Conclusions

Although many students end their speeches with "Uhh, I guess that's all I have to say," an effective conclusion should do more than that.  In fact, the conclusion is your final chance to influence your audience.  

There are three goals to achieve in your conclusion:
            Summarize the body of the speech
            Re-state your central idea or thesis
            Provide memorable or creative closure

Often, speakers achieve the first goal through the use of phrases like "In conclusion . . ." and the third goal with "Thank-you"  or "Any questions?"  Although audiences respond to these verbal cues out of habit, a creative speaker will strive to think of something unique to signal their audience that the speech is closing.  

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