winning presentation conclusion

30 Examples: How to Conclude a Presentation (Effective Closing Techniques)

By Status.net Editorial Team on March 4, 2024 — 9 minutes to read

Ending a presentation on a high note is a skill that can set you apart from the rest. It’s the final chance to leave an impact on your audience, ensuring they walk away with the key messages embedded in their minds. This moment is about driving your points home and making sure they resonate. Crafting a memorable closing isn’t just about summarizing key points, though that’s part of it, but also about providing value that sticks with your listeners long after they’ve left the room.

Crafting Your Core Message

To leave a lasting impression, your presentation’s conclusion should clearly reflect your core message. This is your chance to reinforce the takeaways and leave the audience thinking about your presentation long after it ends.

Identifying Key Points

Start by recognizing what you want your audience to remember. Think about the main ideas that shaped your talk. Make a list like this:

• The problem your presentation addresses.
• The evidence that supports your argument.
• The solution you propose or the action you want the audience to take.

These key points become the pillars of your core message.

Contextualizing the Presentation

Provide context by briefly relating back to the content of the whole presentation. For example:

• Reference a statistic you shared in the opening, and how it ties into the conclusion.
• Mention a case study that underlines the importance of your message.

Connecting these elements gives your message cohesion and makes your conclusion resonate with the framework of your presentation.

30 Example Phrases: How to Conclude a Presentation

• 1. “In summary, let’s revisit the key takeaways from today’s presentation.”
• 2. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s move forward together.”
• 3. “That brings us to the end. I’m open to any questions you may have.”
• 4. “I’ll leave you with this final thought to ponder as we conclude.”
• 5. “Let’s recap the main points before we wrap up.”
• 6. “I appreciate your engagement. Now, let’s turn these ideas into action.”
• 7. “We’ve covered a lot today. To conclude, remember these crucial points.”
• 8. “As we reach the end, I’d like to emphasize our call to action.”
• 9. “Before we close, let’s quickly review what we’ve learned.”
• 10. “Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to our next steps.”
• 11. “In closing, I’d like to thank everyone for their participation.”
• 12. “Let’s conclude with a reminder of the impact we can make together.”
• 13. “To wrap up our session, here’s a brief summary of our discussion.”
• 14. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to present to you. Any final thoughts?”
• 15. “And that’s a wrap. I welcome any final questions or comments.”
• 16. “As we conclude, let’s remember the objectives we’ve set today.”
• 17. “Thank you for your time. Let’s apply these insights to achieve success.”
• 18. “In conclusion, your feedback is valuable, and I’m here to listen.”
• 19. “Before we part, let’s take a moment to reflect on our key messages.”
• 20. “I’ll end with an invitation for all of us to take the next step.”
• 21. “As we close, let’s commit to the goals we’ve outlined today.”
• 22. “Thank you for your attention. Let’s keep the conversation going.”
• 23. “In conclusion, let’s make a difference, starting now.”
• 24. “I’ll leave you with these final words to consider as we end our time together.”
• 25. “Before we conclude, remember that change starts with our actions today.”
• 26. “Thank you for the lively discussion. Let’s continue to build on these ideas.”
• 27. “As we wrap up, I encourage you to reach out with any further questions.”
• 28. “In closing, I’d like to express my gratitude for your valuable input.”
• 29. “Let’s conclude on a high note and take these learnings forward.”
• 30. “Thank you for your time today. Let’s end with a commitment to progress.”

Summarizing the Main Points

When you reach the end of your presentation, summarizing the main points helps your audience retain the important information you’ve shared. Crafting a memorable summary enables your listeners to walk away with a clear understanding of your message.

Effective Methods of Summarization

To effectively summarize your presentation, you need to distill complex information into concise, digestible pieces. Start by revisiting the overarching theme of your talk and then narrow down to the core messages. Use plain language and imagery to make the enduring ideas stick. Here are some examples of how to do this:

• Use analogies that relate to common experiences to recap complex concepts.
• Incorporate visuals or gestures that reinforce your main arguments.

The Rule of Three

The Rule of Three is a classic writing and communication principle. It means presenting ideas in a trio, which is a pattern that’s easy for people to understand and remember. For instance, you might say, “Our plan will save time, cut costs, and improve quality.” This structure has a pleasing rhythm and makes the content more memorable. Some examples include:

• “This software is fast, user-friendly, and secure.”
• Pointing out a product’s “durability, affordability, and eco-friendliness.”

Reiterating the Main Points

Finally, you want to circle back to the key takeaways of your presentation. Rephrase your main points without introducing new information. This reinforcement supports your audience’s memory and understanding of the material. You might summarize key takeaways like this:

• Mention the problem you addressed, the solution you propose, and the benefits of this solution.
• Highlighting the outcomes of adopting your strategy: higher efficiency, greater satisfaction, and increased revenue.

Creating a Strong Conclusion

The final moments of your presentation are your chance to leave your audience with a powerful lasting impression. A strong conclusion is more than just summarizing—it’s your opportunity to invoke thought, inspire action, and make your message memorable.

Incorporating a Call to Action

A call to action is your parting request to your audience. You want to inspire them to take a specific action or think differently as a result of what they’ve heard. To do this effectively:

• Be clear about what you’re asking.
• Explain why their action is needed.
• Make it as simple as possible for them to take the next steps.

Example Phrases:

• “Start making a difference today by…”
• “Join us in this effort by…”
• “Take the leap and commit to…”

Leaving a Lasting Impression

End your presentation with something memorable. This can be a powerful quote, an inspirational statement, or a compelling story that underscores your main points. The goal here is to resonate with your audience on an emotional level so that your message sticks with them long after they leave.

• “In the words of [Influential Person], ‘…'”
• “Imagine a world where…”
• “This is more than just [Topic]; it’s about…”

Enhancing Audience Engagement

To hold your audience’s attention and ensure they leave with a lasting impression of your presentation, fostering interaction is key.

Q&A Sessions

It’s important to integrate a Q&A session because it allows for direct communication between you and your audience. This interactive segment helps clarify any uncertainties and encourages active participation. Plan for this by designating a time slot towards the end of your presentation and invite questions that promote discussion.

• “I’d love to hear your thoughts; what questions do you have?”
• “Let’s dive into any questions you might have. Who would like to start?”
• “Feel free to ask any questions, whether they’re clarifications or deeper inquiries about the topic.”

Encouraging Audience Participation

Getting your audience involved can transform a good presentation into a great one. Use open-ended questions that provoke thought and allow audience members to reflect on how your content relates to them. Additionally, inviting volunteers to participate in a demonstration or share their experiences keeps everyone engaged and adds a personal touch to your talk.

• “Could someone give me an example of how you’ve encountered this in your work?”
• “I’d appreciate a volunteer to help demonstrate this concept. Who’s interested?”
• “How do you see this information impacting your daily tasks? Let’s discuss!”

Delivering a Persuasive Ending

At the end of your presentation, you have the power to leave a lasting impact on your audience. A persuasive ending can drive home your key message and encourage action.

Sales and Persuasion Tactics

When you’re concluding a presentation with the goal of selling a product or idea, employ carefully chosen sales and persuasion tactics. One method is to summarize the key benefits of your offering, reminding your audience why it’s important to act. For example, if you’ve just presented a new software tool, recap how it will save time and increase productivity. Another tactic is the ‘call to action’, which should be clear and direct, such as “Start your free trial today to experience the benefits first-hand!” Furthermore, using a touch of urgency, like “Offer expires soon!”, can nudge your audience to act promptly.

Final Impressions and Professionalism

Your closing statement is a chance to solidify your professional image and leave a positive impression. It’s important to display confidence and poise. Consider thanking your audience for their time and offering to answer any questions. Make sure to end on a high note by summarizing your message in a concise and memorable way. If your topic was on renewable energy, you might conclude by saying, “Let’s take a leap towards a greener future by adopting these solutions today.” This reinforces your main points and encourages your listeners to think or act differently when they leave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some creative strategies for ending a presentation memorably.

To end your presentation in a memorable way, consider incorporating a call to action that engages your audience to take the next step. Another strategy is to finish with a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact that resonates with your listeners.

Can you suggest some powerful quotes suitable for concluding a presentation?

Yes, using a quote can be very effective. For example, Maya Angelou’s “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” can reinforce the emotional impact of your presentation.

What is an effective way to write a conclusion that summarizes a presentation?

An effective conclusion should recap the main points succinctly, highlighting what you want your audience to remember. A good way to conclude is by restating your thesis and then briefly summarizing the supporting points you made.

As a student, how can I leave a strong impression with my presentation’s closing remarks?

To leave a strong impression, consider sharing a personal anecdote related to your topic that demonstrates passion and conviction. This helps humanize your content and makes the message more relatable to your audience.

How can I appropriately thank my audience at the close of my presentation?

A simple and sincere expression of gratitude is always appropriate. You might say, “Thank you for your attention and engagement today,” to convey appreciation while also acknowledging their participation.

What are some examples of a compelling closing sentence in a presentation?

A compelling closing sentence could be something like, “Together, let’s take the leap towards a greener future,” if you’re presenting on sustainability. This sentence is impactful, calls for united action, and leaves your audience with a clear message.

