30 Examples: How to Conclude a Presentation (Effective Closing Techniques)
By Status.net Editorial Team on March 4, 2024 — 9 minutes to read
Ending a presentation on a high note is a skill that can set you apart from the rest. It’s the final chance to leave an impact on your audience, ensuring they walk away with the key messages embedded in their minds. This moment is about driving your points home and making sure they resonate. Crafting a memorable closing isn’t just about summarizing key points, though that’s part of it, but also about providing value that sticks with your listeners long after they’ve left the room.
Crafting Your Core Message
To leave a lasting impression, your presentation’s conclusion should clearly reflect your core message. This is your chance to reinforce the takeaways and leave the audience thinking about your presentation long after it ends.
Identifying Key Points
Start by recognizing what you want your audience to remember. Think about the main ideas that shaped your talk. Make a list like this:
- The problem your presentation addresses.
- The evidence that supports your argument.
- The solution you propose or the action you want the audience to take.
These key points become the pillars of your core message.
Contextualizing the Presentation
Provide context by briefly relating back to the content of the whole presentation. For example:
- Reference a statistic you shared in the opening, and how it ties into the conclusion.
- Mention a case study that underlines the importance of your message.
Connecting these elements gives your message cohesion and makes your conclusion resonate with the framework of your presentation.
30 Example Phrases: How to Conclude a Presentation
- 1. “In summary, let’s revisit the key takeaways from today’s presentation.”
- 2. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s move forward together.”
- 3. “That brings us to the end. I’m open to any questions you may have.”
- 4. “I’ll leave you with this final thought to ponder as we conclude.”
- 5. “Let’s recap the main points before we wrap up.”
- 6. “I appreciate your engagement. Now, let’s turn these ideas into action.”
- 7. “We’ve covered a lot today. To conclude, remember these crucial points.”
- 8. “As we reach the end, I’d like to emphasize our call to action.”
- 9. “Before we close, let’s quickly review what we’ve learned.”
- 10. “Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to our next steps.”
- 11. “In closing, I’d like to thank everyone for their participation.”
- 12. “Let’s conclude with a reminder of the impact we can make together.”
- 13. “To wrap up our session, here’s a brief summary of our discussion.”
- 14. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to present to you. Any final thoughts?”
- 15. “And that’s a wrap. I welcome any final questions or comments.”
- 16. “As we conclude, let’s remember the objectives we’ve set today.”
- 17. “Thank you for your time. Let’s apply these insights to achieve success.”
- 18. “In conclusion, your feedback is valuable, and I’m here to listen.”
- 19. “Before we part, let’s take a moment to reflect on our key messages.”
- 20. “I’ll end with an invitation for all of us to take the next step.”
- 21. “As we close, let’s commit to the goals we’ve outlined today.”
- 22. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s keep the conversation going.”
- 23. “In conclusion, let’s make a difference, starting now.”
- 24. “I’ll leave you with these final words to consider as we end our time together.”
- 25. “Before we conclude, remember that change starts with our actions today.”
- 26. “Thank you for the lively discussion. Let’s continue to build on these ideas.”
- 27. “As we wrap up, I encourage you to reach out with any further questions.”
- 28. “In closing, I’d like to express my gratitude for your valuable input.”
- 29. “Let’s conclude on a high note and take these learnings forward.”
- 30. “Thank you for your time today. Let’s end with a commitment to progress.”
Summarizing the Main Points
When you reach the end of your presentation, summarizing the main points helps your audience retain the important information you’ve shared. Crafting a memorable summary enables your listeners to walk away with a clear understanding of your message.
Effective Methods of Summarization
To effectively summarize your presentation, you need to distill complex information into concise, digestible pieces. Start by revisiting the overarching theme of your talk and then narrow down to the core messages. Use plain language and imagery to make the enduring ideas stick. Here are some examples of how to do this:
- Use analogies that relate to common experiences to recap complex concepts.
- Incorporate visuals or gestures that reinforce your main arguments.
The Rule of Three
The Rule of Three is a classic writing and communication principle. It means presenting ideas in a trio, which is a pattern that’s easy for people to understand and remember. For instance, you might say, “Our plan will save time, cut costs, and improve quality.” This structure has a pleasing rhythm and makes the content more memorable. Some examples include:
- “This software is fast, user-friendly, and secure.”
- Pointing out a product’s “durability, affordability, and eco-friendliness.”
Reiterating the Main Points
Finally, you want to circle back to the key takeaways of your presentation. Rephrase your main points without introducing new information. This reinforcement supports your audience’s memory and understanding of the material. You might summarize key takeaways like this:
- Mention the problem you addressed, the solution you propose, and the benefits of this solution.
- Highlighting the outcomes of adopting your strategy: higher efficiency, greater satisfaction, and increased revenue.
Creating a Strong Conclusion
The final moments of your presentation are your chance to leave your audience with a powerful lasting impression. A strong conclusion is more than just summarizing—it’s your opportunity to invoke thought, inspire action, and make your message memorable.
Incorporating a Call to Action
A call to action is your parting request to your audience. You want to inspire them to take a specific action or think differently as a result of what they’ve heard. To do this effectively:
- Be clear about what you’re asking.
- Explain why their action is needed.
- Make it as simple as possible for them to take the next steps.
Example Phrases:
- “Start making a difference today by…”
- “Join us in this effort by…”
- “Take the leap and commit to…”
Leaving a Lasting Impression
End your presentation with something memorable. This can be a powerful quote, an inspirational statement, or a compelling story that underscores your main points. The goal here is to resonate with your audience on an emotional level so that your message sticks with them long after they leave.
- “In the words of [Influential Person], ‘…'”
- “Imagine a world where…”
- “This is more than just [Topic]; it’s about…”
Enhancing Audience Engagement
To hold your audience’s attention and ensure they leave with a lasting impression of your presentation, fostering interaction is key.
Q&A Sessions
It’s important to integrate a Q&A session because it allows for direct communication between you and your audience. This interactive segment helps clarify any uncertainties and encourages active participation. Plan for this by designating a time slot towards the end of your presentation and invite questions that promote discussion.
- “I’d love to hear your thoughts; what questions do you have?”
- “Let’s dive into any questions you might have. Who would like to start?”
- “Feel free to ask any questions, whether they’re clarifications or deeper inquiries about the topic.”
Encouraging Audience Participation
Getting your audience involved can transform a good presentation into a great one. Use open-ended questions that provoke thought and allow audience members to reflect on how your content relates to them. Additionally, inviting volunteers to participate in a demonstration or share their experiences keeps everyone engaged and adds a personal touch to your talk.
- “Could someone give me an example of how you’ve encountered this in your work?”
- “I’d appreciate a volunteer to help demonstrate this concept. Who’s interested?”
- “How do you see this information impacting your daily tasks? Let’s discuss!”
Delivering a Persuasive Ending
At the end of your presentation, you have the power to leave a lasting impact on your audience. A persuasive ending can drive home your key message and encourage action.
Sales and Persuasion Tactics
When you’re concluding a presentation with the goal of selling a product or idea, employ carefully chosen sales and persuasion tactics. One method is to summarize the key benefits of your offering, reminding your audience why it’s important to act. For example, if you’ve just presented a new software tool, recap how it will save time and increase productivity. Another tactic is the ‘call to action’, which should be clear and direct, such as “Start your free trial today to experience the benefits first-hand!” Furthermore, using a touch of urgency, like “Offer expires soon!”, can nudge your audience to act promptly.
Final Impressions and Professionalism
Your closing statement is a chance to solidify your professional image and leave a positive impression. It’s important to display confidence and poise. Consider thanking your audience for their time and offering to answer any questions. Make sure to end on a high note by summarizing your message in a concise and memorable way. If your topic was on renewable energy, you might conclude by saying, “Let’s take a leap towards a greener future by adopting these solutions today.” This reinforces your main points and encourages your listeners to think or act differently when they leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some creative strategies for ending a presentation memorably.
To end your presentation in a memorable way, consider incorporating a call to action that engages your audience to take the next step. Another strategy is to finish with a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact that resonates with your listeners.
Can you suggest some powerful quotes suitable for concluding a presentation?
Yes, using a quote can be very effective. For example, Maya Angelou’s “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” can reinforce the emotional impact of your presentation.
What is an effective way to write a conclusion that summarizes a presentation?
An effective conclusion should recap the main points succinctly, highlighting what you want your audience to remember. A good way to conclude is by restating your thesis and then briefly summarizing the supporting points you made.
As a student, how can I leave a strong impression with my presentation’s closing remarks?
To leave a strong impression, consider sharing a personal anecdote related to your topic that demonstrates passion and conviction. This helps humanize your content and makes the message more relatable to your audience.
How can I appropriately thank my audience at the close of my presentation?
A simple and sincere expression of gratitude is always appropriate. You might say, “Thank you for your attention and engagement today,” to convey appreciation while also acknowledging their participation.
What are some examples of a compelling closing sentence in a presentation?
A compelling closing sentence could be something like, “Together, let’s take the leap towards a greener future,” if you’re presenting on sustainability. This sentence is impactful, calls for united action, and leaves your audience with a clear message.
- 30 Examples of Teamwork Self Evaluation Comments
- Effective Nonverbal Communication in the Workplace (Examples)
- 30 Examples of Follow-Up Email Subject Lines
- 5 Effective Examples: How to Write a Two-Week Notice
- 2 Examples of an Effective and Warm Letter of Welcome
- 8 Examples of Effective Interview Confirmation Emails
10 Powerful Examples of How to End a Presentation
- By Illiya Vjestica
- - January 23, 2023
Here are 10 powerful examples of how to end a presentation that does not end with a thank you slide.
How many presentations have you seen that end with “Thank you for listening” or “Any questions?” I bet it’s a lot…
“Thank you for listening.” is the most common example. Unfortunately, when it comes to closing out your slides ending with “thank you” is the norm. We can create a better presentation ending by following these simple examples.
The two most essential slides of your deck are the ending and intro. An excellent presentation ending is critical to helping the audience to the next step or following a specific call to action.
There are many ways you can increase your presentation retention rate . The most critical steps are having a solid call to action at the end of your presentation and a powerful hook that draws your audience in.
What Action do You Want Your Audience to Take?
Before designing your presentation, start with this question – what message or action will you leave your audience with?
Are you looking to persuade, inspire, entertain or inform your audience? You can choose one or multiple words to describe the intent of your presentation.
Think about the action words that best describe your presentation ending – what do you want them to do? Inspire, book, learn, understand, engage, donate, buy, book or schedule. These are a few examples.
If the goal of your presentation is to inspire, why not end with a powerful and inspiring quote ? Let words of wisdom be the spark that ignites an action within your audience.
