Want to Close Your Presentation on a High? Use the Unforgettable Six-Step Process

Many of my speech coaching clients have difficulty memorably closing their presentations. Like a great opening that arouses interest in your subject, your closing words should support your message and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Whatever you do, don’t end with: “Well, we’re out of time.” Even if it’s true, it weakens your conclusion. Avoid thanking the audience as your final statement—it’s polite but forgettable.  Before you close, you can say, “Thank you for your enthusiasm and great questions. Last story…”

Never assume you can “wing it.” A well-crafted conclusion is as critical as a strong opening.

Plan it. Script it. Rehearse it. Deliver it.

Here is the unforgettable six-step process to close your presentation:

  1. Ask a Rhetorical Question Based on Your Premise

For example, if your topic is sales, begin the close with: “How can you double your sales with your current client list?” This reinforces your central theme while encouraging reflection.

  1. Review Your Key Points of Wisdom

Recap your main ideas, tying each to one of your examples or taglines. For instance, in my talk on presentation skills, I might say, “Remember, Michael Caine says, ‘Rehearsal is the work, performance is the relaxation.’ Would practicing on the treadmill or your morning walk work for you as it does for me?” This approach reinforces learning and helps the audience retain your message.

  1. Challenge Your Audience

Connecting your message to their needs can inspire action. Remind them of the benefits of applying what they’ve learned. For example, “Will you be the one who elevates your team’s communication and drives results?” Challenges ignite motivation.

  1. Call Them to Action

Specific actions lead to real change. Encourage your audience to act immediately. For example, say, “Take 10 minutes today to outline your next presentation,” or “Commit to one new habit that will transform your communication.” Clear steps make your ideas actionable.

  1. Revisit Your Opening

Bring your presentation full circle by referencing your opening.  This is the circular technique. Even if you do not choose to use it, you will be well served to revisit your opening remarks when preparing your close. If you began with a story or question, return to it. For instance, if you begin with a story of a person with a challenge that your presentation solves, you can close with, “Three months ago Brenda called and said, ‘I would not have believed it possible that…’  You now give the audience an example of what happened when Brenda incorporated the techniques they just learned.

  1. Let Your Last Words Linger

Your first five steps do work as they are. When your audience is satisfied and feels you have closed, you take two steps forward in silence and say, “Remember…” Then, repeat your best or main idea or quote. This is usually my Frippicisms®, such as “Remember, all learning requires repetition and reinforcement.” Or, “Remember, don’t celebrate closing a sale. Celebrate opening a relationship.”

The Art of Unforgettable Closings

Following these six steps transforms your closing from an ordinary goodbye into a powerful, memorable finale. Remember, the end of your presentation is your final opportunity to influence and inspire your audience. Make it count. With careful planning and a touch of creativity, your last words can echo in the minds of your audience long after you’ve left the stage.

If you need help, let’s talk.

“Patricia Fripp is a genius speech coach. Even for seasoned professional speakers.” Tracy Hooper, President, The Confidence Project

“As a seasoned speaker coached by Patricia Fripp has helped me deliver my game-changing message with more power and eloquence.  My client testimonials and feedback prove it.” Ron Karr, CSP, Past President, National Speakers Association

“Your coaching, along with FrippVT, helped us land one of our biggest sales ever.” – Mike Stryczek, President & CEO, AB&R

“As a speech coach, Patricia Fripp is a miracle worker.” Larraine Segil, Chairman and CEO, Exceptional Women Awardees Foundation.

“I would have paid $3000 for a year of FrippVT.” – Mitzi Perdue, Professional Speaker and Author.

 

Let meFripp Virtual Training help you become a great presenter quickly, easily, and cost-effectively on your own schedule. I’m here for you 24/7 through Fripp Virtual Training.

“Thank you again for your speech coaching to prepare me and my team for our Global Sales meeting. You have an amazing talent in helping me pull my corporate message into a meaningful, impactful, and entertaining story. You are always the one to call when my back is against the wall. Your magic always works and hits the mark with every audience!”
– Brian Marlier, Senior Vice President, US Enterprise, Cisco

Join FrippVT today!

Executive Speech Coach and Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker Patricia Fripp helps individuals and companies gain a competitive edge by improving essential conversations and presentations.

