Describe the process by which you would conclude a presentation. Explain why each step in the process is needed. For each step in the process, give an example to illustrate your point.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A conclusion begins with a wrap-up signal, which indicates to the audiences that
I’ve reached the conclusion. An example of a wrap-up signal is “As we draw to a close.”
Next, I would restate my thesis statement. The thesis statement should include all of the
main points in my presentation. Next, I would provide a summary of the main points.
This is not just a restating of the main points, as in restating the thesis statement.
Rather, I would explain each of the main points again but briefly. Next, I would focus on
motivating my audience to take action as a result of listening. This would depend on the
topic of my presentation, but if I were giving a presentation to persuade, then I would try
encourage my audience to take action by giving them outlines for how they promote
change. Then, I would reinforce the relationship between the audience and the material.
I would do this by emphasizing the significance of my topic to their lives. Finally, I would
end my presentation with a clincher statement, which is a phrase that rounds out your
talk strongly and smoothly. I use a clincher statement because audiences often
remember the last thing a speaker says. Saying “thank you” is not effective and not a
clincher statement.