Here are three ways to end your presentation:
- Call to Action – getting the audience to take a specific action or next step, for example, booking a call, signing up for an event or donating to your cause.
- Persuade – persuading your audience to think differently, try something new, undertake a challenge or join your movement or community.
- Summarise – A summary of the key points and information you want the audience to remember. If you decide to summarise your talk at the end, keep it to no more than three main points.
10 Examples of How to End a Presentation
1. Asking your audience to take action or make a pledge.
Here were asking the audience to take action by using the wording “take action” in our copy. This call to action is a pledge to donate. A clear message like this can be helpful for charities and non-profits looking to raise funding for their campaign or cause.
2. Encourage your audience to take a specific action, e.g. joining your cause or community
Here was are asking the audience to join our community and help solve a problem by becoming part of the solution. It’s a simple call to action. You can pass the touch to your audience and ask them to take the next lead.
3. Highlight the critical points for your audience to remember.
Rember, to summarise your presentation into no more than three key points. This is important because the human brain struggles to remember more than three pieces of information simultaneously. We call this the “Rule of Three”.
4. If you are trying to get more leads or sales end with a call to action to book a demo or schedule a call.
Can you inspire your audience to sign up for a demo or trial of your product? Structure your talk to lead your prospect through a journey of the results you generate for other clients. At the end of your deck, finish with a specific call to action, such as “Want similar results to X?”
Make sure you design a button, or graphic your prospect can click on when you send them the PDF version of the slides.
5. Challenge your audience to think differently or take action, e.g. what impact could they make?
6. Give your audience actions to help share your message.
7. Promote your upcoming events or workshops
8. Asking your audience to become a volunteer.
9. Direct your audience to learn more about your website.
10. If you are a book author, encourage your audience to engage with your book.
6 Questions to Generate an Ending for Your Presentation
You’ve told an engaging story, but why end your presentation without leaving your audience a clear message or call to action?
Here are six great questions you can ask yourself to generate an ending for your presentation or keynote talk.
- What impression would you want to leave your audience with?
- What is the big idea you want to leave them with?
- What action should they take next?
- What key point should you remember 72 hours after your presentation?
- What do you want them to feel?
- What is the key takeaway for them to understand?
What to Say After Ending a Presentation?
When you get to the end of a book, you don’t see the author say, “thank you for reading my last chapter.” Of course, there is no harm in thanking the audience after your presentation ends, but don’t make that the last words you speak.
Think of the ending of the presentation as the final chapter of an epic novel. It’s your chance to leave a lasting impression on the audience. Close with an impactful ending and leave them feeling empowered, invigorated and engaged.
- Leave a lasting impression.
- Think of it as the last chapter of a book.
- Conclude with a thought or question.
- Leave the audience with a specific action or next step.
How to End a Presentation with Style?
There are many great ways you can end your presentation with style. Are you ready to drop the mic?
Ensure your closing slide is punchy, has a clear headline, or uses a thought-provoking image.
You want to capture the audience’s attention before closing the presentation. Make sure the fonts you choose and are clear and easy to read. And What are the Best Colours for Your PowerPoint presentation? Use them wisely.
Do you need to consider adding a link? If you add links to your social media accounts, use icons and buttons to make them easy to see. Add a link to each button or icon. By doing this, if you send the PDF slides to people, they can follow the links to your various accounts.
What Should you Remember?
💡 If you take one thing away from this post, it’s to lose the traditional ending slides. Let’s move on from the “Thank you for your attention.” or “Any questions.” slides.
These don’t help you or the audience. Respect them and think about what they should do next. You may be interested to learn 3 Tactics to Free Your Presentation Style to help you connect to your audience.
Create stunning presentations with our templates, toolkits and guides.
Illiya Vjestica
Share this post:, related posts.
Make Your Slides Intriguing Like Author Sam Horn
7 Surprising Benefits of Using Google Slides
Leave a comment cancel reply.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to visit this site, you agree to our use of cookies
Concluding a PowerPoint Slide: Tips for a Strong Finish
Wrapping up a PowerPoint presentation can feel like a daunting task, but it’s crucial for leaving your audience with a lasting impression. Let’s dive into how to effectively conclude a PowerPoint slide. The key is to summarize your main points, reiterate your message, and end with a call to action or a thought-provoking question. Remember, the goal is to make your conclusion memorable, concise, and impactful.
Step by Step Tutorial: Concluding a PowerPoint Slide
Before we jump into the steps, it’s important to understand that concluding a PowerPoint slide effectively will help reinforce your message and encourage your audience to take action or further engage with your content. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Summarize the Main Points
Begin your conclusion by briefly summarizing the main points of your presentation.
After discussing several aspects of your topic, it’s easy for the audience to get overwhelmed with information. By summarizing, you’re reminding them of the core points and ensuring they leave with a clear understanding of your presentation.
Step 2: Reiterate Your Message
In your conclusion, make sure to reiterate the central message or thesis of your presentation.
This is your last chance to emphasize the importance of your topic. Whether you’re trying to persuade, inform, or inspire, driving your message home one last time can make all the difference in how it resonates with your audience.
Step 3: End with a Call to Action or Question
Finish your PowerPoint slide by encouraging your audience to take action or ponder a thought-provoking question related to your topic.
This step is crucial for engagement. A call to action might prompt your audience to try a new product, implement a strategy, or join a cause. A thought-provoking question, on the other hand, can linger in their minds, keeping them connected to your presentation long after it’s over.
After completing these steps, your audience should feel informed, motivated, and ready to respond to your presentation’s content. Whether they’re discussing it among themselves, reaching out for more information, or taking immediate action, a well-concluded slide sets the stage for ongoing engagement.
Tips for Concluding a PowerPoint Slide
- Keep it short and sweet; your conclusion should be a concise wrap-up, not a second presentation.
- Use clear and strong language to leave a definitive final impression.
- Avoid introducing new information in your conclusion; stick to what you’ve already covered.
- Practice your closing remarks to ensure a smooth and confident delivery.
- Consider using a visually striking image or quote on your final slide for added impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if i have a lot of information to summarize.
Focus on the key takeaways that you want your audience to remember. It’s better to be clear and concise rather than overwhelm your audience with too much information at the end.
Can I use a quote to conclude my PowerPoint slide?
Absolutely! A relevant and powerful quote can be an effective way to underscore your message and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Should I take questions after my conclusion?
Taking questions after your conclusion can be a great way to engage with your audience further, but make sure your conclusion stands strong on its own first.
How long should my conclusion be?
Your conclusion should be brief, ideally no more than a minute or two. The goal is to succinctly wrap things up and reinforce your main points.
Is a call to action always necessary?
While a call to action is not always necessary, it can be a powerful way to encourage your audience to engage with your content beyond the presentation.
- Summarize the main points.
- Reiterate your message.
- End with a call to action or question.
Concluding a PowerPoint slide isn’t just about ending a presentation; it’s about leaving your audience with something to remember. It’s your final chance to drive home your message, emphasize the importance of your topic, and inspire action or further conversation. Whether you’re in a classroom, a boardroom, or a virtual meeting, the way you wrap up your slides can make a world of difference. So, take a deep breath, review your key points, and deliver that closing with confidence. Remember, a strong conclusion can turn a good presentation into a great one. Keep practicing, keep refining, and keep engaging your audience until the very last slide.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.
Share this:
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
Related Posts
- How to Rotate a Powerpoint Slide Presentation
- How to Delete a Slide in Powerpoint 2010: Step-by-Step Guide
- How to End Powerpoint on Last Slide in Powerpoint 2010: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Download a Google Slides Presentation as a Powerpoint File
- How to Hide a Slide in Powerpoint 2010: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Add Bullet Points in Google Slides: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Put Embedded Youtube Video in Powerpoint 2010: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Can You Save a Powerpoint as a Video in Powerpoint 2013? Find Out Here!
- How to Add a New Slide in Google Slides: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Change Slide Size in Powerpoint 2016
- How to Embed a YouTube Video in Powerpoint 2013: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Remove Slide Numbers in Powerpoint 2019: Easy Steps
- How to Make a Powerpoint Slide Vertical in Powerpoint 2013: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Save Powerpoint as PDF with Notes: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Troubleshooting Powerpoint Designer Not Working on Windows 11: Fixes and Tips
- Keeping Track of Word Counts in PowerPoint: Tips and Tricks
- Determining the Size of a PowerPoint Slide in Pixels: A Guide
- How to Delete a Slide in Powerpoint: 2024 Guide for Easy Removal
- How to Exit Slide Master View in Powerpoint 2010: A Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Add Page Numbers in Powerpoint 2010: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get Our Free Newsletter
How-to guides and tech deals
You may opt out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
10 Tips On How To End A Presentation [Examples + Templates]
Everyone agrees that the beginning of a presentation is crucial as it catches your audience’s attention and keeps them engaged, but what about the ending? The end of a presentation is as important as the start, which leaves a strong impression! A strong conclusion can transform a good presentation into a memorable one, but how do you end a presentation? That is exactly what this blog is going to help you with. In this blog, you will learn tips on how to end a presentation, a few common mistakes to avoid, and a lot more! So, what is the wait? Let’s dive in!
Why Is It Important To Have A Conclusion Slide In Your Presentation?
A conclusion is where, as a presenter, you have the opportunity to hammer the nail on its head and leave a memorable impression. But that is not all a conclusion should do; according to Business Communication: Process and Product should achieve three goals:
1. Summarize the main points of the slideshow. 2. Leaves the audience with a key takeaway. 3. Includes a statement that allows you to leave or pass on the mic.
A good conclusion is like the perfect punchline to a good joke; hence, you need to create a solid conclusion that drives your message home and everyone remembers it.
10 Tips On How To Conclude A Presentation
Now, let’s get onto the part that you have been waiting for! It’s time to discover the various tips on how to wrap up a presentation; these tips will not only help you craft a strong conclusion but also will help you learn various methods of delivering your conclusion!
1. Summarize key points
You have company if you struggle to remember what to say at the end of a presentation. Most people do not realize that an overall content summary is often the most fundamental part of an ending. One of the best ways to end a presentation is by summarizing 3-4 major points from your slideshow. This allows you to ensure that everyone present remembers these few points and their context and walks out with the message.
2. End on a Strong Note
While a summary ensures that your audience knows the key highlights of your presentation, it is equally important that your presentation stays memorable. An essential point on how to end and conclude your presentation is by giving it the conclusion it deserves. As the introduction mentions, an audience will often try to remember information by attempting to recall the beginning or end, so try to make the end memorable and even more important in the context of your entire presentation.
Example: If you started with a personal anecdote, revisit it and show how your presentation has provided the solution or insight.
