Conclusion

 

Your conclusion should do three things:

 

1. Refocus your audience on your central idea -- remind them of the point of view you have brought to your topic

2. Briefly summarize for them your main points

3. Close by leaving audience with something to reflect upon or some thought to consider.

 

Here are a few things that you don't want to do in a conclusion. First, never apologize to the audience at the end -- or the beginning, for that matter -- of the speech. Second, don't drag the conclusion out. When you signal the audience you're about to conclude, they expect you to end the speech. Thirdly, don't bring in new information, even if it is something important you earlier forgot to say. That will only confuse your audience and muddle your message. Do not let the speech stutter into some final sentence like, "I guess that's about it."