor, and explain what standards are about. We are doing a wonderful job, and we are moving ahead. But I urge you to spend some time with your governor. Let him or her know where you are moving in science education and what you need. It is money, and it is legislation. That is what drives policy.

Closing Remarks and Challenge for Next Steps

Virginia Pilato , National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC)

NASDTEC has a long history of writing and using process standards. NASDTEC now is saying that we cannot, at least for the present, continue developing standards, but its position supports the promotion of performance-based state or

nationally developed standards. Content and teaching standards are being developed by subject area specialists. We need to see their fit; NCATE needs to bring them all together, providing leadership in teacher preparation in this systemic reform. This symposium is about the national organizations coming together, including NASDTEC, NCATE, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and INTASC (the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium). This symposium is also about the children. One of the main impressions we have as we wind up these two days together is the picture of children from this morning's video. A little girl told her teacher she sees herself as a scientist. Our long-range goal is for children to say that. This morning we looked at the future.

This symposium succeeded in identifying the need for improvement in teacher preparation and credentialing. Change will require long-term commitment and effort .

Steps in the movement toward this future, according to Dr. Bybee's overheads, begin with purpose, move to policy, from there move to program, and finally end with practice. Dr. Bybee said we are poised at policy and program. Another way to look at this is that we are poised at the implementation phase, the point at which we can bring all of this to life to make the change.

Larry Cuban, who studied the implementation of technology, said that we must find the fit with our routines. Otherwise, the innovation will not be used. We must discover how the National Science Education Standards fit with our reforms, or else our innovation will sit on the shelf. When the fit is found, the Standards can be a tool of our reform. Another person whose work I draw upon is computer scientist Edward Feigenbaum, who says, "We must be champions for our innovations."

We must be champions for the Standards and sometimes we must do so at a personal level. Do not throw the Standards over the wall and hope that the document will be picked up and used. We must reach out to professional development—pre-service and in-service—and to the systems into which the Standards will fit. We must be champions for change and for the use of these Standards . We must look for ways to broker the fit and cheerlead for the Standards . We must promote excitement about the work that has gone on before us.

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Remarks - Closing Ceremony, Training Workshop on Advanced Enterprise Skills in the Development Mineral Sector

March 4, 2021.

UNDP Resident Representative Denise E Antonio addressing the closing ceremony

UNDP Resident Representative Denise E Antonio

Closing Ceremony, Training Workshop on Advanced Enterprise Skills

in the Development Mineral Sector in Jamaica

Thursday 4 March 2021, 8:30 a.m.

Salutations

• Charge d'Affaires, European Union in Jamaica, Mr Fredrik Ekfeldt
• Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Mining, Dr Janine Dawkins
• Assistant Secretary General, Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, Mr. Escipion Oliveira Gomez
• Commissioner of Mines, Mr Roy Nicholson
• CEO, Jamaica Business Development Corporation, Ms. Valerie Veira
• President, Jamaica Bankers Association, Mr Jerome Smalling

UNDP is pleased to join you this morning to signal an important milestone in our shared journey of unearthing the significant potential of Jamaica’s development minerals sector.

Sixty representatives have been immersed in an advanced enterprise training to strengthen their capacities to establish, manage and support development minerals enterprises in a more sustainable manner. Teaching the sector how to value their mineral deposits is a gamechanger, as it will enable industry players to leverage their mineral resources as collateral for financing assistance.

As we continue to navigate through this pandemic, this training is both timely and necessary to advance the development minerals industry to the next level and unleash its potential.

Development minerals serve as an essential raw material for many products in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, crafts, tourism, the components of climate smart friendly technology and equipment; therefore, expanding this sector in a sustainable manner will have a multiplier effect on national development.

The Development Minerals Programme is committed to ensuring that exploration and extraction operations are and continue to be environmentally and socially sustainable while providing opportunities to strengthen the policy, legal and institutional frameworks of the sector.

As noted in the 2017 Baseline Assessment published under Phase I of this programme, it is projected that Jamaica could earn up to US$ 7 billion annually through increased production of limestone and its value-added items for local and export markets.  

We are getting there. But there is more work to be done. Stakeholders need to sharpen their entrepreneurial skills and be able to spot opportunities and take advantage of business development services in collaboration with Approved Financial Institutions (AFI’s).   We are aware that a local bank has just partnered with JBDC in setting up a resource centre to focus on assisting Small Mining Enterprises.  We look forward to additional partnerships established through the collective efforts in this training workshop of JBDC, local banks and the mining sector.