3. Add a Call To Action
A CTA gives the audience something to do after the presentation. This could be as simple as visiting a social media page, signing up on a website, contacting the presenter for anything related to the presentation, or following up on a future presentation or event. This makes the audience an active part of your presentation rather than passive listeners and makes them feel included and involved, where they are participants rather than mere spectators.
4. Ask questions that make your audience think
Ask a rhetorical, thought-provoking question for which your audience must think back to your presentation for answers. Another way of doing this is by presenting your question at the beginning of the presentation and circling back to it by introducing the audience with enough information to answer it after the ending slide of the presentation. This allows you to make your presentation more interactive and helps you retain your audience’s attention.
5. Have brief answers ready
When you think of how to close a presentation, being ready with brief answers to questions that you might ask is the best way! Sometimes, less is more when facing a question at the end of your presentation. This means that you try to keep your answers as short and crisp as possible, as it shows how well-versed you are with the information and to keep your audience’s interest piqued. Practice on questions you have thought about to give you someplace to start and think about how the audience will receive the answers to prepare accordingly.
6. End with a quote
Another great way on how to end a PowerPoint presentation is by using quotes. When talking about quotes, we don’t mean the typical, overused “words of wisdom” you see in every presentation. To go out on a strong note, quote someone relatable or relevant to the context of your presentation; keep the quote as relatable as possible. Don’t go out of your way to find overly philosophical sayings that go over your audience’s head; instead, find something that gives your presentation a conclusion that speaks for itself.
7. Tell a story
One of the best ways to end a presentation is to take the audience on a narrative journey and bring it full circle to relate it to something you said in the beginning. This could be as easy as answering a question you laid out at the beginning of a simple quote that relates to the situation after the end of the presentation. This makes it seem like you have rehearsed and planned a complete conclusive presentation, which helps your reputation as a presenter.
8. Use strong visuals
We are all familiar with the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words,” which means that an image can strike a chord with the audience in a way that words simply cannot. Use vibrant colors and themes, maintain an aesthetic, and include background images and other elements to improve the quality of your presentations and make them more memorable with your audience. They are more likely to remember and recall a visual presentation rather than a boring, text-heavy presentation slide, making it a great method when you think about how to conclude a presentation.
9. Ask for feedback
One of the best ways to conclude a presentation is by asking for feedback from your audience right after thanking them. So, how can you ask them for feedback? It is pretty simple; all you have to do is ask everyone to share their thoughts about the presentation through a series of Q&A sessions, or you can approach people individually after the presentation. When you conclude a presentation by asking for feedback, it shows that you truly value their time and input as well, and it even helps you grow!
10. Use a conclusion slide
The last tip on how to end a presentation has to be to use a conclusion slide. Many people use a thank you slide, but those slides hardly help close a slideshow. You can end a presentation by saying ‘Thank You,’ but it won’t have the same effect as having a conclusion that summarizes everything. A good conclusion helps you deliver the message you have been conveying throughout the presentation.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Ending A Presentation
Now that you know how to conclude a PowerPoint presentation, you should also be aware of a few mistakes you can make when creating a conclusion for your presentations.
1. Being overly lengthy
It is best if you keep it brief as a presenter. The last thing an audience wants to hear in a conclusion is a detailed overview of what they just went over. Limit yourself to just the key takeaways rather than a story similar to what has already been presented to ensure an audience listens to you rather than tuning themselves out.
2. Not having a precise meaning
Ending a presentation can quickly become very awkward if you have not prepared how to close a presentation as it transitions into an abrupt silence or unplanned conversation. Be sure to include a definite ending to your presentation so that there is no confusion between you and the audience, letting them know you have concluded your presentation.
3. Not thanking your audience and team
One of the last things you do as a presenter is thank all parties involved for all their contributions. This begins with thanking team members – those who compiled the slideshow, those who went through the efforts to find the relevant data and information, and those who are direct team members. This is an easy and efficient way to acknowledge those who have been involved with a project and give them the credit that they deserve for the work that they have put in.
Finally, thank the audience for their time, patience, efforts, and respect to ensure they feel seen and understood at the end of the presentation. This is an etiquette for appreciating them and their participation. To add to your visuals, add a Thank You slide after your conclusion that encompasses your brand identity. Interestingly, you can combine it with the Contact Us page to make it more streamlined and include all vital information in a single slide.
How To End A Presentation Slides And Examples
If you are curious about what a good conclusion slide looks like, you can take a look at a few of SlideUpLift’s conclusion PowerPoint templates . These templates work as an inspiration and can be used directly in your presentation as well, as they are 100% customizable, allowing you to make the template into your slide.
Now that you know how to end a presentation like a pro, it is time for you to start creating slideshows that have conclusions that achieve all three goals a conclusion should. While knowing how to end a presentation, it is also great to learn how to create a title slide that will captivate your audience. So, get out there and create stunning presentations that portray everything you want!
How do you end a presentation?
To begin wrapping up your presentation, start by providing a summary of the presentation and key points, and follow that up with one of the CTA, Quotes, or Questions. Anticipate what the audience may ask, and provide contact details that will let the audience reach out to you. Finally, thank the audience and your team for all their efforts and time.
Should I end a presentation with a joke?
Ending a presentation with a joke is a very situational instance where you can afford to make a joke casually and informally with your peers. However, jokes may backfire with executives and team leaders in a more formal setting.
How can I make my presentation conclusion more memorable?
Using a quote or statistic, you can make your presentation conclusion more memorable. You can also tell a relatable story or anecdote while asking a thought-provoking question. Additionally, add visual elements to incorporate the message you are sending.
What do you say at the end of a presentation?
A few common phrases that you can say at the end of a presentation include:
- Thank you for your time.
- I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today.
- I’ll now answer any questions you have.
Table Of Content
Related presentations.
Thank You Slide Templates
End Slide Templates
Conclusion Slide Templates
Related posts from the same category.
22 Jul, 2024 | SlideUpLift
17 Tips On How To Write A Professional PowerPoint Presentation [+Templates]
Presentations are a fantastic tool for communicating vital information. Even though people think it's simple to put all your content together and make a presentation, arranging and preparing the template
31 Jul, 2024 | SlideUpLift
How To Introduce Yourself Professionally [Examples + Templates]
Are you tired of the same old, boring self-introductions? It's time to step into the spotlight and make a memorable entrance. Whether you're facing a panel of interviewers or a
10 Best Financial Presentation Examples For PowerPoint
Presenting large data in a concise format in a presentation is just as important as it affects the efficiency of your business decision-making process. To make your work easy, we
6 Jan, 2020 | SlideUpLift
Top 10 Hacks On How To Make PowerPoint Presentation Attractive
Per experts, the audience gets hooked and pays more attention to the visual content of your PowerPoint slides than drab-looking, text-heavy content. This article answers the well to know question
4 Oct, 2023 | SlideUpLift
The Best And Worst PowerPoint Presentation Examples
Engaging presentations are the lifeblood of effective communication in today's information-driven world. Whether you're in a boardroom pitching a new idea, standing in front of a classroom of curious learners,
23 Aug, 2024 | SlideUpLift
The Best PowerPoint Presentation Examples To Get Inspired By!
Engaging presentations are the secret sauce of effective communication. They bring life to your ideas and transform information into inspiration. They are the heartbeat of any memorable message, connecting with
22 Aug, 2024 | SlideUpLift
Best Professional Presentation Examples To Inspire You [+ Premium Templates]
It’s crucial for professionals to deliver outstanding and engaging presentations that convey essential information to their teams and stakeholders. Most professional PowerPoint themes are the backbone of corporate presentations and
27 Sep, 2023 | SlideUpLift
10 Bad PowerPoint Slides Examples to Avoid
A presentation serves two purposes: 1) it teaches your audience something new and 2) motivates them to take action. However, achieving these goals is only possible if your audience is
6 Jan, 2021 | SlideUpLift
How To Start a Presentation : Make A Strong First Impression
Presenting well requires preparation, and the first step is mastering the art of the opening statement. You may pique your audience's curiosity by crafting a captivating introduction to your presentation.
10 Nov, 2021 | SlideUpLift
PowerPoint Presentation Tips: How to Make a Good PowerPoint Presentation
A well-crafted PowerPoint presentation can have a lasting impact on your audience. However, creating an effective presentation can be daunting, especially if you are unsure how to make it engaging
Related Tags And Categories
Forgot Password?
Privacy Overview
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
8 Ways to End a Powerpoint Presentation
Wrap up your PowerPoint presentation with a compelling call-to-action to leave a lasting impression. Your audience is more likely to remember your closing words than any other part, so make them impactful.
Here are some useful tips to end your PowerPoint presentation effectively and leave a lasting impression on your audience. I hope these help you get your point across. Let’s dive in.
1. Ask an insightful question.
2. give a memorable analogy., 3. ask for advice/help., 4. summarize the key points., 5. close with a quote from a famous person or an expert., 6. provide a takeaway message., 7. praise and thank the audience., 8. end with a call to action..
Ending your PowerPoint presentation with an insightful question gives the audience something to ponder and helps them remember your speech better. This approach leaves them thinking about the issue long after your talk.
Ask questions to get feedback on opinions and ideas. This is useful when others disagree or offer different views.
An analogy helps people grasp your perspective and keeps it memorable even after your presentation ends. Choose analogies where both elements share a common feature but differ in another.
Explain your perspective on the subject and relate it to theirs. This helps bridge any gap in understanding. For instance, if they don’t grasp the importance of social media for business, use an analogy: Building a brand on social media is like building a house; you need a solid foundation.
End your presentation by asking the audience for their input on fixing an issue or what to do next. This makes them feel involved and keeps the discussion going even after the presentation. They’ll leave wanting more.
It’s helpful because you’re addressing a problem your audience might have. This shows them you’re trying to help, which builds trust. Asking for assistance can further earn their trust, making it easier to persuade them.
Summarize your speech’s key points and read them aloud to boost audience retention. Re-emphasize critical information, such as safety tips or instructions. Offering follow-up steps or suggestions at the end helps conclude on time and informs your audience about future actions.
Summing up your presentation is helpful as it ensures all key points are analyzed and considered. This makes your presentation appear complete and thoughtful, increasing your audience’s agreement with your message.
Ending your presentation with a popular quote can leave a memorable impact, especially when you mention the author and connect it to your talk. A respected expert can also close your PowerPoint, lending authority and reinforcing your points.
A quote works well because it ties everything together and makes sense of the information in your presentation. It leaves people thinking and encourages further research on what was said.
End your speech with something tangible, like a self-improvement checklist, an important life lesson, or useful information. This helps them remember your closing statement and the key points of your speech.
