Effective Conclusion

YOU may have carefully researched and organized the material for the body of your talk. You may also have prepared an interest-arousing introduction. Still, one more thing is needed​—an effective conclusion. Do not minimize its importance. What you say last is often remembered longest. If the conclusion is weak, even what went before it may lose much of its effectiveness.

Consider the following: Toward the end of his life, Joshua gave a memorable discourse to the older men of the nation of Israel. After recounting Jehovah’s dealings with Israel ever since the days of Abraham, did Joshua simply restate the highlights in the form of a summary? No. Rather, with deep feeling he exhorted the people: “Fear Jehovah and serve him in faultlessness and in truth.” Read for yourself Joshua’s conclusion, recorded at Joshua 24:14, 15.

Another noteworthy talk, found at Acts 2:14-36, was given by the apostle Peter to a crowd in Jerusalem at the Festival of Pentecost 33 C.E. First he explained that they were witnessing fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel regarding the pouring out of the spirit of God. Next he showed how this was connected with Messianic prophecies in the Psalms that foretold the resurrection of Jesus Christ and his exaltation to the right hand of God. Then, in his conclusion, Peter clearly stated the issue that everyone in his audience needed to face. He said: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you impaled.” Those present asked: “Men, brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied: “Repent, and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” (Acts 2:37, 38) That day some 3,000 people in his audience, deeply moved by what they had heard, embraced the truth about Jesus Christ.

Points to Keep in Mind. What you state in your conclusion should be directly related to the theme of your talk. It should follow as a logical conclusion to the main points you have developed. Although you may want to include some key words from your theme, direct restating of it is optional.

Ordinarily, your purpose in speaking is to encourage others to take some action on the basis of the information you present. One of the main purposes of the conclusion is to show them what to do. When you selected your theme and main points, did you consider carefully why the material would be important to your audience and what your objective would be in delivering it? If so, you know the action that you would like them to take. Now you need to explain what that action is and perhaps how to go about it.

In addition to showing your audience what to do, your conclusion should provide motivation. It ought to include sound reasons for acting and possibly benefits that can result from doing so. If the final sentence is carefully thought out and well phrased, it will reinforce the impact of your entire talk.

Keep in mind that the talk is concluding. What you say should indicate that. Your pace should also be appropriate. Do not speak rapidly right up to the finish and then stop abruptly. On the other hand, do not let your voice simply fade. Your volume should be sufficient but not excessive. Your last few sentences should have a note of finality. Your delivery of them should convey earnestness and conviction. When preparing your delivery, do not fail to practice your conclusion.

How long should the conclusion be? That is not something to be determined solely by the clock. The conclusion should not drag. The appropriateness of its length can be determined by its effect on the audience. A simple, direct, positive conclusion is always appreciated. A somewhat longer one that embodies a brief illustration can also be effective if it is carefully planned. Compare the brief conclusion to the entire book of Ecclesiastes, found at Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14, with that of the much shorter Sermon on the Mount, recorded at Matthew 7:24-27.