Steve Spangler is fired up over the ideas in Deliver Unforgettable Presentations

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From Sales to Relationships: The Secret Sauce

Open the Mind the Sales and Close

Let’s talk about “those people.” You know, the ones who call only when they need something. Be honest—are they your favorite people? Probably not. Now flip the script. Are you that person to your customers? Are you guilty of only reaching out when it’s time for a sale?

Imagine this instead: a sales professional calls you not to pitch but rather to share a lead or offer a tip that could help your business. Wouldn’t that make you feel more than a number on their quota sheet? That’s the power of showing you genuinely care.

Yes, success means closing deals; however, my father always taught me it’s about nurturing relationships that stand the test of time. Your ultimate goal isn’t just today’s sale. It’s to create partnerships where people enjoy doing business with you.

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It May Surprise You, There Are No Boring Subjects, Only Boring Speakers

That Is Correct!

Make your presentations memorable.

There are no boring subjects, only boring speakers. Your content or topic doesn’t matter—when presented well, it can become interesting, educational, and emotionally engaging.

Some believe that public speaking is just about knowing your subject. Having something to say is not enough to make your message come alive.

After all, knowing the words to a song— doesn’t mean you can sing it. To truly engage an audience, you need to deliver your content in a way that captures attention.

Turning “Boring” into Brilliant

After delivering my keynote at a construction industry conference, I led a breakout session and coached willing participants on their presentations.

I said, “There are no boring subjects, only boring speakers.” A gentleman in the third row raised his hand and said, “Ms. Fripp, my subject’s boring.”

I was up for the challenge and asked, “What’s your subject?”

He replied, “I teach OSHA rules and regulations for six hours.”

I’ll admit, that’s a tough one. I invited him to the front of the room and asked, “Tell me one rule.”

He responded, “You have to wear your safety goggles.”

My next question, “Please tell me about a time when someone didn’t wear their safety goggles? Let’s imagine the story from his wife’s point of view.”

This is how I suggested he could start his presentation:

A Story Makes Your Message Come Alive

“Imagine you’re a 22-year-old wife and mother of two. One morning, you kiss your 24-year-old husband goodbye as he heads to his construction job on the corner of 39th and Main, next to the Kroger store. He’s drilling through concrete to install a new pipe. Just then, a chunk of concrete flies out and hits him in the eye—because he wasn’t wearing his safety goggles. He ends up in the hospital and a few days later, you bring him home. You nurse him back to health, but now he has only one good eye. How do you feel when he returns to that same job, at that same site, knowing he might not wear his goggles again?”

With that, he had his audience’s attention. Then, he could transition smoothly into the core of his presentation:

“Welcome to OSHA. For the next 5 ½ hours, we’ll cover 136 rules and regulations. You know them. You’ve heard them. Today, let us reinforce why it’s crucial to stay vigilant and ensure that your crews follow these guidelines daily.”

The audience gasped and went wild!

“Patricia, you saved the day! I was summoned as a keynote speaker for our corporate annual sales conference on short notice.  My task was to relate technical details to a non-technical audience.

Lucky for me, I found FrippVT a week in advance. I worked tirelessly, devouring the FrippVT content most evenings until 2 a.m., to perform at the highest level possible.

Can you imagine my excitement when I walked off stage and heard, “You stole the show,” “Are you a professional speaker?” and “The audience was hanging onto your every word.”

I cannot thank you enough for creating FrippVT. Having your wisdom, advice, and guidance 24/7 throughout my preparation for this speaking engagement gave me the knowledge and skills to be a success. Consider me your biggest fan.”

Scott Lelii, Head of Digital & IT, Volvo Construction Equipment – Sales Regions North & Latin America

Take a trial of Fripp Virtual Training Powerful, Persuasive Presentations online learning.

Shep Hyken rehearsing the Fripp, Darren and Mark speaking techniques.

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On most Sundays, you will find me sipping coffee and watching my favorite news shows. I enjoy listening to intelligent and educated experts share their perspectives on the state of the world. As an executive speech coach, I find these programs an endless source of inspiration—and, occasionally, frustration.

One recurring irritant? The phrase I hear far too often: “Thanks for having me.” It’s a common go-to for experts, executives, and politicians when introduced on panels, in interviews, or during fireside chats. While polite, it’s not exactly memorable or precise.