Checklists are practical as they make your speech more helpful. They ensure people remember the main points gradually, leaving them satisfied with your presentation. Using a checklist suggests you don’t expect immediate retention but encourage understanding over time.
End your presentation with a compliment for your audience. It leaves them feeling valued and grateful. Thanking them acknowledges their presence and shows you respect their opinions. It also demonstrates your care and enthusiasm for your topic, creating a light-hearted conclusion. Your audience will appreciate your effort and sincerity.
Thank those who helped with your PowerPoint to show the audience the effort put into the presentation. It shows you care about the topic and the attendees. It also expresses appreciation for their interest.
A call to action is as crucial as the beginning. End on time by telling your audience what to do next. This helps them complete tasks later. The last thing you want is people leaving the presentation and forgetting to act on what they’ve learned.
Of course, you don’t want to sound presumptuous, so ask a question instead of giving direct advice. This approach makes it their choice to follow your suggestions and motivates them because they feel in control.
Related Posts:
We use essential cookies to make Venngage work. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
Manage Cookies
Cookies and similar technologies collect certain information about how you’re using our website. Some of them are essential, and without them you wouldn’t be able to use Venngage. But others are optional, and you get to choose whether we use them or not.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are always on, as they’re essential for making Venngage work, and making it safe. Without these cookies, services you’ve asked for can’t be provided.
Show cookie providers
- Google Login
Functionality Cookies
These cookies help us provide enhanced functionality and personalisation, and remember your settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers.
Performance Cookies
These cookies help us analyze how many people are using Venngage, where they come from and how they're using it. If you opt out of these cookies, we can’t get feedback to make Venngage better for you and all our users.
- Google Analytics
Targeting Cookies
These cookies are set by our advertising partners to track your activity and show you relevant Venngage ads on other sites as you browse the internet.
- Google Tag Manager
- Infographics
- Daily Infographics
- Popular Templates
- Accessibility
- Graphic Design
- Graphs and Charts
- Data Visualization
- Human Resources
- Beginner Guides
Blog Marketing How To End A Presentation & Leave A Lasting Impression
How To End A Presentation & Leave A Lasting Impression
Written by: Krystle Wong Aug 09, 2023
So you’ve got an exciting presentation ready to wow your audience and you’re left with the final brushstroke — how to end your presentation with a bang.
Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a profound and lasting impression that resonates long after the lights dim and the audience disperses.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the art of crafting an impactful conclusion that resonates with 10 effective techniques and ideas along with real-life examples to inspire your next presentation. Alternatively, you could always jump right into creating your slides by customizing our professionally designed presentation templates . They’re fully customizable and require no design experience at all!
Click to jump ahead:
Why is it important to have an impactful ending for your presentation?
10 effective presentation closing techniques to leave a lasting impression, 7 things to put on a conclusion slide.
- 5 real-life exceptional examples of how to end a presentation
6 mistakes to avoid in concluding a presentation
Faqs on how to end a presentation, how to create a memorable presentation with venngage.
People tend to remember the beginning and end of a presentation more vividly than the middle, making the final moments your last chance to make a lasting impression.
An ending that leaves a lasting impact doesn’t merely mark the end of a presentation; it opens doors to further exploration. A strong conclusion is vital because it:
- Leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
- Reinforces key points and takeaways.
- Motivates action and implementation of ideas.
- Creates an emotional connection with the audience.
- Fosters engagement, curiosity and reflection.
Just like the final scene of a movie, your presentation’s ending has the potential to linger in your audience’s minds long after they’ve left the room. From summarizing key points to engaging the audience in unexpected ways, make a lasting impression with these 10 ways to end a presentation:
1. The summary
Wrap up your entire presentation with a concise and impactful summary, recapping the key points and main takeaways. By doing so, you reinforce the essential aspects and ensure the audience leaves with a crystal-clear understanding of your core message.
2. The reverse story
Here’s a cool one: start with the end result and then surprise the audience with the journey that led you to where you are. Share the challenges you conquered and the lessons you learned, making it a memorable and unique conclusion that drives home your key takeaways.
Alternatively, customize one of our cool presentation templates to capture the attention of your audience and deliver your message in an engaging and memorable way
3. The metaphorical prop
For an added visual touch, bring a symbolic prop that represents your message. Explain its significance in relation to your content, leaving the audience with a tangible and unforgettable visual representation that reinforces your key concepts.
4. The audience engagement challenge
Get the audience involved by throwing them a challenge related to your informational presentation. Encourage active participation and promise to share the results later, fostering their involvement and motivating them to take action.
5. The memorable statistic showcase
Spice things up with a series of surprising or intriguing statistics, presented with attention-grabbing visual aids. Summarize your main points using these impactful stats to ensure the audience remembers and grasps the significance of your data, especially when delivering a business presentation or pitch deck presentation .
Transform your data-heavy presentations into engaging presentations using data visualization tools. Venngage’s chart and graph tools help you present information in a digestible and visually appealing manner. Infographics and diagrams can simplify complex concepts while images add a relatable dimension to your presentation.
6. The interactive story creation
How about a collaborative story? Work with the audience to create an impromptu tale together. Let them contribute elements and build the story with you. Then, cleverly tie it back to your core message with a creative presentation conclusion.
7. The unexpected guest speaker
Introduce an unexpected guest who shares a unique perspective related to your presentation’s theme. If their story aligns with your message, it’ll surely amp up the audience’s interest and engagement.
8. The thought-provoking prompt
Leave your audience pondering with a thought-provoking question or prompt related to your topic. Encourage reflection and curiosity, sparking a desire to explore the subject further and dig deeper into your message.
9. The empowering call-to-action
Time to inspire action! Craft a powerful call to action that motivates the audience to make a difference. Provide practical steps and resources to support their involvement, empowering them to take part in something meaningful.
10. The heartfelt expression
End on a warm note by expressing genuine gratitude and appreciation for the audience’s time and attention. Acknowledge their presence and thank them sincerely, leaving a lasting impression of professionalism and warmth.
Not sure where to start? These 12 presentation software might come in handy for creating a good presentation that stands out.
Remember, your closing slides for the presentation is your final opportunity to make a strong impact on your audience. However, the question remains — what exactly should be on the last slide of your presentation? Here are 7 conclusion slide examples to conclude with a high note:
1. Key takeaways
Highlight the main points or key takeaways from your presentation. This reinforces the essential information you want the audience to remember, ensuring they leave with a clear understanding of your message with a well summarized and simple presentation .
2. Closing statement
Craft a strong closing statement that summarizes the overall message of your presentation and leaves a positive final impression. This concluding remark should be impactful and memorable.
3. Call-to-action
Don’t forget to include a compelling call to action in your final message that motivates the audience to take specific steps after the presentation. Whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, trying a product or conducting further research, a clear call to action can encourage engagement.
4. Contact information
Provide your contact details, such as email address or social media handles. That way, the audience can easily reach out for further inquiries or discussions. Building connections with your audience enhances engagement and opens doors for future opportunities.
Use impactful visuals or graphics to deliver your presentation effectively and make the conclusion slide visually appealing. Engaging visuals can captivate the audience and help solidify your key points.
Visuals are powerful tools for retention. Use Venngage’s library of icons, images and charts to complement your text. You can easily upload and incorporate your own images or choose from Venngage’s library of stock photos to add depth and relevance to your visuals.
6. Next steps
Outline the recommended next steps for the audience to take after the presentation, guiding them on what actions to pursue. This can be a practical roadmap for implementing your ideas and recommendations.
7. Inspirational quote
To leave a lasting impression, consider including a powerful and relevant quote that resonates with the main message of your presentation. Thoughtful quotes can inspire and reinforce the significance of your key points.
Whether you’re giving an in-person or virtual presentation , a strong wrap-up can boost persuasiveness and ensure that your message resonates and motivates action effectively. Check out our gallery of professional presentation templates to get started.
5 real-life exceptional examples of how to end a presentation
When we talk about crafting an exceptional closing for a presentation, I’m sure you’ll have a million questions — like how do you end a presentation, what do you say at the end of a presentation or even how to say thank you after a presentation.
To get a better idea of how to end a presentation with style — let’s delve into five remarkable real-life examples that offer valuable insights into crafting a conclusion that truly seals the deal:
1. Sheryl Sandberg
In her TED Talk titled “Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders,” Sheryl Sandberg concluded with an impactful call to action, urging men and women to lean in and support gender equality in the workplace. This motivational ending inspired the audience to take action toward a more inclusive world.
2. Elon Musk
Elon Musk often concludes with his vision for the future and how his companies are working towards groundbreaking advancements. His passion and enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of technology leave the audience inspired and eager to witness the future unfold.
3. Barack Obama
President Obama’s farewell address concluded with an emotional and heartfelt expression of gratitude to the American people. He thanked the audience for their support and encouraged them to stay engaged and uphold the values that define the nation.
4. Brené Brown
In her TED Talk on vulnerability, Brené Brown ended with a powerful quote from Theodore Roosevelt: “It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.” This quote reinforced her message about the importance of embracing vulnerability and taking risks in life.
5. Malala Yousafzai
In her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Malala Yousafzai ended with a moving call to action for education and girls’ rights. She inspired the audience to stand up against injustice and to work towards a world where every child has access to education.
For more innovative presentation ideas , turn ordinary slides into captivating experiences with these 15 interactive presentation ideas that will leave your audience begging for more.
So, we talked about how a good presentation usually ends. As you approach the conclusion of your presentation, let’s go through some of the common pitfalls you should avoid that will undermine the impact of your closing:
1. Abrupt endings
To deliver persuasive presentations, don’t leave your audience hanging with an abrupt conclusion. Instead, ensure a smooth transition by providing a clear closing statement or summarizing the key points to leave a lasting impression.
2. New information
You may be wondering — can I introduce new information or ideas in the closing? The answer is no. Resist the urge to introduce new data or facts in the conclusion and stick to reinforcing the main content presented earlier. By introducing new content at the end, you risk overshadowing your main message.
3. Ending with a Q&A session
While Q&A sessions are valuable , don’t conclude your presentation with them. Opt for a strong closing statement or call-to-action instead, leaving the audience with a clear takeaway.
4. Overloading your final slide
Avoid cluttering your final slide with too much information or excessive visuals. Keep it clean, concise and impactful to reinforce your key messages effectively.
5. Forgetting the call-to-action
Most presentations fail to include a compelling call-to-action which can diminish the overall impact of your presentation. To deliver a persuasive presentation, encourage your audience to take specific steps after the talk, driving engagement and follow-through.
6. Ignoring the audience
Make your conclusion audience-centric by connecting with their needs and interests. Avoid making it solely about yourself or your achievements. Instead, focus on how your message benefits the audience.