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• By Illiya Vjestica
• - January 23, 2023

10 Powerful Examples of How to End a Presentation

Here are 10 powerful examples of how to end a presentation that does not end with a thank you slide.

How many presentations have you seen that end with “Thank you for listening” or “Any questions?” I bet it’s a lot…

“Thank you for listening.” is the most common example. Unfortunately, when it comes to closing out your slides ending with “thank you” is the norm. We can create a better presentation ending by following these simple examples.

The two most essential slides of your deck are the ending and intro. An excellent presentation ending is critical to helping the audience to the next step or following a specific call to action.

There are many ways you can increase your presentation retention rate . The most critical steps are having a solid call to action at the end of your presentation and a powerful hook that draws your audience in.

What Action do You Want Your Audience to Take?

Before designing your presentation, start with this question – what message or action will you leave your audience with?

Are you looking to persuade, inspire, entertain or inform your audience? You can choose one or multiple words to describe the intent of your presentation.

Think about the action words that best describe your presentation ending – what do you want them to do? Inspire, book, learn, understand, engage, donate, buy, book or schedule. These are a few examples.

If the goal of your presentation is to inspire, why not end with a powerful and inspiring quote ? Let words of wisdom be the spark that ignites an action within your audience.

Here are three ways to end your presentation:

• Call to Action – getting the audience to take a specific action or next step, for example, booking a call, signing up for an event or donating to your cause.
• Persuade – persuading your audience to think differently, try something new, undertake a challenge or join your movement or community.
• Summarise – A summary of the key points and information you want the audience to remember. If you decide to summarise your talk at the end, keep it to no more than three main points.

10 Examples of How to End a Presentation

1. Asking your audience to take action or make a pledge.

Here were asking the audience to take action by using the wording “take action” in our copy. This call to action is a pledge to donate. A clear message like this can be helpful for charities and non-profits looking to raise funding for their campaign or cause.

2. Encourage your audience to take a specific action, e.g. joining your cause or community

Here was are asking the audience to join our community and help solve a problem by becoming part of the solution. It’s a simple call to action. You can pass the touch to your audience and ask them to take the next lead.

3. Highlight the critical points for your audience to remember.

Rember, to summarise your presentation into no more than three key points. This is important because the human brain struggles to remember more than three pieces of information simultaneously. We call this the “Rule of Three”.

4. If you are trying to get more leads or sales end with a call to action to book a demo or schedule a call.

Can you inspire your audience to sign up for a demo or trial of your product? Structure your talk to lead your prospect through a journey of the results you generate for other clients. At the end of your deck, finish with a specific call to action, such as “Want similar results to X?”

Make sure you design a button, or graphic your prospect can click on when you send them the PDF version of the slides.

5. Challenge your audience to think differently or take action, e.g. what impact could they make?

6. Give your audience actions to help share your message.

7. Promote your upcoming events or workshops

8. Asking your audience to become a volunteer.

9. Direct your audience to learn more about your website.

10. If you are a book author, encourage your audience to engage with your book.

6 Questions to Generate an Ending for Your Presentation

You’ve told an engaging story, but why end your presentation without leaving your audience a clear message or call to action?

Here are six great questions you can ask yourself to generate an ending for your presentation or keynote talk.

• What impression would you want to leave your audience with?
• What is the big idea you want to leave them with?
• What action should they take next?
• What key point should you remember 72 hours after your presentation?
• What do you want them to feel?
• What is the key takeaway for them to understand?

What to Say After Ending a Presentation?

When you get to the end of a book, you don’t see the author say, “thank you for reading my last chapter.” Of course, there is no harm in thanking the audience after your presentation ends, but don’t make that the last words you speak.

Think of the ending of the presentation as the final chapter of an epic novel. It’s your chance to leave a lasting impression on the audience. Close with an impactful ending and leave them feeling empowered, invigorated and engaged.

• Leave a lasting impression.
• Think of it as the last chapter of a book.
• Conclude with a thought or question.
• Leave the audience with a specific action or next step.

How to End a Presentation with Style?

There are many great ways you can end your presentation with style. Are you ready to drop the mic?

Ensure your closing slide is punchy, has a clear headline, or uses a thought-provoking image.

Think about colours. You want to capture the audience’s attention before closing the presentation. Make sure the fonts you choose are clear and easy to read.

Do you need to consider adding a link? If you add links to your social media accounts, use icons and buttons to make them easy to see. Add a link to each button or icon. By doing this, if you send the PDF slides to people, they can follow the links to your various accounts.

What Should you Remember?

💡 If you take one thing away from this post, it’s to lose the traditional ending slides. Let’s move on from the “Thank you for your attention.” or “Any questions.” slides.

These don’t help you or the audience. Respect them and think about what they should do next. You may be interested to learn 3 Tactics to Free Your Presentation Style to help you connect to your audience.

Illiya Vjestica

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How to End a Presentation? [Top 8 Strategies with Examples]

Guru - May 9, 2023 - Leave your thoughts. 9 min read

animaker deck , presentation , presentation ideas , Presentation Software , presentation tips

How you end a presentation is just as crucial as its opening. It can make or break the impression that you leave on your audience.

A strong conclusion can reinforce your key message and ensure that your audience remembers it even after the presentation is over.

A well-concluded presentation can leave your audience impressed, energized, and motivated to take action.

So now, are you wondering what’s the best way to conclude your presentation? Don’t worry! You have come to the right place!

To help you make a powerful ending to your presentation, we have compiled a list of 8 different strategies in this blog post.

Each of these strategies is designed to help you create a memorable and impactful conclusion to your presentation.

By choosing the most appropriate one for your presentation, you can ensure that your audience remembers your key message and feels motivated to take action.

Let’s jump right in,

1. Emphasize the core message 2. Mirror your opening statement 3. Pose an open-ended question 4. End with a Call to action 5. Thank the audience 6. End with a powerful quote 7. Acknowledge your contributors 8. Ask for feedback

1. Emphasize the core message:

One of the most important aspects of any presentation is ensuring your audience understands your core message.

Reiterating your main points and summarizing your message at the end of your presentation can reinforce this and leave a lasting impression.

It helps to ensure that your audience understands the purpose of your presentation and has a clear takeaway from the information you have provided.

In this video, the speaker restates her topic to conclude her speech firmly and gives a pause, resulting in tremendous applause from the audience.

Similarly, by restating your core message, you can also create a sense of cohesion and give your presentation a firm closure.

This can be particularly important if you want to motivate your audience to take action or influence their behavior in some way.

However, it's important not to repeat EVERYTHING you have said. Instead, focus on the most crucial elements and highlight them in a concise and clear manner.

2. Mirror your opening statement:

A great way to end your presentation is by mirroring your opening statement in your conclusion.

Highlighting your presentation's key message at the end and emphasizing the central idea you aimed to communicate will help your audience to retain it in their memory.

During the conclusion of the presentation, the speaker effectively utilized the technique of mirroring the opening example she had presented - ordering a pizza on the phone by herself.

The speaker demonstrated the remarkable transformation she had undergone in terms of personal growth and confidence, which strongly reinforced her message to the audience.

By mirroring her opening example, she created a sense of familiarity and connection with her audience while simultaneously driving home the key message of her presentation.

This technique allowed the audience to understand better and relate to the speaker's personal journey and the message she was conveying.

Similarly, you can also use this strategy to conclude your presentation. This can be particularly effective if you are trying to reinforce a specific theme or idea throughout your presentation.

3. Pose an open-ended question:

One of the best ways to conclude your presentation is to elicit a response from your audience using an open-ended question that can effectively engage them and make your presentation more memorable.

Look at how the speaker concludes her speech with an open-ended question in this video.

Similarly, you can also raise open-ended questions to help your audience look from a different perspective and encourage them to investigate more thoroughly on the information presented.

Most importantly, ensuring that your question is relevant to your presentation and doesn't detract from your overall message is essential when eliciting a response.

So make sure that you kindle your audiences’ thoughts and ideas with the open-ended question at the end. This helps create a good long-lasting impression of your presentation.

4. End with a Call to action:

One of the best ways to end your presentation is by concluding with a call to action slide.

Incorporating a call to action into your presentation can be a powerful way to encourage your audience to take the next step.

Whether it's signing up for a program, making a purchase, or supporting a cause, a clear call to action is essential to achieving your desired outcome.

Similarly, according to your type of presentation, you can include a relevant call to action.

For example, this might involve providing specific instructions or offering an incentive for taking action, such as a discount or free trial.

It's essential that you understand their pain points and make your call to action compelling. Ensure that your core message and the needs of your audience are aligned so that they are motivated enough to act.

5. Thank the audience:

At the end of your presentation, it's essential to recognize that your audience has taken time out of their busy schedules to attend and listen to your message.

Thanking your audience for their time and attention can create a positive impression and make them feel appreciated.

It's essential to make your gratitude genuine and sincere rather than a superficial gesture. For example, consider expressing your gratitude with a personal anecdote or acknowledging specific individuals in the audience.

This simple act of gratitude can also create a sense of personal connection and signal to your audience that the presentation has reached its conclusion, paving the way for future interactions with them.

6. End with a powerful quote:

One effective strategy to end your presentation on a high note is by leaving the audience with a powerful quote.

