“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” – H. W. Longfellow
The ending of your persuasive speech is just as important as the beginning—maybe even more. This is your last chance to leave a lasting impression and drive your main message home. Psychologists call this the recency effect, which means people tend to remember what they heard last. So, if you want your audience to take action or remember your key points, your conclusion needs to be strong and clear.
A great ending should tie everything together. Think of it like the closing scene of a powerful movie or the final note of a great song. It should echo your opening, remind your audience of your core message, and signal that you’re wrapping up. This helps listeners absorb your main points, especially since many people only catch parts of what they hear.
Some of the most famous speeches and TED Talks are remembered because of how they ended—with powerful, inspiring words. You don’t need to be a world leader to achieve this. With practice and intention, you can craft a memorable close that leaves your audience thinking, feeling, or ready to act. End on a high note—and aim for that standing ovation.
In this blog, we will explore persuasive conclusion examples and best practices on how to write a persuasive conclusion. Let’s dive in!
Ending a Speech: Key Takeaways
- A strong conclusion helps your audience remember your message. The last part of your speech is often what sticks the most, so use it to repeat your key point and leave a clear impression.
- Tie your ending back to your beginning. If you opened with a story, quote, or question, revisit it at the end. This creates a full-circle moment and reiterates your central idea.
- Use tools like a call to action, a final quote, or a short story to inspire your audience. These techniques make your message feel complete and more impactful.
- End with confidence. Signal that you’re done, stand still, and pause before walking away. This gives your audience time to reflect—and shows you believe in what you said.
Persuasive Speech: Definition
A persuasive speech is a type of talk where you try to change someone’s mind or get them to agree with your point of view. You might give one in a class debate, a public speaking contest, or during a graded presentation at school or university. The goal is to make your audience see things the way you do.
Even though a persuasive speech is spoken out loud, it always starts with writing. Planning your speech on paper first helps you organize your thoughts, do solid research, and avoid saying something that isn’t true. Being prepared also gives you more confidence when it’s time to speak. The better your message is planned, the more likely you are to convince others.
Persuasive Speech: Best Practices
To deliver a powerful persuasive speech, start with strong preparation. Know your goal and research your topic from all sides—including opposing views. This will help you build well-rounded, informed arguments that speak to different perspectives.
Plan your structure carefully. Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction. Use a story, shocking fact, or emotional hook. Clearly state your topic and move into 2 to 4 strong, focused points. This keeps your speech clear and avoids losing your audience’s attention.
Tailor your message to your audience. Think about who they are—their age, beliefs, concerns, and interests. This helps you connect with them more effectively, especially if you share a story or example they can relate to.
Use the three persuasive techniques:
- Ethos appeals to values and ethics.
- Pathos taps into emotions.
- Logos uses logic and facts to make your point clear and solid.
Address counterarguments respectfully and objectively. Doing so shows that you’re fair-minded and strengthens your credibility.
Your conclusion should leave a lasting impression. Reinforce your strongest point or make a clear call to action. For example, if you spoke about climate change, encourage listeners to take a specific step.
Finally, practice out loud. Focus on body language, tone, and eye contact. Avoid memorizing the entire speech—just remember your key points. Speak confidently and naturally to truly persuade your audience.
How to Conclude a Persuasive Speech
A persuasive speech doesn’t end when you stop speaking—it ends when your audience takes action, thinks differently, or remembers your words long after they’ve left the room. That’s why how you close your speech matters just as much as how you begin. A powerful ending ties everything together and gives your message a lasting impact. Below are simple yet effective strategies on how to write a conclusion for a persuasive speech.
Circle Back to the Beginning
A great way to wrap up your speech is to return to where you started. Did you open with a story, quote, or surprising fact? Revisit it. For example, if you start with a case study about someone who faced a tough challenge, you can end with how that person overcame it. This creates a full-circle moment that feels satisfying to your audience. It also reiterates your key message without introducing new content.
Using this method helps people remember the purpose of your speech. It gives your talk a strong sense of structure, making it easier for your listeners to understand and reflect on your ideas.
Restate Your Central Idea
Before ending, remind your audience of your main point. You can repeat it exactly or reword it slightly to keep it fresh. Either way, be clear and direct. This is your chance to drive your message home and make sure people walk away knowing what your talk was all about.
For instance, if your core message is about the power of small actions leading to big change, end with a line like: “Big transformations don’t start overnight—they begin with one simple step.”
Recap the Key Points
After you restate your central idea, summarize your salient points briefly. This doesn’t mean going over your entire speech. Just hit the high notes to remind your audience of the structure and flow of your argument.
Think of it like this:
- Tell them what you’re going to say.
- Say it.
- Then tell them what you said.
This kind of repetition might feel redundant to you as a speaker, but for listeners, it helps cement your message. It gives your speech clarity and shows you’re wrapping things up with intention.
Use a Strong Clincher
A clincher is a closing statement that signals the end of your speech and reinforces your message. It gives your audience a sense of completion. A good clincher can take many forms: a quote, a final call to action, or even a short poem.