What should be the last slide of a presentation?
The last slide of a presentation should be a conclusion slide, summarizing key takeaways, delivering a strong closing statement and possibly including a call to action.
How do I begin a presentation?
Grabbing the audience’s attention at the very beginning with a compelling opening such as a relevant story, surprising statistic or thought-provoking question. You can even create a game presentation to boost interactivity with your audience. Check out this blog for more ideas on how to start a presentation .
How can I ensure a smooth transition from the body of the presentation to the closing?
To ensure a smooth transition, summarize key points from the body, use transition phrases like “In conclusion,” and revisit the main message introduced at the beginning. Bridge the content discussed to the themes of the closing and consider adjusting tone and pace to signal the transition.
How long should the conclusion of a presentation be?
The conclusion of a presentation should typically be around 5-10% of the total presentation time, keeping it concise and impactful.
Should you say thank you at the end of a presentation?
Yes, saying thank you at the end of a PowerPoint presentation is a courteous way to show appreciation for the audience’s time and attention.
Should I use presentation slides in the concluding part of my talk?
Yes, using presentation slides in the concluding part of your talk can be effective. Use concise slides to summarize key takeaways, reinforce your main points and deliver a strong closing statement. A final presentation slide can enhance the impact of your conclusion and help the audience remember your message.
Should I include a Q&A session at the end of the presentation?
Avoid Q&A sessions in certain situations to ensure a well-structured and impactful conclusion. It helps prevent potential time constraints and disruptions to your carefully crafted ending, ensuring your core message remains the focus without the risk of unanswered or off-topic questions diluting the presentation’s impact.
Is it appropriate to use humor in the closing of a presentation?
Using humor in the closing of a presentation can be appropriate if it aligns with your content and audience as it can leave a positive and memorable impression. However, it’s essential to use humor carefully and avoid inappropriate or offensive jokes.
How do I manage nervousness during the closing of a presentation?
To manage nervousness during the closing, focus on your key points and the main message you want to convey. Take deep breaths to calm your nerves, maintain eye contact and remind yourself that you’re sharing valuable insights to enhance your presentation skills.
Creating a memorable presentation is a blend of engaging content and visually captivating design. With Venngage, you can transform your ideas into a dynamic and unforgettable presentation in just 5 easy steps:
- Choose a template from Venngage’s library: Pick a visually appealing template that fits your presentation’s theme and audience, making it easy to get started with a professional look.
- Craft a compelling story or outline: Organize your content into a clear and coherent narrative or outline the key points to engage your audience and make the information easy to follow.
- Customize design and visuals: Tailor the template with your brand colors, fonts and captivating visuals like images and icons, enhancing your presentation’s visual appeal and uniqueness. You can also use an eye-catching presentation background to elevate your visual content.
- Incorporate impactful quotes or inspiring elements: Include powerful quotes or elements that resonate with your message, evoking emotions and leaving a lasting impression on your audience members
- Utilize data visualization for clarity: Present data and statistics effectively with Venngage’s charts, graphs and infographics, simplifying complex information for better comprehension.
Additionally, Venngage’s real-time collaboration tools allow you to seamlessly collaborate with team members to elevate your presentation creation process to a whole new level. Use comments and annotations to provide feedback on each other’s work and refine ideas as a group, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded presentation.
Well, there you have it—the secrets of how to conclude a presentation. From summarizing your key message to delivering a compelling call to action, you’re now armed with a toolkit of techniques that’ll leave your audience in awe.
Now go ahead, wrap it up like a pro and leave that lasting impression that sets you apart as a presenter who knows how to captivate, inspire and truly make a mark.
Discover popular designs
Infographic maker
Brochure maker
White paper online
Newsletter creator
Flyer maker
Timeline maker
Letterhead maker
Mind map maker
Ebook maker
- Video Marketing
- Case Studies
- Create a video
How to End a Presentation? [Top 8 Strategies with Examples]
Guru - May 9, 2023 - Leave your thoughts. 9 min read
animaker deck , presentation , presentation ideas , Presentation Software , presentation tips
How you end a presentation is just as crucial as its opening. It can make or break the impression that you leave on your audience.
A strong conclusion can reinforce your key message and ensure that your audience remembers it even after the presentation is over.
A well-concluded presentation can leave your audience impressed, energized, and motivated to take action.
So now, are you wondering what’s the best way to conclude your presentation? Don’t worry! You have come to the right place!
To help you make a powerful ending to your presentation, we have compiled a list of 8 different strategies in this blog post.
Each of these strategies is designed to help you create a memorable and impactful conclusion to your presentation.
By choosing the most appropriate one for your presentation, you can ensure that your audience remembers your key message and feels motivated to take action.
Let’s jump right in,
1. Emphasize the core message 2. Mirror your opening statement 3. Pose an open-ended question 4. End with a Call to action 5. Thank the audience 6. End with a powerful quote 7. Acknowledge your contributors 8. Ask for feedback
1. Emphasize the core message:
One of the most important aspects of any presentation is ensuring your audience understands your core message.
Reiterating your main points and summarizing your message at the end of your presentation can reinforce this and leave a lasting impression.
It helps to ensure that your audience understands the purpose of your presentation and has a clear takeaway from the information you have provided.
In this video, the speaker restates her topic to conclude her speech firmly and gives a pause, resulting in tremendous applause from the audience.
Similarly, by restating your core message, you can also create a sense of cohesion and give your presentation a firm closure.
This can be particularly important if you want to motivate your audience to take action or influence their behavior in some way.
However, it's important not to repeat EVERYTHING you have said. Instead, focus on the most crucial elements and highlight them in a concise and clear manner.
2. Mirror your opening statement:
A great way to end your presentation is by mirroring your opening statement in your conclusion.
Highlighting your presentation's key message at the end and emphasizing the central idea you aimed to communicate will help your audience to retain it in their memory.
During the conclusion of the presentation, the speaker effectively utilized the technique of mirroring the opening example she had presented - ordering a pizza on the phone by herself.
The speaker demonstrated the remarkable transformation she had undergone in terms of personal growth and confidence, which strongly reinforced her message to the audience.
By mirroring her opening example, she created a sense of familiarity and connection with her audience while simultaneously driving home the key message of her presentation.
This technique allowed the audience to understand better and relate to the speaker's personal journey and the message she was conveying.
Similarly, you can also use this strategy to conclude your presentation. This can be particularly effective if you are trying to reinforce a specific theme or idea throughout your presentation.
3. Pose an open-ended question:
One of the best ways to conclude your presentation is to elicit a response from your audience using an open-ended question that can effectively engage them and make your presentation more memorable.
Look at how the speaker concludes her speech with an open-ended question in this video.
Similarly, you can also raise open-ended questions to help your audience look from a different perspective and encourage them to investigate more thoroughly on the information presented.
Most importantly, ensuring that your question is relevant to your presentation and doesn't detract from your overall message is essential when eliciting a response.
So make sure that you kindle your audiences’ thoughts and ideas with the open-ended question at the end. This helps create a good long-lasting impression of your presentation.
4. End with a Call to action:
One of the best ways to end your presentation is by concluding with a call to action slide.
Incorporating a call to action into your presentation can be a powerful way to encourage your audience to take the next step.
Whether it's signing up for a program, making a purchase, or supporting a cause, a clear call to action is essential to achieving your desired outcome.
Similarly, according to your type of presentation, you can include a relevant call to action.
For example, this might involve providing specific instructions or offering an incentive for taking action, such as a discount or free trial.
It's essential that you understand their pain points and make your call to action compelling. Ensure that your core message and the needs of your audience are aligned so that they are motivated enough to act.
5. Thank the audience:
At the end of your presentation, it's essential to recognize that your audience has taken time out of their busy schedules to attend and listen to your message.
Thanking your audience for their time and attention can create a positive impression and make them feel appreciated.
It's essential to make your gratitude genuine and sincere rather than a superficial gesture. For example, consider expressing your gratitude with a personal anecdote or acknowledging specific individuals in the audience.
This simple act of gratitude can also create a sense of personal connection and signal to your audience that the presentation has reached its conclusion, paving the way for future interactions with them.
6. End with a powerful quote:
One effective strategy to end your presentation on a high note is by leaving the audience with a powerful quote.
However, it's crucial to choose a quote that is not only impactful but also unique and relevant to your topic.
Using a commonly known quote may come across as unoriginal and irrelevant, losing the attention and interest of your audience in most cases.
In this presentation, Steve Jobs concludes his speech with an inspiring and powerful message, “Stay Hungry! Stay Foolish”. Thereby emphasizing that you should never stop learning, pursue more goals, and never stop being satisfied.
Similarly, in your conclusion, consider using a relevant quote to make an impact.
7. Acknowledge your contributors:
Another best way to conclude your presentation is by showing gratitude to your contributors.
For example, if you deliver a business presentation on behalf of a team or a department, it's essential to recognize the collective effort that went into creating the presentation.
The concluding moments of your speech are the perfect opportunity to acknowledge your team members' hard work and dedication.
You can express gratitude to your team as a whole, thanking them for their contribution to the presentation.
However, if you want to ensure that the individual efforts of team members are recognized, highlighting specific contributions may be a better approach.
Some examples include:
"Join me in giving a round of applause to my incredible team, who played a significant role in arranging this pitch deck."
"Finally, I would like to mention that my tech team experts provided me with insight into the technical nuances, and without their contribution, this presentation would not have been as informative as it is now."
"As I conclude, I want to express my gratitude to Mark and Serene from the Marketing team, whose assistance in gathering the data and designing the slides was invaluable."
By acknowledging individual team members, you are demonstrating your appreciation for their work and giving them the recognition they deserve.
This will not only make them feel valued but also motivate them to continue contributing to the success of future presentations.
So be sure to end your presentation with the required acknowledgment for all the contributions.
8. Ask for feedback:
You can conclude your presentation seamlessly by thanking the audience and asking for feedback from them.
Encouraging feedback from your audience can greatly benefit your future presentations. It allows you to understand how your message was received and how you can improve for the next time.
So, how can you gather feedback effectively?
Firstly, ask attendees to share their thoughts on your presentation after you finish speaking. This can be done by initiating a Q&A session or by approaching individuals directly.
Another option is to set up a QR code near the exit and ask people to scan and jot down their thoughts on the online form as they leave. This allows attendees to provide their feedback in a confidential and hassle-free manner.
Also, consider having a suggestion box for handwritten feedback notes or creating an anonymous online survey that links to your presentation slides. This method is beneficial if you want to gather feedback from a large audience or if you prefer to have quantitative data.
By actively seeking feedback, you show your audience that you value their input and are committed to improving your presentation skills.
