Effective Conclusions 11.2 231
In both of the preceding examples, the speakers draw on the principle of
proximity, discussed in this chapter, to motivate their audiences. When audience
members feel that they are or could be personally involved or affected, they are
more likely to respond to your message.
Quick Check
Purposes of Your Speech Conclusion
Purpose
Summarize the speech.Provide closure.Technique
• Reemphasize the central idea in a memorable way.
• Restate the main ideas.
• Signal the end of the speech verbally or nonverbally.
• Motivate the audience to respond.Effective Conclusions
11.2 List and discuss methods for concluding a speech.
Effective conclusions may employ illustrations, quotations, personal references,
or any of the other methods of introduction we have discussed. In addition,
there are at least two other distinct ways of concluding a speech: with references
to the introduction and with inspirational appeals or challenges.
Methods also Used for Introductions
Any of the methods of introduction discussed in Chapter 10 can also help you
conclude your speech. Quotations, for example, are frequently used in conclu-
sions, as in the commencement address by U2 lead singer Bono:
Remember what John Adams said about Ben Franklin: “He does not hes-
itate at our boldest measures but rather seems to think us too irresolute.”
Well, this is the time for bold measures. This is the country, and you
are the generation.^7References to the Introduction
In our discussion of closure, we mentioned referring to the introduction as a way
to end a speech. Finishing a story, answering a rhetorical question, or reminding
the audience of the startling fact or statistic you presented in the introduction
are excellent ways to provide closure. Like bookends on either side of a group of
books on your desk, a related introduction and conclusion provide unified sup-
port for the ideas in the middle.
11.2