We are particularly proud of the programme’s successes in facilitating the passing of the National Minerals Policy in March 2020, spearheaded by the Ministry of Transport and Mining; support in the development of new Certificate and Degree Courses on Mining, Quarrying Management and Land Restoration; the Baseline Assessment Study of the industry and other valuable knowledge products including a suite of capacity development activities focused on sustainable environmental practices, entrepreneurship, gender and safety and health standards to name a few. In addition, market and value chain training has fostered the development of accredited laboratories which are ensuring that mineral products are free from hazardous materials that would cause damage to the environment.

Financial support through grants awarded to some small-scale mining companies/individuals particularly during this COVID period have also been especially welcomed and appreciated towards maintaining some semblance of livelihoods as low productivity and sales are being experienced amongst ceramics, pottery and semi-precious jewelry artisans.

We look forward to a more productive phase two of the programme, confident that we can create the conditions for a reliable, sustainable supply of Development Minerals that will potentially contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction through job creation and successful SMEs.

Let me once again extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to  the European Union, the main financier of this programme, the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, for working to ensure sustainable development and poverty reduction within its member states, as well as their greater integration into the world's economy,  the Government of Jamaica through the Ministry of Transport and Mining and Mines and Geology Division, JBDC the catalyst for entrepreneurial development and all other partners for the excellent work undertaken in Phase one and the continuing successes being scored under Phase 2, ably coordinated by the Programme Country Coordinator Ruth Clarke.

I convey UNDP's best wishes for you as you apply the knowledge acquired from this workshop, and for our continued collaboration to “make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business”.

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Script For INSET(In-service Training) Closing Program

• January 3, 2021
• Eskwela , Education , Program , School , Scripts

Script for INSET (In-service Training) Closing Program.

A quote by Denis Waitley says, “Never become so much of an expert that you stop gaining expertise. View life as a continuous learning experience.”

If you’re interested, I’ve written another post about A Review/Impression of the Speakers, Venue, Food, and Participants of an Exceptional INSET Seminar

To our District V Supervisor, __________, our School Principal, ______________, Master Teachers who also served as our Resource Speakers, fellow Teachers, good morning and welcome to our In-Service Training 2020 Closing Program!

To start with, I would like to request everyone to stand for the singing of the Philippine National Anthem which will be conducted by ____________, Teacher III. And please do remain standing for the Invocation which will be lead by ___________, Teacher III.

Thank you Ma’am _____________ and Ma’am _______________.

I guess, we have done well enough through our 5 days of fun-filled and productive In-Service Training. And it’s all because we had emptied our cup during our training and let our proficient speakers fill it in with new knowledge and ideas that will help us become resilient most especially during these trying times.

So, at this moment, it is just right to lend an ear to our co-teachers who will be giving their impressions about our INSET for this school year. Let me start off with the representative from the primary level, Mrs. _____________. Thank you Ma’am _____________. Now let’s proceed with the representative from the intermediate level, Mrs. ____________________. Thank you Ma’am ____________.

Indeed, our INSET is really useful and important for our professional and personal development.

And now, let’s have the presentation of outputs by Grade Level. The Grade leaders will hand in their grade level’s outputs to their respective Coordinators. May we now ask the grade leader from the SPED Department, Mrs. ________ to hand in their outputs to their coordinator, Mrs. ________________. (Next call the grade 1 Grade Leader until the Grade 6 Grade Leader to the the same)

Our outputs only show of how cooperative and productive we were during our training. With that, we all deserve a recognition.

So, without much further ado, let’s have the distribution of certificates to all our speakers and participants. (The certificates will be distributed by the School Principal. Read the citation written on the certificate before giving it to the first recipient.)

Thank you dear speakers and congratulations to all the teachers!

At this juncture, let’s stay focused and be inspired as we listen to an inspirational message which will be given to us by our very humble, gentle and dedicated school principal, Mrs. __________. Let’s welcome her with a round of applause!

Thank you so much Ma’am ___________.

Before we will part ways, let me leave this quote by William Polland to you. And the quote says, “Learning and Innovations go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow.”

Once again, thank you so much everyone and congratulations for a job well done!

This has been your host, Mrs. ___________ saying, “Merry Christmas! Keep Safe always and See you next year! Bye!”

Closing Program

Philippine National Anthem Invocation Impression Presentation of Outputs by Grade Level Distribution of Certificates to the Resource Speakers and Participants Message

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