However, this strategy does not apply to all the general presentations. So use this way of concluding your presentation where it makes more sense to you and the audience.
In summary, an impactful conclusion is vital to wrap up your presentation successfully.
Each of these strategies serves a unique purpose, and by combining them, you can create a conclusion that is both engaging and impactful.
By incorporating the 8 critical strategies mentioned in this guide, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience, ensuring that your message stays with them even after the presentation has ended.
Now that you have learned the pro strategies of how to end a presentation, take a look at this guide on “How to start a presentation” as well and nail your presentation from start to end!
If you are still uncertain about how to make a presentation from the ground up, we suggest checking out Animaker Deck - the world's first avatar-driven presentation software.
With over 40 distinct and creatively designed templates at your disposal, we are confident you will find it worth trying!
We hope this article was helpful. Do let us know your thoughts on which strategy worked best for you, and also suggest your own ways of ending a presentation.
Related Posts
How to Embed a Video in Powerpoint? [Supercharge your PPTs Now]
Top 10 Presentation Software for 2023
25 Best Presentation Templates for the Perfect Pitch [For 2023]
Subscribe to get awesome DIY tips that could break the boundaries of other DIY tools.
Create Engaging Animated Videos On Your Own
Our drag-and-drop builder makes it easy for anyone to create pro-level animated videos using pre-made templates and ready-to-go assets with zero technical skills.
Home Blog Presentation Ideas Key Insights on How To End a Presentation Effectively
Key Insights on How To End a Presentation Effectively
A piece of research by Ipsos Corporate Firm titled “Last Impressions Also Count” argues that “our memories can be governed more by how an experience ends than how it begins .” A lasting final impression can be critical to any presentation, especially as it makes our presentation goals more attainable. We’re covering how to end a presentation , as it can certainly come through as an earned skill or a craft tailored with years of experience. Yet, we can also argue that performing exceptionally in a presentation is conducting the proper research. So, here’s vital information to help out with the task.
This article goes over popular presentation types; it gives suggestions, defines the benefits and examples of different speech closing approaches, and lines all this information up following each presentation purpose.
We also included references to industry leaders towards the end, hoping a few real-life examples can help you gain valuable insight. Learn from noted speakers and consultants as you resort to SlideModel’s latest presentation templates for your efforts. We’re working together on more successful presentation endings that make a difference!
Table of Content
A presentation’s end is not a recap
The benefits of ending a presentation uniquely, the power of closing in persuasive presentations, informative presentations: the kind set out to convey, call to action presentations: trigger actions or kickoff initiatives, a final word on cta presentations, real-life examples of how to end a presentation, succeeding with an effective presentation’s ending.
We need to debunk a widespread myth to start. That’s why the ending of the presentation calls for an appealing action or content beyond just restating information that the speaker already provided.
A presentation’s end is not a summary of data already given to our audience. On the contrary, a wrap-up is a perfect time to provide meaningful and valuable facts that trigger the desired response we seek from our audience. Just as important as knowing how to start a presentation , your skills on how to end a PowerPoint presentation will make a difference in the presentation’s performance.
Effective ways to end a presentation stem from truly seeking to accomplish – and excel – at reaching a presentation’s primary objective. And what are the benefits of that?
Considering the benefits of each closing approach, think about the great satisfaction that comes from giving an excellent presentation that ends well. We all intuitively rejoice in that success, regardless of the kind of audience we face.
That feeling of achievement, when an ending feels right, is not a minor element, and it’s the engine that should drive our best efforts forward. Going for the most recommended way of ending a presentation according to its primary goal and presentation type is one way to ensure we achieve our purpose.
The main benefit of cleverly unlocking the secret to presentation success is getting the ball rolling on what we set ourselves to achieve . Whether that’s securing a funding round, delivering a final project, presenting a quarterly business review, or other goals; there is no possible way in which handling the best presentation-ending approaches fails to add to making a skilled presenter, improving a brand or business, or positively stirring any academic or commercial context.
The best part of mastering these skills is the ability to benefit from all of the above time and time again; for any project, idea, or need moving forward.
How to end a PowerPoint Presentation?
PowerPoint Presentations differ by dimensions. They vary not only tied to the diverse reasons people present, but they also separate themselves from one another according to: a- use, b- context, c- industry, and d- purpose.
We’re focusing on three different types of presentation pillars, which are:
- Informative
- Calls to action
As you can guess, the speaker’s intent varies throughout these types. Yet, there’s much more to each! Let’s go over each type’s diverse options with examples.
In 2009, “The New Rules of Persuasion,” a journal article published by The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, determined that commercial persuasion was missing “the ability to think clearly about behavior goals and the mindset of starting small and growing what works.” Incorporating these thoughts is still equally valid in persuasive presentations today.
What hasn’t changed since, however, is this society’s good reminder that “the potential to persuade is in the hands of millions.” As they stated in that publication, “ordinary people sitting in dorm rooms and garages can compete against the biggest brands and the richest companies.” The proven reality behind that concept can be pretty inspiring.
According to this source, “ the first critical step in designing for persuasion is to select an appropriate target behavior. ” And, for behavior to occur, in their opinion, “three elements must converge at the same moment […]: Motivation , Ability, and Trigger .” This theory signals a person is motivated through sensation, anticipation, or belonging when they can perform a particular action. This concept is at the backbone of setting the correct trigger to allow a group of people to react a certain way.
The above is of utmost importance as we seek to gear persuasive efforts. The more insight we get on the matter, the easier it is to define the precise actions that will effectively trigger a certainly required response – in any scenario.
Here are options on how to deliver a final punch in a persuasive presentation during different types of objectives:
Investment presentations
Whenever you seek funding, that need should be expressly clear during a pitch. Investors need to know what’s in it for them on a given investment. Highlight what interests them, and add what the return for the investor is. Mention dividends, equity, or the return method selected, for instance. Your final ask slide should show the exact amount you’re looking for during this funding stage.
Throughout, explain what an investor’s return on investment (ROI) will be. And make sure you do so according to provable calculations. Here, the goal is to display current figures and future opportunities in your speech.
You mustn’t make up this data. In this setting, presenters are naturally assessed by their ability to stay within real options fully supported by proven and concise reliable information.
Focus on showing an ability to execute and accomplish expected growth. Also, be precise on how you’re using any trusted funds . For that, mention where they’ll be allocated and how you foresee revenue after investing the funds in your idea, product, or company.
Pitch Presentations
Pitches are also another form of persuasive presentation. Presenters are expected to wow in new ways with them, be engaging in their approach, and deliver valuable, market-impacting data. When someone delivers a pitch, it seeks a particular kind of action in return from the audience. Being fully engaged towards a presentation’s end is crucial.
Make sure you give the presentation’s end a Call to Action slide in sales. You’re certainly looking to maximize conversion rates here. Bluntly invite your audience to purchase the product or service you’re selling, and doing so is fair in this context. For example, you can add a QR code or even include an old-fashioned Contact Us button. To generate the QR code, you can use a QR code generator .
According to Sage Publishing , there are “four types of informative speeches[, which] are definition speeches, demonstration speeches, explanatory speeches, and descriptive speeches.” In business, descriptive speeches are the most common. When we transport these more specifically to the art of presenting, we can think of project presentations, quarterly business reviews, and product launches. In education, the definition and demonstration speeches are the norm, we can think in lectures and research presentations respectively.
As their name suggests, these presentations are meant to inform our audiences of specific content. Or, as SAGE Flex for Public Speaking puts it in a document about these kinds of speeches, “the speaker’s general goal is always to inform—or teach—the audience by offering interesting information about a topic in a way that helps the audience remember what they’ve heard.” Remember that as much as possible, you’re looking to, in Sage’s words, give out “information about a topic in a way that’s easy to understand and memorable.” Let’s see how we manage that in the most common informative presentation scenarios mentioned above.
Project Presentations
For projects, presentations should end with an action plan . Ensure the project can keep moving forward after the presentation. The best with these conclusion slides is to define who is responsible for which tasks and the expected date of completion. Aim to do so clearly, so that there are no remaining doubts about stakeholders and duties when the presentation ends. In other words, seek commitment from the team, before stepping out of these meetings. It should be clear to your audience what’s expected next of them.
As an addition, sum up, your problem, solution, and benefits of this project as part of your final message.
Quarterly Business Review Presentations (QBR)
By the end of the presentation type, you would’ve naturally gone over everything that happened during a specific quarter. Therefore, make sure you end this quarterly review with clear objectives on what’s to come for the following term. Be specific on what’s to come.
In doing so, set figures you hope to reach. Give out numbers and be precise in this practice. Having a clear action plan to address new or continuing goals is crucial in this aspect for a recent quarter’s start out of your QBR. Otherwise, we’re missing out on a true QBR’s purpose. According to Gainsight , “If you go into a QBR without a concrete set of goals and a pathway to achieve them, you’ll only waste everyone’s time. You won’t improve the value of your product or services for your customers. You won’t bolster your company’s image in the eyes of key stakeholders and decision-makers. You won’t better understand your client’s business objectives.” As they put it, “Lock in solid goals for the next quarter (or until your next QBR)” and secure your way forward as the last step in presenting these kinds of data. Visit our guide on How to Write an Effective Quarterly Business Review for further tips on this type of presentation.
Research presentations
Your research has come this far! It’s time to close it off with an executive summary.
Include the hypothesis, thesis, and conclusion towards the presentation’s end.
How do you get the audience to recall the main points of all this work? Let this guiding question answer what to insert in your final slide, but seek to reinforce your main findings, key concepts, or valuable insight as much as possible. Support your statements where necessary.
Most commonly, researchers end with credits to the collaborating teams. Consider your main messages for the audience to take home. And tie those with the hypothesis as much as possible.
Product Launch Presentation
Quite simply, please take out the product launch’s roadmap and make it visible for your presentation’s end in this case.
It’s ideal for product launch presentations to stir conversations that get a product moving. Please don’t stick to showcasing the product, but build a narrative around it.
Steve Jobs’ example at the bottom might help guide you with ideas on how to go around this. A key factor is how Apple presentations were based on a precise mix of cutting-edge, revolutionary means of working with technology advancements and a simple human touch.
Elon Musk’s principles are similar. People’s ambitions and dreams are a natural part of that final invitation for consumers or viewers to take action. What will get your audience talking? Seek to make them react.
Lecture for specific classes / educational presentation
When it comes to academic settings, it’s helpful to summarize key points of a presentation while leaving room for questions and answers.
If you’re facing a periodic encounter in a class environment, let students know what’s coming for the next term. For instance, you could title that section “What’s coming next class,” or be creative about how you call for your student body’s attention every time you go over pending items.