However, it's crucial to choose a quote that is not only impactful but also unique and relevant to your topic.

Using a commonly known quote may come across as unoriginal and irrelevant, losing the attention and interest of your audience in most cases.

In this presentation, Steve Jobs concludes his speech with an inspiring and powerful message, “Stay Hungry! Stay Foolish”. Thereby emphasizing that you should never stop learning, pursue more goals, and never stop being satisfied.

Similarly, in your conclusion, consider using a relevant quote to make an impact.

7. Acknowledge your contributors:

Another best way to conclude your presentation is by showing gratitude to your contributors.

For example, if you deliver a business presentation on behalf of a team or a department, it's essential to recognize the collective effort that went into creating the presentation.

The concluding moments of your speech are the perfect opportunity to acknowledge your team members' hard work and dedication.

You can express gratitude to your team as a whole, thanking them for their contribution to the presentation.

However, if you want to ensure that the individual efforts of team members are recognized, highlighting specific contributions may be a better approach.

Some examples include:

"Join me in giving a round of applause to my incredible team, who played a significant role in arranging this pitch deck."

"Finally, I would like to mention that my tech team experts provided me with insight into the technical nuances, and without their contribution, this presentation would not have been as informative as it is now."

"As I conclude, I want to express my gratitude to Mark and Serene from the Marketing team, whose assistance in gathering the data and designing the slides was invaluable."

By acknowledging individual team members, you are demonstrating your appreciation for their work and giving them the recognition they deserve.

This will not only make them feel valued but also motivate them to continue contributing to the success of future presentations.

So be sure to end your presentation with the required acknowledgment for all the contributions.

8. Ask for feedback:

You can conclude your presentation seamlessly by thanking the audience and asking for feedback from them.

Encouraging feedback from your audience can greatly benefit your future presentations. It allows you to understand how your message was received and how you can improve for the next time.

So, how can you gather feedback effectively?

Firstly, ask attendees to share their thoughts on your presentation after you finish speaking. This can be done by initiating a Q&A session or by approaching individuals directly.

Another option is to set up a QR code near the exit and ask people to scan and jot down their thoughts on the online form as they leave. This allows attendees to provide their feedback in a confidential and hassle-free manner.

Also, consider having a suggestion box for handwritten feedback notes or creating an anonymous online survey that links to your presentation slides. This method is beneficial if you want to gather feedback from a large audience or if you prefer to have quantitative data.

By actively seeking feedback, you show your audience that you value their input and are committed to improving your presentation skills.

However, this strategy does not apply to all the general presentations. So use this way of concluding your presentation where it makes more sense to you and the audience.

In summary, an impactful conclusion is vital to wrap up your presentation successfully.

Each of these strategies serves a unique purpose, and by combining them, you can create a conclusion that is both engaging and impactful.

By incorporating the 8 critical strategies mentioned in this guide, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience, ensuring that your message stays with them even after the presentation has ended.

Now that you have learned the pro strategies of how to end a presentation, take a look at this guide on “How to start a presentation” as well and nail your presentation from start to end!

If you are still uncertain about how to make a presentation from the ground up, we suggest checking out Animaker Deck - the world's first avatar-driven presentation software.

With over 40 distinct and creatively designed templates at your disposal, we are confident you will find it worth trying!

We hope this article was helpful. Do let us know your thoughts on which strategy worked best for you, and also suggest your own ways of ending a presentation.

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How To End A Presentation To Make A Lasting Impression (9 Techniques)

This blog provides creative ideas on how to end a presentation with a punch. Studies show that when people try recalling information, they usually recall the beginning and the end. Therefore, you must leave an impact on the audience with a strong closing statement. A weak ending can leave the audience unenthused and uninspired, they may even forget your message within a few hours. But a strong ending motivates and empowers. It encourages people to take action.

So how to end a presentation well? Here are a few techniques you can try – 

End your presentation on time

Close with a clear cut ending

Conclude your speech with a story

Come full circle at the end of your presentation

Use the title close technique

…Always a high note, always the high road

A sound bite

A quick presentation recap

End with a strong visual image

Sounds like a no brainer? You will be surprised how many people struggle with this seemingly basic idea. At the root of it lies a tendency to cram too much content and then hurrying through to the end, often straying beyond the allotted time slot.

Being on time communicates to the audience that you respect their time and also leaves an impression about you being organized and well planned.

Some tactical tips

Remember, the ending time of the professional presentation includes any Q&A and discussion time so the audience has the space for interactivity.

You should state at the beginning of the meeting your intention to end on time and ask for audience cooperation. This includes agreeing to put side topics/conversations into a parking lot; recognizing when the deviations from the core topic take place, etc.

In the end, when you do successfully end on time, be sure to remind the audience of the fact that you ended on time and thank them for their cooperation.

It is indeed a weird moment when the audience is unsure whether you have ended the presentation and transitioned into a general drift of conversations or worse, an awkward silence. Be sure to include a definitive statement to let the audience know that your presentation has arrived at its final destination. This can be a clear cut, ‘thank you!’,’ With this, my presentation comes to a close’, a wave, a bow, but let it be a clear-cut indication that this is the end and the audience is free to leave the discussion.

Storytelling is often underutilized as a tool to leave an impact towards the end of PowerPoint presentations . While there is a lot of literature out there on the art of storytelling (See our own post here), clever use of stories to conclude the presentation can powerfully and in emotional ways reinforce your core messages and make these memorable.

Towards the end, you do want the story to be relatively brief and can start with a statement like “Let me end my presentation on a personal note….”

Give the audience a sense of closure by referencing your opening message at the end. It gives the audience a feeling of coherence and consistency.

You will need to plan for this ahead of time though. Some tips and ideas:

• Pose a question which you answer at the end
• Tell a story in the beginning but leave it unfinished until the end
• Repeat the first slide, this work especially well with powerful images or quotes
• Reference a comment, someone, in the audience made and connect it to the closure

Some presenters bring back the title slide to close their presentation. It is a subtle yet effective technique to keep the audience grounded and connected to the core topic and the content

This creates a sense of bookend to your entire presentation and can be used to bring your audience full circle as referenced above.

Your presentation is a great platform to uplift the spirits of the audience. While some topics easily lend themselves to positive messages, there is always light at the end of the tunnel even if you are delivering bad news

There is almost never a situation when you cannot inspire people. And you must never leave an opportunity to. There are many ways this can be achieved

• Use vibrant, visual language
• Appeal to the broader sensibilities of the audience
• Think long term, not immediate fall outs
• Most of all stay optimistic, positive, and energetic

A sound bite is like a slogan, a catch-phrase that attracts attention. It challenges you to condense your presentation into a pithy phrase?

If you can find a core message of your business presentation that is catchy and short, you can expect the audience to have a higher recall of your presentation. Some examples, inspired by famous quotes.

• Stay hungry but stay balanced
• With this project, we didn’t fail, we just found 35 ways that don’t work
• 100% of the shots you don’t take don’t succeed

One common approach that never fails to impress is the “tell them” method.

It goes like this:

• Tell them what you are going to tell them
• Tell them what you just told them

Studies state that people only absorb 30% of what you say. So this seeming repetition helps. But the real reason this method has stayed in vogue is that it plays on our innate need to see the information multiple times to understand patterns and start to believe in it

One pitfall to avoid here is to avoid staleness by saying boring phrases such as “In conclusion” or “To sum up”

Instead, spur the audience with phrases like “Where is this all leading?” or “What does this all mean?”

A picture is worth knowing how many words. This adage is equally true when you are making a presentation.

Find an image that evokes the emotion that characterizes your presentation and the feeling you would like to leave the audience with. This can be a humorous, inspirational, or descriptive image that caps up/sums up your message. For example, in a message to the executives, a brand manager in a pharma company very effectively used the image of a child’s facial expression in vivid detail post receiving the painful therapy that the brand was trying to replace.

Here are a few slides examples of how to end a presentation effectively:

Thank You Slide

View Thank you Slide 

Explore our extensive library of Thank You Slides to get creative ideas on how to end a presentation.

Lessons Learnt Template

View Lessons Learnt Template 

Questions Template

View Questions Template 

Explore our Questions Slides to get creative ideas on how to end a presentation.

Quotes Template

View Quotes Template

Explore our Quotes Slides  to get creative ideas on how to end a presentation.

Now you don’t have to scour the web to find out the right templates. Download our PowerPoint Templates from within PowerPoint. See how ?

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .  

Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.

In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!

These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters. 

No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.

When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:

1. Clear structure

No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.

Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion: 

2. Engaging opening

Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.

3. Relevant content

Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.

4. Effective visual aids

Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.

With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.

5. Clear and concise communication

Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message. 

6. Engaging delivery

Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!

7. Interaction and audience engagement

Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.

Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.

8. Effective storytelling

Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.

A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.

9. Well-timed pacing

Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.

10. Strong conclusion

Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.

In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations . 

Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software . 

Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.

1. Understand the audience and their needs

Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.

Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong. 

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.

Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.

5. Practice, practice and practice

Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.

With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!

In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively . 

Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!

From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.

1. Confidence and positive body language

Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence. 

2. Eye contact with the audience

Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload. 

Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.