As a presentation coach, I help my clients—from seasoned speakers to rising executives—find ways to stand out in similar settings. A crucial part is teaching them to use language that conveys their professionalism and expertise. It’s a simple change that can significantly affect how they are perceived.

Why the Words You Choose Matter

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Recently, at the Professional Speechwriters World Conference, I had the pleasure of attending a half-day seminar delivered by Terry Szuplat, author of Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, Inspire Any Audience. As a speechwriter for President Obama, Terry brought a wealth of experience and an insider’s perspective that was both fascinating and inspiring. The session was a masterclass in storytelling, precision, and the art of delivering a truly resonating message.

A Glimpse into the Presidential Process

One of the highlights of Terry’s seminar was the use of video clips showing President Obama delivering some of the speeches we were discussing. It’s educational to hear about the techniques that make a speech effective, and it’s even better when we see them in action, particularly from a speaker as gifted as President Obama. The clips brought Terry’s advice to life, showing how a well-crafted message can create a powerful connection with the audience.

Terry also walked us through the rigorous process of preparing each of these speeches. He shared insights into what the speechwriting team did before, during, and after a presentation, shedding light on the extensive preparation required for even a single address. It was exciting to hear about the behind-the-scenes collaboration and the level of care that went into every word.

Active Involvement: Obama’s Hands-On Approach

One aspect that stood out during the seminar was President Obama’s active involvement in the speechwriting process. Terry shared visuals of the notes the President added to their drafts, showcasing how deeply he engaged with the content. Obama didn’t just read what was handed him—he refined, adjusted, and personalized the message. This approach ensured that every speech felt authentic to his voice.

Terry revealed that Obama also considered himself a better speechwriter than his speechwriting team, and the team graciously agreed. While the President certainly had a natural gift for speechwriting, the collaboration with his team allowed him to balance his demanding schedule while still delivering impactful messages. The partnership between Obama and his speechwriters highlighted a key lesson: great speeches are rarely the work of one person—they are the result of thoughtful collaboration and a deep understanding of the audience and the moment.

Key Takeaways: Crafting Memorable Messages

The seminar left me with several valuable lessons that apply to anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills:

Preparation is Everything: Whether addressing a nation or speaking at a team meeting, preparation is critical. The amount of time spent refining drafts, rehearsing, and aligning the message with the audience’s needs cannot be overstated.

Personalization Matters: A speech becomes genuinely memorable when it feels personal. As President Obama’s example showed, taking the time to make a message your own—by adding personal anecdotes, adjusting phrasing, or emphasizing key points—can make all the difference.

Storytelling Elevates the Message: Throughout the seminar, Terry emphasized the power of storytelling. A well-told story can create an emotional connection, making even complex ideas accessible and engaging. I underline this technique with my clients, and seeing it in action through Obama’s speeches reinforced its importance.

Collaboration is Key: Even the best speakers can benefit from a team that understands their style and can help refine their message. Terry’s stories about working with President Obama reminded me that great speechwriting is often collaborative, where different perspectives can strengthen the final product.

A Speech is a Performance: We brainstormed, “What is a speech?” This began with what it is not. You can look forward to another issue on that.

Inspiration for Speechwriters and Speakers Alike

Attending Terry Szuplat’s seminar reminded me of the power of well-chosen words and the impact of thoughtful speechwriting. It was a thrill to hear the stories behind the speeches that shaped significant moments in history and to learn the techniques that made them so effective. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just beginning to find your voice, the lessons from this session are a valuable reminder of what it takes to inspire an audience.

It was an experience that reinforced why I love the art of crafting and delivering great speeches and why I’m so passionate about helping others do the same.

Join FrippVT.com, and I will become your personal speech coach.

“I wanted a Super Bowl quality coach. Patricia Fripp’s help in coaching and scripting was world-class. With Fripp on your team, you can go places.” Don Yaeger, Long-Time Associate Editor for Sports

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Second. Commit to Rehearsal. As Sir Michael Caine famously said, “Rehearsal is the work. Performance is the relaxation.” Don’t just rehearse alone; get feedback from a trusted friend, mentor, or professional coach. Rehearsing in front of others builds your confidence, helps refine your message, and allows you to receive positive feedback.

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