Finish Strong: How to Close a Presentation with Impact: Christian Manly

A strong presentation doesn’t end when you reach your last slide. In many ways, the closing is the most important part of your presentation, because it’s your final opportunity to reinforce your message, inspire your audience, and make yourself memorable.

Too many presenters finish with a simple “That’s all I have” or “Any questions?” While there’s nothing wrong with taking questions, those shouldn’t be the final words your audience hears. Instead, intentionally bring your presentation to a memorable conclusion.

Briefly reinforce your key message and remind your audience why it matters. Then give them a clear call to action. What exactly do you want them to do next? Make a decision? Approve a proposal? Schedule a meeting? Change a behavior? Purchase a product? Whatever the goal, state it clearly and confidently.

Finally, consider ending with something memorable that ties into your personal opening. This gives your presentation a clear beginning, middle, and end, turning your presentation into a story.

Your audience may forget many of your slides, but they’re far more likely to remember how you made them feel and what you asked them to do.

Don’t simply finish your presentation. Finish leaving them remembering you.