6. Utilize humor strategically

Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.

Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.

1. How to start a presentation?

To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.

2. How to end a presentation?

For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.

In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started. 

Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs. 

Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:

Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account. 

Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).

Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations. 

Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!

By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!

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Crafting an Effective Presentation Structure: From Introduction to Conclusion

Crafting an Effective Presentation Structure, from introduction to conclusion, is daunting and brings about a great deal of work. A great presentation leaves the audience feeling either inspired or informed on a specific topic. It generally is not because the speaker was knowledgeable or motivating. 

Instead, they are aware of how to structure presentations logically and simply, allowing the audience to keep up with them and take away the key aspects of the presentation. A good structure helps the speaker deliver a presentation calmly, stay on topic and avoid any awkward silence between the presentations. This is precisely why individuals should look to enhance and develop effective presentation skills .

Factors that Determine the Presentation Structure

Before choosing and designing a presentation structure, the speaker should address a variety of factors, including: 

• Who is the audience, and how knowledgeable are they already?
• Time duration of the presentation.
• The kind of setting in which the presentation is being delivered.
• Aim of the Presentation.
• What are the key points the audience should take away from the presentation? 

Typical Presentation Structure 

In general, the contents of a presentation include an introduction, body, and conclusion. At times, it may include visual aids. This is the usual flow for crafting an effective presentation structure: from introduction to conclusion, which covers all the necessary sections and allows the audience to follow along easily. 

When designing a presentation, 

• Create a solid, organized structure for the entire presentation. 
• Keep the slides simple and clear to follow. 
• Remember to be concise and do not confuse the audience. 
• Make sure to add style and visual elements consistently in the presentation. 

The Introduction – Greeting the audience & introducing the speaker

Be sure to create a positive environment by welcoming the audience with a friendly greeting. This allows the audience to arrive, settle down, and prepare for the presentation to start. The introduction is essential to establish a relationship between the speaker and the audience and gather their attention .  

The introduction should help the audience comprehend and understand the subject and objective of the presentation as well as gain their attention and confidence . It should narrow down from a broad topic to the specifics of the talk. 

• Stating the general topic.
• Narrowing to the area of interest/ subject of the presentation.
• Stating the problems/ challenges in the area being discussed. 
• Stating the objective and purpose of the presentation. 
• Providing a statement of the outcome of the presentation. 
• Showing a preview of the content of the presentation.

This is a great time also to explain the length of the talk, indicate if the speaker wants an audience interaction, and inform the audience if they need to jot down the important points from the presentation. With effective presentation skills, people can keep the audience engaged and interested throughout the entire tenure of the presentation.

The Body 

The body of the presentation should meet the objective and the information indicated in the introduction. This is an integral part of crafting an Effective Presentation Structure: From the Introduction to the Conclusion should make up about 75% of the total duration of the presentation. 

• The topics should be segmented considering the nature of the presentation and then working through them individually for the audience to understand fully. 
• The main points should be concise with relevant supportive evidence, statistics, and examples. 
• Critical points should be indicated with reasons. Each important idea could be presented several times in different ways to help the audience fully absorb the meaning. 
• State clear links between the ideas and internal summaries and always signal when moving on to the next point. 
• Allow the audience to make relevant notes. Always remember to summarize the talk’s body and remind the audience of the topic. 

After the main part of the presentation, the audience should understand the information and arguments clearly. 

The Conclusion 

The conclusion is frequently underdeveloped, and a poorly executed closing can completely undermine a successful presentation. However, the best section is to reflect more power onto the messages and create a lasting impression in the audience’s minds. The conclusion determines whether the speaker has achieved the presentation goal. 

While crafting an Effective Presentation Structure: From Introduction to Conclusion, keep in mind that the conclusion should make up about 1/3 of the entire presentation and should contain the following elements: 

• Summarize the key points: Keeping in mind the goal of the presentation, remember to summarise the main points and their implications. This is a good way to ensure the audience walks away with the precise information the speaker intended to convey. 
• Repeating the core message: Repeating the core theme or message of the presentation can create a powerful conclusion. This will signal the end of the talk and will provide an overview of the argument, findings, and overall purpose of the talk. 
• Offering a thought-provoking takeaway: Use a powerful and effective quote or saying that relates to the presentation’s theme and resonates with the audience. 
• Visuals: Visuals can leave a lasting impression on the audience while the closing remarks are emphasized. 

Final Steps – Thanking the audience and inviting questions 

Conclude the talk by acknowledging and thanking the people present in the audience. Show them appreciation for their interest and the time that they have invested in the presentation. After this, the audience may be invited to ask any questions. It is best to focus on initially delivering the presentation to set the tone and topics for discussion in the Q&A. 

After finishing the entire presentation, the speaker should have built a relationship with their audience such that: 

• The audience follows through on the presentation. 
• It acts in the direction of the presentation’s goal. 
• The audience remembers the presentation. 

Collaborate with the expert Orator Academy team to gain more knowledge about this concept and enhance presentation skills. Check the official website of Orator Academy to develop your public speaking skills .

Vineeta Khanna

Vineeta Khanna is one of the most well known and successful public speaking coaches In New York and New Jersey. As the founder of Orator Academy, she has helped hundreds of young students and working professionals to become confident speakers.

Vineeta has worked with hundreds of students of all ages: elementary school students, college students, interns, job seekers, Wall Street professionals, home makers, IT professionals, teachers and more.

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How to Give a Winning Presentation – 6 Great Tips

Bina Feldman joined our team this year and we are thrilled to be working with her.  Bina just wrote a fabulous article on How To Give Presentations  which I am certain you will find great golden nuggets in.  Enjoy and thank you Bina!

It’s not that hard, but there are many steps.  Write a clear key message. Develop the outline.  Generate the content of your presentation, create your visuals, carefully consider your conclusion, rehearse your opening, then edit and practice.

1. Develop a clear key message As a Presentation Skills consultant, I listen to many client presentations.  I evaluate the content and delivery and make suggestions for improvement. One of my most frequent comments is this:  What are you really trying to say?  I’m not sure I’m getting it .  The volume of data and information often fogs the real message.

An average person’s attention span is typically 7 minutes before the mind wanders off. Listening and processing what we hear requires a lot of cognitive energy.  Listening is hard — even harder if it’s later in the day, if other priorities are clouding your brain, if you’re hungry, have a backache, or need to use the washroom.  Obstacles like a noisy room or not being able to clearly see the presenter can whittle those potential 7 minutes of attention down to 3.5 minutes.

Ask yourself, if someone surveyed the people who were in your presentation with the question, what was the speaker’s main message? Would you get an 80% consensus?  If 80% of your audience can’t repeat it, then your key message wasn’t clear enough. So with that in mind, develop a clear and succinct message. Repeat it more than once.

Help your audience hear your key message.  You can preface your remarks by saying something like:  I want you to take away an important key message and this is it…

2. Make your opening remarks memorable You want your opening remarks to hook the audience and engage them immediately.  You can do this in many ways:  highlight their need to hear what you have to say; share a surprising statistic/number/dollar figure; deliver a short anecdote; tell a human interest story.  These are just a few ideas for making your opening dynamic.

I often advise my clients to develop their opening remarks at the end of writing the presentation.  These first moments are so important and they’re easier to write after everything else is finished.

Practice your opening remarks many times, out loud and standing up.  You should be entirely fluent without reading or looking at notes.  If your opening goes well, the rest of the presentation will follow in the same way.

3. Engage the audience If your audience isn’t engaged, who are you talking to?  They may look like they’re listening, but their minds could be on the golf course.  Keep focusing on how to engage them.  Make your delivery impactful, your slides simple and clean, and your stories amusing or dramatic. Your eye contact and voice should reach out and bring them in.

Here are a few strategies that will help: get them to ask or answer questions; praise them; reference current events; show strong visuals; talk about the competition; move; use a louder voice; and use humour carefully.  Always be politically correct or you may disengage the audience.

4. Persuade them with forethought & strategy If your goal is to persuade your listeners into accepting an idea, buying a product or service, or changing their mind, focus on how to persuade them rather than the benefits of what you’re selling.

Here are some strategies that help persuade people: think about them first and how you’ll address their needs; appeal to emotion; begin your presentation with their most pressing issues; sell solutions to their problems; describe what might happen if they don’t buy into your idea; be excited.

5. Deliver with impact How do we demonstrate as well as inspire confidence in our audience?  We do it through strong body language.  We all know that body language speaks louder than words.  So to answer the question:  how do I deliver a strong presentation ?  The answer must include a focus on body language.  Think about developing your best interpersonal skills.

Body language, also called non-verbal communication, is comprised of five main elements: Voice, gesture, posture, eye contact, and distance.  After that comes grooming, dress, and hygiene.  All of these elements are critically important to the success of the presentation. As in any interpersonal skills training, our goal is to communicate effectively with our verbal and non verbal messages.

Think about using: a louder than average voice; speech that has lots of inflection; natural hand gestures and facial animation; posture that is grounded and purposeful whether standing still or moving; and meaningful eye contact.  Ask your friends for honest feedback.  Drive your body language to inspire confidence in your audience.