If you need to leave homework, list what tasks need to be completed by the audience for the next class.
Another option is to jot down the main learnings from this session or inspire students to come back for the following class with a list of exciting topics. There’s more room for play in this setting than in the others we’ve described thus far.
Harvard Business Review (HBR) concisely describes the need at the end of a call to action presentation. HBR’s direct piece of advice is that you should “use the last few moments of your presentation to clarify what action [an audience] can take to show their support.” And what’s key to HBR is that you “Also mention your timeframe” as, for them, “a deadline can help to urge [the audience] into action.” Having a clear view of specific timelines is always fruitful for a better grasp of action items.
In her book Resonate, Nancy Duarte explains that “No matter how engaging your presentation may be, no audience will act unless you describe a reward that makes it worthwhile. You must clearly articulate the ultimate gain for the audience […] If your call to action asks them to sacrifice their time, money, or ideals, you must be very clear about the payoff.”
Business plan presentations
Here, we need to speak of two different presentation types, one is a traditional approach , and the second is what we call a lean approach .
For the traditional business plan presentation, display each internal area call to action. Think of Marketing, Operations, HR, and even budgets as you do so. Your PowerPoint end slide should include the rewards for each of the areas. For example, which will benefit each area when achieving the targets, or how will the company reward its employees when attaining specific goals? Communicating the reward will help each of the responsible entities to trigger action.
On the other hand, for your lean business plan, consider a business model canvas to bring your presentation to an end.
Job interview presentations
You can undoubtedly feel tons of pressure asking for a specific position. For a great chance of getting that new job, consider closing your case with a 30 60 90 day plan as a particular hiring date. The employer will see its reward in each of the 30-day milestones.
Also, show off what you’ll bring to the role and how you’ll benefit the company in that period, specifically. Again, to a certain extent, we’re seeking to impress by being offered a position. Your differentiator can help as a wrap-up statement in this case.
Business Model Presentation
The pivot business model fits perfectly here for a presentation’s grand finale. The reward is simple; the business validated a hypothesis, and a new approach has been defined.
Though the setting can be stressful around business model presentations, you can see this as simply letting executives know what the following line of steps will need to be for the business model to be scalable and viable. Take some tension off this purpose by focusing on actions needed moving forward.
Your call to action will center around a clear business model canvas pivot here.
We need to work hard at ending presentations with clear and concise calls to action (CTA) and dare be creative as we’re doing so! Suppose you can manage to give out a specific CTA in a way that’s imaginative, appealing, and even innovative. In that case, you’ll be showing off priceless and unique creative skills that get people talking for years!
Think of Bill Gates’ releasing mosquitoes in a TED Talk on malaria, for example. He went that far to get his CTA across. Maybe that’s a bit too bold, but there’s also no limit!
Now that we can rely on a broader understanding of how to conclude a presentation successfully, we’ll top this summary off with real-life examples of great endings to famous speakers’ presentations. These people have done a stellar job at ending their presentations in every case.
We’re also going back to our three main pillars to focus on a practical example for each. You’ll find an excellent example for an informative speech, a persuasive pitch, and a successful investor pitch deck. We’re also expanding on the last item for a guiding idea on ending a pitch directly from Reid Hoffman.
Informational Presentation: A product launch of a phone reinvention
The first is what’s been titled “the best product launch ever.” We’re going back to the iconic Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch dated more than a decade ago. You can see how to end a presentation with a quote in this example effectively. The quote resonates with the whole presentation purpose, which was not “selling” the iPhone as a “hardware phone” but as the “hardware” platform for “great software.” Closing with a quote from a famous personality that summarizes the idea was a clever move.
Little words are needed to introduce Steve Jobs as a great speaker who effectively moved the business forward every time he went up on a stage to present a new product. No one has ever been so revolutionary with a calm business spirit that has changed the world!
Persuasive Presentation: The best pitch deck ever
We’re giving you the perfect example of a great pitch deck for a persuasive kind of presentation.
Here’s TechCrunch’s gallery on Uber’s first pitch deck .
As you can see, the last slide doesn’t just report the status to date on their services; it also accounts for the following steps moving forward with a precise date scheduled.
Check the deck out for a clearer idea of wrapping up a persuasive business presentation.
Call to Action Presentation: LinkedIn’s Series B pitch deck by Reid Hoffman
As mentioned before, here’s an expanded final sendoff! Reid Hoffman is an established entrepreneur. As a venture capitalist and author, he’s earned quite a remarkable record in his career, acting as co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn.
We’re highlighting LinkedIn’s series B pitch deck to Greylock Partners mainly because these slides managed to raise a $10 M funding round. Yet, moreover, we’re doing so because this deck is known to be well-rounded and overall highly successful.
LinkedIn may be famous now for what it does, but back in 2004, when this deck made a difference, the company wasn’t a leader in a market with lots of attention. As Reid highlights on his website, they had no substantial organic growth or revenue. Yet, they still managed to raise a considerable amount.
In Reid’s words for his last slide, “The reason we reused this slide from the beginning of the presentation was to indicate the end of presentation while returning to the high line of conceptualizing the business and reminding investors of the value proposition.” In his vision, “You should end on a slide that you want people to be paying attention to,” which he has tied with the recommendation that you “close with your investment thesis,” as well. A final note from him on this last slide of LinkedIn’s winning pitch is that “the end is when you should return to the most fundamental topic to discuss with your investors.” Quite a wrap-up from a stellar VC! Follow the linked site above to read more on the rest of his ending slides if you haven’t ever done so already.
The suggestions above are practical and proven ways to end a presentation effectively. Yet, remember, the real secret is knowing your audience so well you’ll learn how to grasp their attention for your production in the first place.
Focus on the bigger picture and add content to your conclusion slide that’s cohesive to your entire presentation. And then aim to make a lasting final impression that will secure what you need. There is a myriad of ways to achieve that and seek the perfect-suiting one.
Also, be bold if the area calls for it. As you see above, there is no shame, but an actual need to state the precise funding amount you need to make it through a specific stage of funding. Exercise whatever tools you have at your disposal to get the required attention.
Also, being sure about whatever decision you make will only make this an easier road to travel. If your head is transparent about what’s needed, you’ll be more confident to make a convincing case that points your audience in the right direction.
Check out our step-by-step guide on how to make a presentation .
Ending a presentation effectively is crucial as it leaves a lasting impression on the audience, reinforces the key message, and significantly influences the audience’s perception and actions following the presentation.
No, instead of simply recapping, use the end of your presentation to provide meaningful and valuable facts that trigger the desired response from your audience. The ending should reinforce your main message and encourage action.
A strong presentation ending can increase engagement, ensure your key points are remembered, motivate the audience to take action and leave a positive impression that enhances your credibility and effectiveness as a presenter.
For persuasive presentations, ensure you highlight the benefits for the audience, such as return on investment for investors or clear actions for a pitch. Focus on motivation, ability, and triggers to encourage the desired behavior.
End informative presentations with a clear summary of the key points, an action plan, or specific goals for the future. For example, project presentations should end with an action plan, and quarterly business reviews should conclude with objectives for the next term.
End a CTA presentation by clearly stating what action you want the audience to take and by providing a specific timeframe. Highlight the benefits of taking action and make the request compelling and urgent.
A CTA slide encourages the audience to take specific actions, such as contacting you, purchasing, or supporting a project. Make it clear, compelling, and actionable.
Use creative and engaging methods such as storytelling, quotes, visual aids, or a compelling call to action. Tailor your ending to your audience’s needs and interests to ensure it resonates with them.
Avoid being vague or indecisive. Do not merely recap the presentation. Instead, provide a clear, compelling, actionable conclusion reinforcing your main message.
Understand your audience, clearly define your presentation goals, and plan your ending to align with those goals. Practice delivering your conclusion to ensure it’s impactful and confident.
Like this article? Please share
Business, Business Development, Business PowerPoint Templates, Business Presentations, Corporate Presentations, PowerPoint Tips, Presentation Approaches Filed under Presentation Ideas
Related Articles
Filed under Business • December 4th, 2024
Partnership Proposal Presentations: A Guide for Lasting Business Alliances
Master the art of partnership proposal presentations and secure your collaboration processes with fellow brands in the industry. Detailed guide here!
Filed under Business • November 27th, 2024
The Essentials of a Meeting Presentation: Guide + Templates
Are you ready to learn about what makes an effective meeting presentation? Join us to discover all about it, plus recommended PPT templates.
Filed under Presentation Ideas • November 19th, 2024
What is the Best Way to Deliver Presentations with Authenticity
Do you feel as if your presentations look dull or robotic? Discover how to bring authenticity to your slides and speech with this guide.
Leave a Reply
5 Effective and powerful ways to end a presentation!
Learn about their importance, common mistakes, and examples to conclude your presentation successfully!
Supriya Sarkar
Delivering presentations
Table of contents
Presentations are not just about delivering information; they are about leaving a lasting impact on your audience. The conclusion holds immense significance as it's the final chance to reinforce key messages, prompt action, and make a memorable impression. Research indicates a 25% reduction in our attention spans , highlighting the need for powerful conclusions to enhance retention.
In this guide, we'll look into the importance of ending a presentation effectively. Also, we will explore five effective techniques for concluding presentations with examples to end and common mistakes to avoid during this critical phase.
Why are presentation conclusions important?
When we engage in a movie or a lengthy session, our memory often captures the beginning, end, and occasionally some highlights from the middle. This tendency arises from the brain's limited capacity for sustained attention.
Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman explained the profound concept that explains the difference between the experiencing self and the remembering self . According to Kahneman, the experiencing self perceives events in the present moment, while the remembering self reflects on them afterward. Importantly, he emphasizes that our recollection of events is significantly shaped by their endings.
In presentations, where specific objectives are central, the conclusion becomes important. If the end of your presentation fails to impress or facilitate retention, its purpose is compromised. Therefore, the conclusion of a presentation serves several critical purposes:
- Reinforcing key messages: Summarizing the main points of your presentation reinforces them in the minds of your audience. Repetition aids retention, ensuring that your key messages are remembered long after the presentation ends.
- Motivating action: A well-crafted conclusion includes a clear call to action (CTA) that prompts the audience to take specific steps. Whether it's signing up for a service, implementing a strategy, or simply reflecting on the presented information, a compelling CTA bridges the gap between knowledge and action.
- Leaving an impression: The conclusion is your final opportunity to leave a memorable impression on your audience. It is the part of the presentation that lingers in their minds, shaping their perception of your message and your credibility as a speaker.
How to conclude a presentation? 5 Effective techniques:
When concluding a presentation, employing certain techniques can significantly strengthen your closing, thereby enhancing retention and impact levels. Let's explore five effective strategies to achieve this goal.
