HOW SHOULD I END A PRESENTATION? FOUR EASY STEPS
Learn from my mistake, prepare how to conclude your presentation with confidence with these four easy steps.
The presentation was nearing its end, and I had rehearsed everything except the concluding few minutes. It was one of my first paid keynote speeches. The main points were solid, however I did not lend enough thought to how I was going to end the presentation. The lesson was soon learned and never to be forgotten!
I tried to review the key takeaways and relate to something that would matter to my audience, however, I never prepared the last few sentences of my speech. It all came to a screeching halt when I heard myself say, “So, yeah, that’s it, I am done,” before a mild murmur of applause began. I knew my big misstep immediately and vowed to never let it happen again! I was not at all prepared for how to end my presentation. If you must tell your audience when your speech is done, you can benefit from some work on concluding your speech. I have learned about the most important steps to end a presentation and broke it down for you, below, into four simple steps.
Four steps on how to end a presentation:
1. Make it obvious you are nearing the end.
At times, it may be as simple as “So today you have heard….” or phrases like “All in all” or “In conclusion” or “In review.” However you do it, be sure it is obvious to your audience that you are about to end your presentation and are done introducing new information.
2. Review the key concepts.
Since we process words faster when we hear them than when we speak them, we must remind our audience members what they already heard to keep them engaged throughout the speech, all the way to the end! Keeping them on track through the conclusion helps the audience to remember your key points more effectively.
3. Tie it back to your introduction
What did you mention in your introduction that may bring it home for the audience? Did you tell a story? Maybe now is the time for the last part of the story (as long as it relates to the purpose of your speech.) Did you introduce why this topic is important? Reiterate the importance to your audience.
4. Communicate why your audience should care
As the speaker, you must relate this topic to your audience. Blatantly state how they benefit with this new knowledge. In the conclusion you can state why their understanding will better serve them. Does this information allow them to be better equipped, informed or prepared? Will this information remind them of what is important so they won’t miss a deadline? Will they benefit financially, socially, professionally or healthwise? In the conclusion you want to remind the audience how they benefit from the information you just presented.
Utilize these four steps to end a presentation confidently. Do not make the same mistake I did—be sure you not only prepare the conclusion, but rehearse it! This way, you will not have to endure the embarrassment I did when you have to tell your audience that your presentation is finished. #lessonlearned
Meg Bucaro is a communication strategist and college adjunct faculty who is passionate about positioning women for success by teaching them powerful communication behaviors. For more information on how to increase your credibility, likeability and influence, schedule a chat with Meg or follow her on Instagram or Linkedin.