6. Conclude with conviction Plan your concluding remarks.  Don’t wing it.  Make your conclusion distinct from the body of your presentation by announcing, In conclusion… This alerts the listener to refocus.  Likely you will repeat your key message at this time.  If they didn’t get it before, they will catch it now.

Consider what you want the audience to do after your presentation.  Ask them directly.  Outline the next steps and attach a timeline.  This lends some urgency to a persuasive presentation.

End with conviction.  Avoid phrases that sound hesitant or tentative, such as:

I hope I… Unfortunately we’re out of time… Possibly… Maybe you learned something today…

Instead use strong, concluding phrases, such as:

Just imagine when… I know we can achieve… I’m confident that… Let’s focus on…

The answer to how to give a winning presentation is a long and complex one.  The strategies I’ve shared will help you achieve success when standing in front of an audience.  You’ll feel the incredible rush that comes when they are listening, nodding, and smiling.  That’s one of the perks that come with a mastery of presentation skills.

———————————————

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How To End A Pitch Deck Presentation

by Alejandro Cremades

How to end a pitch deck presentation? What’s the best way to end your pitch to leave a lasting impression on investors?

There have been volumes of new information coming out on how to get started with the right framework for a winning pitch deck, as well as how to get started trying to find investors to fund your startup.

In comparison, there seems to be almost little to nothing about how to finish a pitch deck presentation strong.

*FREE DOWNLOAD*

The ultimate guide to pitch decks.

Here is the content that we will cover in this post. Let’s get started.

• 1. It’s All About A Strong Finish
• 2. What’s The Purpose Of A Pitch Deck Presentation?
• 3. Set It Up Well From The Start
• 4. Use A Strong Recap
• 5. Open Up A Q&A Session
• 6. A Strong Closing Slide
• 7. Ask For The Sale
• 8. Be Clear About What You Want
• 9. Explain The Fit
• 10. Explain Why Now Is So Important
• 11. Ask For Advice
• 12. Get A Commitment
• 13. Anticipate The Sale
• 14. Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up
• 15. Make Sure That You Are Really Listening
• 16. Get Professional Help

It’s All About A Strong Finish

A great start is important. First impressions really do matter.

They can definitely set up and influence the rest of this opportunity. Though how you finish is even more important.

You can start out fantastically, but if you bomb at the close it is all for nothing.

How you end your deck and presentation can make all of the difference in the outcome of that pitch.

In fact, you might get off to a rocky start, but be able to finish even better.

You might be late to the pitch, spill coffee on yourself on the way there, have your tech glitch and laptop and backup crash , or even stutter and lose your place mid-pitch.

With the right ending, you can still nail it and get the funding. Don’t underestimate the importance and power of the end of your pitch.

What’s The Purpose Of A Pitch Deck Presentation?

Always start with the end in mind.

Crafting a pitch and deck should not just be about filling in blanks or other formats because you think you are supposed to or saw someone else do it that way.

In fact, instead of working chronologically focusing only on your first slide and introduction through to the end, and end up trying to squeeze in or rush the finish, you might benefit from looking at it in reverse order.

What is the outcome you really want to see most from this presentation?

Reverse engineer that from your close backward to ensure you have all the bases covered to lead to that.

It’s also worth considering your second or third ideal outcomes from this as well to set those up as options.

What are your priorities? Are they:

• Learning as much as you can from your audience?
• Getting the money? And if so what for?
• Enrolling more experienced people as backers and ambassadors ?
• Increasing your credibility and visibility?
• Letting the world know about your product?

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If you walk out with a signed, proposed term sheet, that is often as close to walking out with a check as you’ll get in most scenarios.

Though it is always good to believe and think big and bold too. Still, if the ideal outcome is a meeting or term sheet, that is what everything should be focused on achieving.

So you see, figuring out how to end a pitch deck presentation is critical for success.

Set It Up Well From The Start

Fundraising is about strategy. We’ve already touched on reverse engineering your pitch deck and presentation.

So, from beginning to end your deck and verbal pitch should be setting up a smooth finish.

From the introduction through to your closing slide your visuals, words, tone, and body language should all be leaving your audience with the same outcome in mind as you.

The battle is won before you even get to the close or ask.

This is done through subconscious branding with your color and font choices . How you present your team, and your financial projections.

Your slides should be checking off the investors’ boxes one by one, and overcoming their objections in advance.

In their minds it should be “check, check, check, okay we better get in and fund this thing before someone else does. We need to get them in for a real meeting to finalize the details and lock this up asap.”

That’s the goal to have in mind when planning how to end a pitch deck presentation.

Whether you’re planning a robust conclusion at the start or developing the final slide as you start at the top, you’ll need to know how to create a pitch deck. Check out this video I have created explaining how it’s done.

Use A Strong Recap

A pitch audience is only going to be able to remember one to three things from your presentation. That’s it.

Not only does this reinforce the importance of using a very short deck of slides and verbal pitch, but staying focused on those ones to three major points that will pivot them to taking the action you want them to.

Use your wrap-up time to quickly recap those stand-out points that put you ahead of the rest of the crowd.

Be sure you’ve covered the essentials for making a sale. The what, who, why, and why right now.

Open Up A Q&A Session

If you’ve been disciplined with your timing then you should have already budgeted time for questions and answers.

This is just as, if not more essential than the time you spend actively pitching and selling. There are three main purposes to the Q&A time.

• Learning from your audience and what is really important to them
• Overcoming their objections on the spot
• Building personal rapport, likability, and trust

Before walking into any pitch presentation you should already have a list of the most common questions your investors are going to ask.

As well as your answers and rebuttals to any outstanding objections.

A Strong Closing Slide

It is common to either have the financial ask  or a thank you as the last slide.

These are both acceptable options. Though it is probably most important to ensure you have your contact information prominently displayed on your final pitch deck slide.

Someone in your audience may have to rush out and leave. They could be in the back and unable to hear you well.

Or they may want to follow up privately. Whatever the case, having your contact information big and front and center means it can be captured with a screenshot, snapped with a mobile phone camera, or jotted down in a hurry.

It is also super easy for them to find your contact information if they have a link to your pitch deck hosted online.

The last thing you want to happen here is to fail simply because the convinced investors who really wanted to invest in your startup didn’t have your contact info handy.

That would be tragic. Especially, if they fund your competition instead, just due to this one factor.

Make sure to add this information when working out how to end a pitch deck presentation.

Ask For The Sale

You’ve got to ask for the sale. Everyone in the room knows the purpose of your pitching is to raise money.

They are there to invest their money that is burning a hole in their pockets. Be sure to ask for the sale.

Far too often in both formal and casual sales settings from car dealerships to retail stores, websites, and social and networking the bulk of sales are missed because of a lack of call to action.

You miss all of the shots you don’t take. Be sure to end your pitch deck presentation with a strong call to action and to buy in.

Be Clear About What You Want

Your pitch deck presentation should make it pretty clear how much money you need for your venture, as well as any other resources and help you are seeking.

However, you also need to end your pitch by being clear about what you want them to do as the next step.

This applies to having emailed out your pitch deck, as well as presenting it live in person or online .

What’s the next step they should take right now? Is it to send you funds on the spot?

Is it to use your calendar link to set an appointment for a more private investor meeting?

Or is it to simply pick up the phone, email, or text you? Be sure about the action you’re expecting when figuring out how to end a pitch deck presentation.

Explain The Fit

There are countless investment opportunities for startup investors, as well as sources of financing for entrepreneurs.

What makes the difference is the alignment and fit between a specific set of investors and founders.

Explain why you are the best fit, and how you are aligned better than the other options. From your own research, why have you chosen them as investment partners over others?

This can be more important than the amount you are raising, the terms of funding, and even the product.

Explain Why Now Is So Important

There are endless nice business ideas and investment opportunities. The difference between those that are just nice, and those that investors will take action on is the ability to confer a sense of urgency, and why this is the moment they must act.

This may be market timing, or your round becoming oversubscribed. Show them the pain of failing to act right now.

Ask For Advice

If you are afraid to ask for the sale or don’t feel your pitch has gone well, then ask for their advice. Most people like to share their opinions and to help.

Ask open-ended questions to get their feedback. Catalog that data and use it to tweak and improve your venture, pitch deck, and presentation for your next meeting.

Keep in mind that in fundraising storytelling is everything. In this regard for a winning pitch deck to help you here, take a look at the template created by Silicon Valley legend, Peter Thiel ( see it here ) that I recently covered. Thiel was the first angel investor in Facebook with a $500K check that turned into more than $1 billion in cash.

Remember to unlock the pitch deck template that is being used by founders around the world to raise millions below.

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Get A Commitment

It is easy for people to say that they like your invention or mission, and will buy or invest. Nailing them down to actually doing it can be something entirely different.

Don’t just take feeble and vague compliments. Don’t leave without a specific commitment to taking the next step.

That may be as bold as wiring you a certain amount of funds by 11 am on Monday morning, setting a follow-up call for tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm, or an investor meeting with other partners next Wednesday at 3 pm at their office.

Make sure to snag that commitment when working out how to end a pitch deck presentation.

Anticipate The Sale

If you are doubting yourself, your company, and your presentation it is going to show up in your pitch and closing.

It is going to be weak. You will self-sabotage yourself with your own words and body language.