For example, if you’ve just spoken about resilience, you might share a short story or poem that inspires strength and courage. Whatever you choose, make sure it ties back to your main idea.
Set a Challenge or Call to Action
If your speech is meant to inspire action, don’t leave the next steps up in the air. Be clear about what you want your audience to do. This could be something small like signing a petition, or something bigger like changing how they work or live.
A powerful call to action might sound like this: “We have great challenges and great opportunities—and with your help, we can meet them and make next year the best one yet!”
Explain the benefits of taking that action and paint a picture of what the future could look like. This will not only inspire your audience but also help them feel personally connected to your message.
Ask a Thought-Provoking Question
Sometimes, the best way to end a speech is with a question—one that makes your audience pause and think. A strong question can stick with them long after your talk is over.
Try something like: “If not now, when?” or “What will your first step be toward making a difference?” These types of questions challenge listeners to reflect on your message and consider how it applies to their own lives.
Finish With a Story
Audiences remember stories more than facts or figures. That’s why ending your speech with a short, meaningful story can be incredibly powerful. Choose a story that supports your central idea and brings your message to life.
Keep it brief and clear. End the story with a simple explanation of the lesson or moral. For instance: “That’s why even the smallest effort can change someone’s life.” A good story taps into emotion, making your words more memorable and impactful.
Repeat a Key Phrase
If you’ve used a keyword or phrase throughout your speech, repeat it at the end for emphasis. This technique helps lock in your message.
You could say it once, or repeat it three times for effect: “We can change. We must change. We will change.” This repetition builds rhythm and reinforces your call to action in a way that resonates with your audience.
Match the Mood With a Quote or Poem
Sometimes, someone else’s words can capture your message better than your own. A powerful quote or short poem can elevate your closing and leave a lasting impression.
Make sure the tone of the quote matches the feeling you want to leave behind. For example, if your speech is hopeful, end with something uplifting. If your message is serious, choose something that carries emotional weight. Practice delivering it with pauses and emphasis so it lands with impact.
Signal That You’re Done
Be clear when your speech is over. Avoid vague endings like “Well, that’s it.” Instead, finish with strength. Stand still, look at a member of the audience, and smile. This silent pause helps the audience absorb your final words and signals that you’re finished.
Then, let them applaud. Don’t rush off or fidget. Accept the applause with calm confidence—this reinforces your credibility and shows your audience that you’re proud of your message.
Inspire Before You Go
Before stepping off the stage, leave your audience with a final moment of inspiration. People love to feel hopeful, especially after a persuasive or motivational speech.
You might say something like: “The future isn’t written yet. Let’s be the ones who shape it—one step at a time.” This gives your audience a sense of purpose and possibility, encouraging them to carry your message forward.
A persuasive speech conclusion is more than just wrapping up words—it’s about making sure your message sticks. Whether you use a quote, story, challenge, or summary, the goal is the same: inspire, inform, and leave no doubt about what you stand for. Close with strength, and your audience won’t just hear your words—they’ll feel them.
Wrap-up: How to Close a Persuasive Speech
Ending your persuasive speech is your final chance to make your message stick. A strong close brings your key ideas together and leaves your audience with something to remember. To do this well, circle back to your opening, repeat your central idea, and briefly recap your main points. This repetition helps your audience absorb the message, even if they missed a part earlier.
Use a strong clincher to wrap things up—a quote, call to action, or short story works well. You can also end with a question that makes people think or repeat a key phrase for impact. Match your tone to the mood you want to leave behind, and be clear that you’re done speaking. Most importantly, end with inspiration. Give your audience a reason to care, act, or reflect. When done right, your closing words won’t just be heard—they’ll be remembered.
How to Finish a Persuasive Speech: FAQs
1. Why is the ending of a persuasive speech so important?
The ending is your last chance to make an impact. People tend to remember what they hear last, so a strong close helps drive your main point home and leaves your audience thinking or ready to act.
2. What’s a good way to close a persuasive speech?
Circle back to your opening, restate your central message, and use a strong clincher—like a quote, story, or call to action. This helps tie your ideas together and gives your audience a clear takeaway.
3. Should I include a call to action in my conclusion?
Yes. If your goal is to inspire change or action, be clear about what you want your audience to do. Make it simple, specific, and show why it matters.
4. Can I end with a question?
Absolutely. Ending with a thoughtful question can encourage reflection and keep your message alive in your audience’s mind after your speech ends.
Stick the Landing with Prezentium
The end of a presentation is your final shot to drive home your message and leave your audience inspired. Prezentium helps you do exactly that. Whether you’re closing a pitch, making a case for change, or persuading your team to act, we turn your ideas into powerful, polished decks that conclude with clarity and impact.
With our Overnight Presentations, you get a stunning, story-driven deck within one business day. Our Accelerators team transforms your raw thoughts into compelling narratives and fresh designs. Our Zenith Learning programs train your team to craft conclusions that echo long after the screen goes dark.
Don’t let your big finish fall flat. Partner with Prezentium to create presentations that start strong—and end even stronger.