Summarization:
Summarizing the key points of your presentation reinforces them in the minds of your audience. Keep the summary concise, focusing on the most important takeaways. This technique ensures that your main messages stick with the audience long after the presentation is over.
Example of a short and crip summary: “In summary, our Q3 revenue surged by 20%, largely propelled by strong sales in the Asian market. However, to boost profitability, we must prioritize cost reduction efforts moving forward."
Emphasize a CTA:
A call to action is a powerful way to motivate your audience to take specific steps based on the information you've presented. Whether it's signing up for a service, making a purchase, or implementing a new strategy, a clear and compelling CTA guides your audience toward specific actions.
Example of a conclusion that motivates to take an action: "As we wrap up, I encourage all stakeholders to join us in this exciting journey. Let's collaborate to implement these strategies to cut carbon emissions by 42% by 2030. Together, we can drive meaningful change and propel our organization to new heights."
Audience engagement:
Engaging your audience in the conclusion helps maintain their attention and involvement until the end. This could involve asking thought-provoking questions, inviting feedback, or sharing relevant anecdotes that resonate with your audience.
Example of a feedback invitation before the conclusion: "Before we conclude, I would like to invite you to share one key takeaway from today's presentation. Let's take a moment to reflect on how we can apply these insights in our roles. Who would like to start?"
You can learn more about engaging your audience during a presentation in our detailed conversation with industry leaders and experts in this podcast.
Persuasion technique:
Employ persuasive language and storytelling techniques to drive home your message in the conclusion. You can make smart use of anecdotes, statistics, or testimonials to add credibility and emotional appeal to your presentation.
An impressive example of persuasion:
"In conclusion, I want to leave you with a powerful statistic: studies show that companies that prioritize employee well-being experience a 22% increase in productivity. By investing in initiatives that support our team's health and happiness, we're not just improving morale—we're driving tangible business results. Let's make employee well-being a top priority moving forward."
To learn more about advanced persuasion techniques you can explore our extensive guide here which dives into the topic in detail and provides examples for better understanding.
Conceptualization:
Conclude your presentation by effectively describing the future state or desired outcome. Help your audience visualize the benefits of implementing your ideas or solutions, inspiring them to action.
An example of a conclusion where conceptualization is used:
"In conclusion , let's envision the future with AI as our innovative solution. Imagine a scenario where AI streamlines our processes, enhances our decision-making, and drives unprecedented growth. By embracing AI technology, we empower our team to achieve remarkable results and stay ahead of the curve in our industry. Together, let's harness the power of AI to shape a brighter tomorrow."
What mistakes do you need to avoid at the end of a presentation?
Presenters sometimes make mistakes when wrapping up their presentations, which can weaken the impact they've built. By recognizing and avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your presentation ends on a high note and leaves a lasting impression. Let's explore some common errors and how to steer clear of them to a strong conclusion.
Rushing to end a presentation:
One of the biggest mistakes presenters make is abruptly ending the presentation without a proper conclusion. This can throw off audience interest and leave them feeling disoriented.
Solution: Allocate sufficient time for the closing remarks to ensure a smooth and impactful conclusion. A well-paced conclusion allows for a seamless transition between points, keeping the audience engaged and focused on your message.
Overloading your conclusion:
Many presenters make the mistake of overloading the final slide with too much information, overwhelming the audience and detracting from the main message. Also, introducing new information at this stage can detract from the presentation's purpose.
Solution : To avoid this, focus on summarizing the key points concisely. Aim for a clear and concise conclusion that reinforces the main message without introducing new information. This ensures that your audience retains the information presented without feeling overwhelmed.
Avoid ending your presentation with Q&A:
While the Q&A session is valuable, using it as the conclusion can lead to an abrupt ending without proper closure for the audience.
Solution: Instead, provide the audience with a closing statement or a strong takeaway from your presentation. This helps you to provide clarity and direction, enhancing understanding and retention of the information presented.
Unaligned conclusions:
The conclusion should align with the presentation introduction to ensure a cohesive narrative. An unaligned conclusion makes the audience feel disoriented and impacts their ability to retain information.
Solution: To address this, create a sense of cohesion by referencing elements introduced at the beginning of your presentation. This could be a story, quote, or theme that ties your introduction to your conclusion. End your presentation with a memorable statement or compelling call to action to leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Inability to adapt the presentation end:
Not paying attention to audience reactions can lead to a lackluster conclusion. It's essential to read audience cues and adapt the end of the presentation accordingly.
Solution: Adjust your tone, pace, and content based on the audience's nonverbal cues to maintain engagement. Ensure that you remain flexible and prepared to adjust your conclusion based on audience reactions. This will also ensure continued receptiveness from the audience. Flexibility is key to addressing unforeseen circumstances while maintaining the integrity of your message.
Did you know that 80% of human communication is conveyed through body language and other non-verbal cues? That's why mastering the art of reading your audience is essential if you want to make a lasting impression. Read our detailed article to learn more about effectively interpreting your audience's non-verbal cues and optimizing your communication skills.
Skipping the Call to Action (CTA):
If you skip suggesting any prompt action from the audience, it can result in unappealing endings to presentations. On the other hand, if your presentation includes a call to action or concludes with a compelling statement, that motivates your audience to take the desired steps.
Solution: Clearly state what you want your audience to do next, whether it's signing up, implementing a strategy, or reflecting on the presented information. Communicate what you want them to do next and why it's important. A strong call to action will help you reinforce the message and at the same time encourage your audience to act upon it, bridging the gap between information and implementation.
Overusing clichés as a way to end:
While expressing gratitude is important, relying on generic phrases like “Thank you for your time” is not a strong way to end your presentation. These clichés have been overused and trigger a default response from the audience, resulting in immediate disengagement.
Solution: Craft a unique and memorable closing that aligns with your message and leaves a strong impression on your audience. Express gratitude for their time and attention in a way that provides closure. For example, summarize the journey you've taken together throughout the presentation or conclude with a thought-provoking statement that leaves them with something to consider beyond the presentation.
Examples of how to end a presentation with conclusion slides:
Here are some examples of effective presentation conclusion slides that you can refer to for inspiration in crafting your next presentation's ending. Feel free to use them directly or adapt them to suit your specific needs and style. Downloading these templates can also help streamline your presentation creation process and save valuable time.
Key takeaways on presentation conclusion:
• End of presentations are crucial for leaving a lasting impact and ensuring audience retention. • Techniques like summarization, emphasizing a call to action, engaging the audience, employing persuasive language, and conceptualization can strengthen your core message. • Common mistakes to avoid in your powerpoint presentation include rushing to the end of your presentation, overloading it with information, ending with a Q&A, unaligned conclusions, and inability to adapt.
How can Prezent help to end your presentation with style?
Presentation software like Prezent can help you to conclude your business presentations effectively by providing a range of tools and features designed to enhance the closing stages of your presentations:
Templates: Prezent offers a variety of professionally designed slide templates that you can choose from. These templates include pre-designed conclusion slides covering various business scenarios with visually appealing layouts, making it easy for presenters to create impactful endings.
Auto-generate presentations: You can choose to generate an entirely new on-brand presentation if you don’t want to build one from scratch. This feature helps you quickly create presentations with impactful endings, which you can then refine and modify as per your requirements.
Training and resources : Prezent provides training materials and resources on effective presentation techniques , including tips for crafting compelling conclusions. You can access guides and industry best practices to improve your presentation skills and create more impactful endings.
Discover the full potential of Prezent's features and capabilities with our free trial today. If you prefer personalized guidance into our AI product, schedule a demo with our experts. We'll walk you through our platform, offering insights to streamline your business communications and presentation creation process effectively.
More zenpedia articles
15 Best communication tools - Use the right business communication tool for effective communication in the workplace
Brand Style Guide 2025: Create a consistent brand identity to ensure sustainability
How to make a good presentation: A modern guide to crafting effective slides for enterprises
Get the latest from Prezent community
Join thousands of subscribers who receive our best practices on communication, storytelling, presentation design, and more. New tips weekly. (No spam, we promise!)
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
30 Example Phrases: How to Conclude a Presentation. 1. "In summary, let's revisit the key takeaways from today's presentation." 2. "Thank you for your attention. Let's move forward together." 3. "That brings us to the end. I'm open to any questions you may have." 4. "I'll leave you with this final thought to ponder as we ...
Here are 10 powerful examples of how to end a presentation that does not end with a thank you slide.. How many presentations have you seen that end with "Thank you for listening" or "Any questions?" I bet it's a lot… "Thank you for listening." is the most common example. Unfortunately, when it comes to closing out your slides ending with "thank you" is the norm.
Remember, these fun ways to end a presentation aren't one-size-fits-all. You need to tailor these phrases to fit the specific context and tone of your presentation. Bonus 1: How to Start a Presentation. Now you know how to conclude a presentation. We've also discussed what to say at the end of a presentation.
Wrapping up a PowerPoint presentation can feel like a daunting task, but it's crucial for leaving your audience with a lasting impression. Let's dive into how to effectively conclude a PowerPoint slide. The key is to summarize your main points, reiterate your message, and end with a call to action or a thought-provoking question.
Another great way on how to end a PowerPoint presentation is by using quotes. When talking about quotes, we don't mean the typical, overused "words of wisdom" you see in every presentation. To go out on a strong note, quote someone relatable or relevant to the context of your presentation; keep the quote as relatable as possible. ...
Offering follow-up steps or suggestions at the end helps conclude on time and informs your audience about future actions. Summing up your presentation is helpful as it ensures all key points are analyzed and considered. This makes your presentation appear complete and thoughtful, increasing your audience's agreement with your message. 5.
Yes, saying thank you at the end of a PowerPoint presentation is a courteous way to show appreciation for the audience's time and attention. Should I use presentation slides in the concluding part of my talk? Yes, using presentation slides in the concluding part of your talk can be effective. Use concise slides to summarize key takeaways ...
This helps create a good long-lasting impression of your presentation. 4. End with a Call to action: One of the best ways to end your presentation is by concluding with a call to action slide. Incorporating a call to action into your presentation can be a powerful way to encourage your audience to take the next step.
A presentation's end is not a recap. We need to debunk a widespread myth to start. That's why the ending of the presentation calls for an appealing action or content beyond just restating information that the speaker already provided. A presentation's end is not a summary of data already given to our audience.
End your presentation with a memorable statement or compelling call to action to leave a lasting impression on your audience. ... • Common mistakes to avoid in your powerpoint presentation include rushing to the end of your presentation, overloading it with information, ending with a Q&A, unaligned conclusions, and inability to adapt. ...