Instead, exude confidence in having closed the deal. The next step is just nailing down the specifics or the mechanics of sending the funding and executing the paperwork.

Your attitude and projected confidence will make all of the difference in getting the results you really want.

Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up

90% of selling is in the follow-up. Get those commitments and then follow through.

Show up on time for those calls and meetings and with your updates or answers to questions, you said you would provide.

You have nothing to lose by continually following up until you get a yes.

In fact, the one difference between getting funded or not may be the startup that follows up that one more time after their competition gives up.

Make Sure That You Are Really Listening

Typically, the number one thing standing between you and the money your startup venture needs is you listening.

Investors will tell you what they want and how to get their money, or at least give you clues at a minimum. At least if you really listen.

Get Professional Help

If you are presenting and still coming up empty-handed, or just don’t want to blow important investment opportunities and presentations, invest in expert help.

It can pay the best dividends of anything you’ll do. It will show investors that you are serious about doing the best with their money too.

This can include getting pro copywriting help with your pitch script and supporting materials, expert deck design, and getting a pitch coach to help you with your verbal delivery.

You may find interesting as well our free library of business templates. There you will find every single template you will need when building and scaling your business completely for free. See it here .

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• Presentation Hacks

Let’s Talk About Conclusions

• By: Amy Boone

The year 2020 ends tomorrow, and for most us, it came none too soon. So December 30th seems to be a fitting time to talk about conclusions.

My father had a few things to teach me about conclusions. He’s an author and preacher turned college president who grew up in a small town in Mississippi. He’s always been known to drop little lines of wisdom to anyone who would listen. Things like, “don’t get in a fight with a skunk, you’ll both come out smelling.” But one of my favorite lessons of his is this: how you end something says more about your character than how you begin it. “So finish well,” he always told us.

His simple but wise advice works well for presentations, too. After all, the way you conclude is really what sticks with your audience. So here are 3 tips for writing a great conclusion for your presentation.

The end of your presentation is a great time to summarize the main things you’ve said that you want your audience to remember. However, don’t go into great detail again. Don’t be one of those presenters who says “in conclusion” multiple times before you actually wrap it up.  It can be boring or even insulting to your audience if you draw it out too long. In fact, Toastmasters says that your conclusion should only take up 5-10% of your overall speaking time . So just give quick reminders, and then move on to the next two parts of the conclusion.

Point Forward

I’ve always thought the word “conclusion” is a little bit incomplete for what needs to happen at the end of the presentation. Yes, you are wrapping up the speech event. You are finishing the message. But really, a great conclusion is also a continuation. One of the most important things you can do at the end of your presentation is to point to what comes next.

Sometimes this is called the “call to action.” It is the inspiring statement that is meant to motivate your audience members take the next steps. And it’s a big element when it comes to marketing. In fact, marketers talk about “ conversion rates ” and spend lots of money to figure out how to turn consumers into customers. Presenters should aim to do this too by answering the unspoken question of “what next/what now?” that lingers at the end of every message.

In a recent blog post, we studied how the top TED speakers end their presentations. In the popular talks that we studied, we found that speakers end with some form “thank you” 95% of the time . Ending with gratitude is not only a current trend, it’s a good and generous practice. By expressing thanks to the audience, you do two things. First, you show that you respect the time they’ve given to listen to you. And second, you foster goodwill moving forward with them.

So, in the words of my father, “finish well.” Wrap up, point forward, and say thanks. It’s just that simple.

As we move into the new year, all of us at Ethos3 want to wish you a Happy New Year. We’d love to help you develop, design, or deliver a presentation in 2021. Get a quote now.

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Expert picks, predictions and odds for the 2024 PGA Championship

The PGA Championship is set to begin this week, with 156 golfers readying up for the four days of the second golf major of the year .

After April's Masters tournament, American golfer Scottie Scheffler further cemented himself as the best player in the world right now. He battled difficult wind over four days in Augusta to win the major by four strokes and secured himself a second green jacket in three years in the process.

Unsurprisingly, the recent performance and top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking has put Scheffler in the driver's seat to win a second straight major according to latest odds . However, Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy is not far behind after winning the Wells Fargo Championship last weekend.

Here's what golf experts from around the web are predicting for the 2024 PGA Championship just ahead of the start of the tournament.

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP: Visit our PGA Championship leaderboard and full coverage

2024 PGA Championship predictions

Louisville Courier-Journal : Scottie Scheffler is the top pick

Alexis Cubit writes: "Given Scheffler’s hot streak, he’s the favorite to win the PGA Championship. He is ranked No. 1 in the world and leads PGA players in scoring average (68.743), birdie average (5.38), average total strokes gained (2.851), average strokes gained approaching the green (1.398) and greens in regulation percentage (74.76%)."

Golfweek : Rory McIlroy at top of picks to win

Riley Hamel writes: "Since the Players, he’s 25th in SG (shots gained): Putting. He was third in SG: Approach at the Valero Texas Open and fourth at the Wells Fargo. And, of course, the driver is clicking (he gained over six shots on the field at Quail Hollow off the tee)."

Golf Digest : Staff writer likes Xander Schauffele

Christopher Powers writes: "Xander Schauffele is going to win a major in his career, and now would seem like the perfect time given how well he is striking the golf ball."

FOX Sports : Cameron Smith has an outside shot

Chris Fallica writes: "I'll preface any outright by saying you don't need me to tell you it will take a monster effort to beat Scottie Scheffler and throw in Rory McIlroy if you wish. But Smith is a major champion who should be able to find his way onto the smaller bent greens and make some birdies."

CBS Sports : Golf writer sticking with Scheffler

Kyle Porter writes: "I'm just going to keep picking Scottie until he loses, which he hasn't done much over the last few months. Since March 1, Scheffler has lost to one golfer: Stephan Jaegar at the Houston Open. That's it. It probably hurts him a little bit that this is less of a strategy golf course and more of an execution golf course, but he's been firing on all cylinders in both of those areas for a long time now."

LIV GOLF: PGA Championship field to include 16 LIV Golf players, including 2023 champ Brooks Koepka

2024 PGA Championship betting odds

Odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday.

• Scottie Scheffler (+450)
• Rory McIlroy (+750)
• Brooks Koepka (+1400)
• Xander Schauffele (+1400)
• Ludvig Åberg (+1800)
• Jon Rahm (+1800)
• Bryson DeChambeau (+2500)
• Collin Morikawa (+2800)
• Joaquín Niemann (+3300)
• Max Homa (+3300)
• Cameron Smith (+4000)
• Cameron Young (+4000)
• Justin Thomas (+4000)
• Patrick Cantlay (+4000)
• Tommy Fleetwood (+4000)
• Viktor Hovland (+4000)
• Wyndham Clark (+4000)
• Tyrrell Hatton (+5000)
• Hideki Matsuyama (+5500)
• Jason Day (+5500)

When is the 2024 PGA Championship?

• Dates: May 16-19, 2024
• Time: Coverage begins 7 a.m. ET Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday
• Location: Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky
• Cable TV: ESPN (Thursday, Friday, early Saturday, early Sunday); CBS (Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon)
• Streaming: ESPN+ ; YouTube TV; Paramount+; fuboTV

HOW TO WATCH: Watch all four days of the PGA Championship with a fuboTV subscription

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Who won 'The Amazing Race'? Here's this season's winning duo

In a stunning conclusion Wednesday night, one team on "The Amazing Race" season 36 won the coveted $1 million prize.

The final three teams included former NFL wide receiver  Rod Gardner and his wife, Leticia ; New York couple Ricky Rotandi, a 34-year-old preschool teacher, and Cesar Aldrete, a 34-year-old chef and food stylist; and United States Air Force pilots and best friends Juan Villa of Spokane, Washington, and Shane Bilek of Marine City, Michigan.

Here's who won season 36.

⚠️Warning: Spoilers ahead ... obviously ⚠️

Who won 'The Amazing Race' Season 36?

Rotandi and Aldrete were crowned the winners of "The Amazing Race" season 36, winning seven of the 11 legs. They also had three second-place finishes.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

According to the Milwuakee Journal Sentinel , Rotandi and Aldrete completed tasks with ease, were comfortable in their environment regardless of the country and ended the season with the final knockout punch in Philadelphia.

Will there be a season 37 of 'The Amazing Race'?

IMDB reports CBS has officially renewed "The Amazing Race" for a 37th season. No premiere date has been announced, but casting for the upcoming season began in December 2023.

'The Amazing Race' season 36 contestants

Here's a look at the 13 teams that competed in season 36:

• Chris Foster and Mary Cardona-Foster.
• Derek and Shelisa Williams.
• Juan Villa and Shane Bilek (second place) .
• Kishori Turner and Karishma Cordero.
• Michelle and Sean Clark.
• Yvonne Chavez and Melissa Main.
• Danny and Angie Butler.
• Amber Craven and Vinny Cagungun.
• Anthony and Bailey Smith.
• Maya and Rohan Mody.
• Sunny Pulver and Elizabeth "Bizzy" Smith.
• Rod and Leticia Gardner (third place) .
• Ricky Rotandi and Cesar Aldrete (first place) .

