There are four major components to a good conclusion:

1. Signal the end of your talk
2. Summarize your main points
3. Suggest a call to action or provide a memorable statement
4. Thank your audience for listening

1. Signal that you are concluding

Audiences appreciate this gesture. Some will wake up while others will begin to consider the questions that they might ask you should you offer a Q/A session. Others will stop fidgeting. Occasionally audience members will look at their watches in disbelief that the time has passed so quickly.

"Before concluding my talk, let me remind you of the three most important elements of well-designed visual aids."

2. Summarize your main points

Focus upon the key points that prove your thesis true. If you left someone out during the talk, let it go. Once you have promised to conclude your remarks, do so!

"As I hope you'll recall, I believe that effective visuals are big, bold and brief."

3. Suggest a call to action or a memorable statement

For persuasive or motivational talks, you want to give your audience specific steps to take next. .Informative talks require a pithy ending. Often this is a quotation or the rest of the story (from your introductory attention getter).

"Whether you are using newsprint, Power Point, or a white board, your audience will appreciate it if you will K.I.S.S. your visuals. That is, Keep it Simple, Speaker."

4. Thank your audience for listening.

As with any conversation, you want to end your talk with a polite gesture that signals that you have concluded and allows your audience to start applauding.

"Thank you for listening.. I appreciate your kind attention."