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How to End a Presentation The Right Way (+ 3 Downloadable Creative PowerPoint Conclusion Slides)

Ausbert Generoso

Ever been in a presentation that started strong but fizzled out at the end? It’s a common frustration. The conclusion is where your message either sticks or fades away.

But how often have you left a presentation wondering, “Was that it?” A lackluster ending can undermine the impact of an entire presentation. In the digital age, a strong conclusion isn’t just a courtesy; it’s your secret weapon to make your message unforgettable.

In this blog, we’re diving into the art of crafting a powerful ending, making sure your audience doesn’t just understand but gets inspired. Let’s explore the key on how to end a presentation in a way that lingers in your audience’s minds.

Table of Contents

Why having a good presentation conclusion matters.

Understanding why a conclusion is not merely a formality but a critical component is key to elevating your presentation game. Let’s delve into the pivotal reasons why a well-crafted conclusion matters:

🎉 Lasting Impression

The conclusion is the last note your audience hears, leaving a lasting impression. It shapes their overall perception and ensures they vividly remember your key points.

🔄 Message Reinforcement

Think of the conclusion as the reinforcement stage for your central message. It’s the last opportunity to drive home your main ideas, ensuring they are understood and internalized.

📝 Audience Takeaways

Summarizing key points in the conclusion acts as a guide, ensuring your audience remembers the essential elements of your presentation.

💬 Connection and Engagement

A well-crafted conclusion fosters engagement, connecting with your audience on a deeper level through thought-provoking questions, compelling quotes, or visual recaps.

🚀 Motivation for Action

If your presentation includes a call to action, the conclusion plants the seeds for motivation, encouraging your audience to become active participants.

🌟 Professionalism and Polishing

A strong conclusion adds professionalism, showcasing attention to detail and a commitment to delivering a comprehensive and impactful message.

6 Unique Techniques and Components to a Strong Conclusion

As we navigate the art of how to end a presentation, it becomes evident that a powerful and memorable conclusion is not merely the culmination of your words—it’s an experience carefully crafted to resonate with your audience. In this section, we explore key components that transcend the ordinary, turning your conclusion into a compelling finale that lingers in the minds of your listeners.

1. Visual Storytelling through Imagery

What it is:  In the digital age, visuals carry immense power. Utilize compelling imagery in your conclusion to create a visual story that reinforces your main points. Whether it’s a metaphorical image, a powerful photograph, or an infographic summarizing key ideas, visuals can enhance the emotional impact of your conclusion.

How to do it:  Select images that align with your presentation theme and evoke the desired emotions. Integrate these visuals into your conclusion, allowing them to speak volumes. Ensure consistency in style and tone with the rest of your presentation, creating a seamless visual narrative that resonates with your audience.

2. Interactive Audience Participation

What it is:  Transform your conclusion into an interactive experience by engaging your audience directly. Pose a thought-provoking question or conduct a quick poll related to your presentation theme. This fosters active participation, making your conclusion more memorable and involving your audience on a deeper level.

How to do it:  Craft a question that encourages reflection and discussion. Use audience response tools, if available, to collect real-time feedback. Alternatively, encourage a show of hands or open the floor for brief comments. This direct engagement not only reinforces your message but also creates a dynamic and memorable conclusion.

3. Musical Closure for Emotional Impact

What it is:  Consider incorporating music into your conclusion to evoke emotions and enhance the overall impact. A carefully selected piece of music can complement your message, creating a powerful and memorable ending that resonates with your audience on a sensory level.

How to do it:  Choose a piece of music that aligns with the tone and message of your presentation. Introduce the music at the right moment in your conclusion, allowing it to play during the final thoughts. Ensure that the volume is appropriate and that the music enhances, rather than distracts from, your message.

4. Intentional and Deliberate Silence

What it is:  Sometimes, the most impactful way to conclude a presentation is through intentional silence. A brief pause after delivering your final words allows your audience to absorb and reflect on your message. This minimalist approach can create a sense of gravity and emphasis.

How to do it:  Plan a deliberate pause after your last sentence or key point. Use this moment to make eye contact with your audience, allowing your message to sink in. The strategic use of silence can be particularly effective when followed by a strong closing statement or visual element.

5. Narrative Bookending

What it is:  Create a sense of completeness by bookending your presentation. Reference a story, quote, or anecdote from the introduction, bringing your presentation full circle. This technique provides a satisfying narrative structure and reinforces your core message.

How to do it:  Identify a story or element from your introduction that aligns with your conclusion. Reintroduce it with a fresh perspective, revealing its relevance to the journey you’ve taken your audience on. This technique not only creates coherence but also leaves a lasting impression.

6. Incorporating Humor for Memorable Impact

What it is:  Humor can be a powerful tool in leaving a positive and memorable impression. Consider injecting a well-timed joke, light-hearted anecdote, or amusing visual element into your conclusion. Humor can create a sense of camaraderie and connection with your audience.

How to do it:  Choose humor that aligns with your audience’s sensibilities and the overall tone of your presentation. Ensure it enhances, rather than detracts from, your message. A genuine and well-placed moment of humor can humanize your presentation and make your conclusion more relatable.

[Bonus] Creative Ways on How to End a Presentation Like a Pro

1. minimalist conclusion table design.

One of the many ways to (aesthetically) end your PowerPoint presentation is by having a straightforward and neat-looking table to sum up all the important points you want your audience to reflect on. Putting closing information in one slide can get heavy, especially if there’s too much text included – as to why it’s important to go minimal on the visual side whenever you want to present a group of text.

Here’s how you can easily do it:

• Insert a table. Depending on the number of points you want to reinforce, feel free to customize the number of rows & columns you might need. Then, proceed to fill the table with your content.
• Clear the fill for the first column of the table by selecting the entire column. Then, go to the Table Design tab on your PowerPoint ribbon, click on the Shading drop down, and select No Fill.
• Color the rest of the columns as preferred. Ideally, the heading column must be in a darker shade compared to the cells below.
• Insert circles at the top left of each heading column. Each circle should be colored the same as the heading. Then, put a weighted outline and make it white, or the same color as the background.
• Finally, put icons on top each circle that represent the columns. You may find free stock PowerPoint icons by going to Insert, then Icons.

2. Animated Closing Text

Ever considered closing a presentation with what seems to be a blank slide which will then be slowly filled with text in a rather captivating animation? Well, that’s sounds specific, yes! But, it’s time for you take this hack as your next go-to in ending your presentations!

Here’s how simple it is to do it:

• Go to Pixabay , and set your search for only videos. In this example, I searched for the keyword, ‘yellow ink’.
• Insert the downloaded video onto a blank PowerPoint slide. Then, go to the Playback tab on the PowerPoint ribbon. Set the video to start automatically, and tick the box for ‘Loop until stopped’. Then, cover it whole with a shape.
• Place your closing text on top of the shape. It could be a quote, an excerpt, or just a message that you want to end your PowerPoint presentation with.
• Select the shape, hold Shift, and select the text next. Then, go to Merge Shapes, and select Subtract.
• Color the shape white with no outline. And, you’re done!

3. Animated 3D Models

What quicker way is there than using PowerPoint’s built-in 3D models? And did you know they have an entire collection of animated 3D models to save you time in setting up countless animations? Use it as part of your presentation conclusion and keep your audience’ eyes hooked onto the screens.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Design a closing slide. In this example, I’m using a simple “Thank You” slide.
• Go to Insert, then click on the 3D Models dropdown, and select Stock 3D Models. Here, you can browse thru the ‘All Animated Models’ pack and find the right model for you
• Once your chosen model has been inserted, go to the Animations tab.
• In this example, I’m setting a Swing animation. Then, set the model to start with previous.
• For a final touch, go to Animation Pane. From the side panel, click on the Effect Options dropdown and tick the check box for Auto-reverse. Another would be the Timing dropdown, then select Until End of Slide down the Repeat dropdown.

Get a hold of these 3 bonus conclusion slides for free!

Expert Tips on How to End a Presentation With Impact

🔍  Clarity and Conciseness

Tip:  Keep your conclusion clear and concise. Avoid introducing new information, and instead, focus on summarizing key points and reinforcing your main message. A concise conclusion ensures that your audience retains the essential takeaways without feeling overwhelmed.

⏩  Maintain a Strong Pace

Tip:  Control the pacing of your conclusion. Maintain a steady rhythm to sustain audience engagement. Avoid rushing through key points or lingering too long on any single aspect. A well-paced conclusion keeps your audience focused and attentive until the very end.

🚀  Emphasize Key Takeaways

Tip:  Clearly highlight the most critical takeaways from your presentation. Reinforce these key points in your conclusion to emphasize their significance. This ensures that your audience leaves with a firm grasp of the essential messages you aimed to convey.

🔄  Align with Your Introduction

Tip:  Create a sense of cohesion by aligning your conclusion with elements introduced in the beginning. Reference a story, quote, or theme from your introduction, providing a satisfying narrative arc. This connection enhances the overall impact and resonance of your presentation.

🎭  Practice, but Embrace Flexibility

Tip:  Practice your conclusion to ensure a confident delivery. However, be prepared to adapt based on audience reactions or unexpected changes. Embrace flexibility to address any unforeseen circumstances while maintaining the overall integrity of your conclusion.

📢  End with a Strong Call to Action (if applicable)

Tip:  If your presentation includes a call to action, conclude with a compelling and actionable statement. Clearly communicate what you want your audience to do next and why. A strong call to action motivates your audience to take the desired steps.

🙏  Express Gratitude and Closure

Tip:  Express gratitude to your audience for their time and attention. Provide a sense of closure by summarizing the journey you’ve taken together. A gracious and thoughtful conclusion leaves a positive final impression.

Final Thoughts

In wrapping up your presentation, the conclusion serves as the final touch, leaving a strong and lasting impression. Think of it as the last puzzle piece that completes the picture. Ensure your conclusion goes beyond a simple summary, using visuals and engagement to make it memorable. Express gratitude sincerely as you bring your talk to an end, acknowledging the shared experience and setting the stage for what follows.

In these closing moments, aim for more than just a conclusion; create a connection that lingers in the minds of your audience.

About Ausbert Generoso

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Manchester City winning four straight titles would be unprecedented – this is why it’s so hard

Manchester City are two games away from winning a fourth consecutive league title, something that has not been done in the 135 years since Preston North End claimed England ’s first. Some clubs have won four titles in five seasons, such as Aston Villa in the 1890s or Liverpool in the 1980s, but not even these great, dominant teams won four in a row.

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On five occasions a club has won a hat-trick of titles and set off the following season to win a fourth — Huddersfield Town (1926-27), Arsenal (1935-36), Liverpool (1984-85) and Manchester United (2001-02 and 2009-10) — but each time they have fallen short.

Each club failed in its own way, even if failure feels too severe a word. There are, however, themes recognisable down the decades: managerial disruption; key player departures and injuries; cup distractions; rising rivals.

A reason City look destined to become the first to win four consecutive titles is that only the last of these applies to them, in the shape of Arsenal. City are in the FA Cup final against Manchester United, but that is hardly keeping Pep Guardiola awake at night. Those four historic factors are also offset by City’s modern strengths — limitless wealth, Guardiola and experience.

Explaining what Arsenal and Man City need to win the Premier League

Managerial disruption

Any discussion of the greatest figures in English football often begins with Herbert Chapman. A Yorkshireman born in 1878, Chapman may appear unfeasibly distant but he is regarded as the first modern manager, a man who shaped the game forever.

Chapman’s arrival at Huddersfield Town in 1921 initiated a revolution at a club who, at that stage, had never won a trophy.

They were improving, though. In 1920, they were promoted to England’s top tier, the old First Division. They also reached a first FA Cup final, losing to Aston Villa. It shows Chapman had talent to work with.

But he made at least two stellar signings: Clem Stephenson, 30, an established captain from Villa, and George Brown, a teenager plucked from a Northumberland coal mine. In 1922, Huddersfield won the FA Cup and in the 1923-24 season, they were champions of England.

It was by the narrowest of margins – goal average, the division of the number scored by the total conceded, which predated goal difference. The last goal of the season, scored by Brown, effectively took Huddersfield ahead of Cardiff City . For a provincial side, this was enormous. Arsenal, for example, had not yet been champions and City would not be until 1937.

That Chapman organised a Town repeat in 1924-25 was even more impressive. Huddersfield conceded a mere 28 goals in 42 games and Chapman was christened the ‘Napoleon of football’.

Then Arsenal signed Napoleon and Huddersfield had to react.

As with VARs today, times were changing. Arsenal corner-kick enthusiasts of 2024 will note that in 1924 players were now allowed to score directly from a corner. The first to do so was a Chapman player, Billy Smith. And in 1925-26 a more seismic change was introduced: the offside law now decreed that instead of needing three opponents (usually including a goalkeeper) to be between an attacking player and the goal, now it was two. The aim was to stimulate higher scoring.

It worked. Huddersfield still had the best defence in the country, but they conceded 60 goals. And they had their third consecutive title, despite the loss of Chapman.

Former Derby County manager Cecil Potter had succeeded Chapman, “against his own inclinations,” reported the Derby Telegraph newspaper. Potter coped with the upheaval but as he and the players prepared for a unique four-in-a-row, suddenly Potter was gone. It was “on account of ill health”, apparently. In came Jack Chaplin, a Scot and former Manchester City full-back. He had joined Huddersfield as a trainer under Chapman.

According to the Athletic News, Chaplin “has gained a real reputation as the man who has kept the Town players fit through three championship campaigns”, but by the third Saturday of the 2026-27 season, when beaten 2-0 at home, one headline read: “Not like the real Huddersfield.”

And so it proved. Newcastle United were champions in 1926-27, with Town second having drawn 17 games. They were fractionally less effective, which may ring a bell with Gary Neville about United in 2001-02.

Any perception United slackened off in the seasons after winning the historic 1999 treble is misplaced. In 1999-2000, they won a second consecutive title, by 18 points from Arsenal, and in 2000-01 it was by 10 points.

But at the end of that third Premier League triumph in 2001, Sir Alex Ferguson announced he would be retiring the following year. Neville said once Ferguson had shared his news “its unsettling effect was indisputable”. Ferguson later said, “There wasn’t the same performance level on the pitch.” United dipped a little, three points worse than the previous season, but finished third.

Liverpool in 1984-85 turned out to be Joe Fagan’s second and last season. Given they finished second, reached the European Cup final and the semi-final of the FA Cup, it would be a stretch to call the season a failure. But as Fagan said: “By Liverpool’s standards I realise we have been a bit disappointing.” He was 64, but managerial uncertainty did not hang over the season and did not cause the slip.

In January 1934, Arsenal had to deal with the shocking sudden death of Chapman in mid-season. The 55-year-old was repeating his brilliance from Huddersfield, having led Arsenal to the title in 1930-31 and again in 1932-33. They were four points clear of Derby in the 1933-34 campaign when, on the morning of January 6, Chapman died of pneumonia.

Arsenal placed secretary George Allison in charge and the players won the league by three points. Arsenal won a third consecutive title in 1934-35, scoring 115 goals, 25 more than second-placed Sunderland . Tom Whittaker, the Chapman-appointed Arsenal coach, attributed this to all being “steeped in the knowledge” of their former leader. There was continuity even without Chapman.

Arsenal began the defence of their third title with a 3-1 win against Sunderland in front of 66,000 at Highbury. Ted Drake scored twice that day and, in mid-December, got all seven goals in a 7-1 defeat of Villa.

Arsenal looked set, sitting fourth in the table, averaging about 2.5 goals a game. But they lost to Liverpool on Boxing Day, then in February Drake was injured and missed two months. Plus, the FA Cup started and Arsenal wanted to win it. They ultimately finished sixth.

“It was obvious we were going to have a Herculean task in defending the ‘property’ we had won over three years,” Whittaker said.

Key player departures and injuries

Bob Paisley bowed out at Liverpool with league titles in 1981-82 and 1982-83 (by 11 points). In 1983-84, Fagan added another, as well as the European Cup and League Cup .

Even for such a brilliant team, beating that in 1984-85 was always going to take some doing. When the next season began, Liverpool won only two of their first 11 league games culminating in a 1-0 home defeat by Everton , their rivals’ first at Anfield in 14 years, courtesy of Graeme Sharp’s spectacular goal. Liverpool were 17th, their worst league position since 1970.

The explanation was on the pitch. Graeme Souness, the club’s greatest midfielder, had moved to Italy. The hole he left was always going to be impossible to fill, even though Liverpool bought excellent midfielders in John Wark and Jan Molby. “We definitely missed Graeme,” Kenny Dalglish said.

And for the first time since his arrival in 1977, the equally great Dalglish, now 33, was in single figures for goals. It sounds simplistic, but these are reasons why there was no fourth consecutive title. As Ferguson said: “The Souness-Dalglish Liverpool teams were the benchmark for English football.”

Just as Arsenal missed Drake, Liverpool missed Ian Rush. In 1983-84, Rush scored 47 goals in all competitions, 32 of them in the league. He and Dalglish were like Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne . In 1984-85, hit by injuries, Rush got 14 goals in 28 league appearances.

Ferguson understood the cost of losing keystone players. After he had announced his intention to retire he produced another shock, selling Jaap Stam to Lazio. United’s defence was wrong-footed. In 2000-01, they conceded 0.8 goals per Premier League game; in 2001-02 it was 1.2.

Ruud van Nistelrooy came from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2001 and scored 23 goals in 32 Premier League appearances, but the signings of Juan Sebastian Veron and Diego Forlan were less convincing. Ferguson was vehement in his defence of Veron at the time; in his 2016 book Leading, he wrote Veron was one of those players “immune to discipline — try as I might, I could not get him to fit into our system”.

Eight years later, in the 2009-10 season, Ferguson had to deal with a Souness-like departure when Cristiano Ronaldo left for Real Madrid . With Carlos Tevez also gone, Ferguson worried about “our strike force (being) a little gap-toothed for a while”.

Ronaldo’s goal tallies in his previous three Premier League seasons were 17, 31 and 18. His absence was felt in 2009-10, yet with Wayne Rooney getting 26 goals, United actually scored 86 — more than in the three previous seasons when they had been champions. There was another major factor — Chelsea , who beat them to the title by a point.

City have dealt with some injuries this season — De Bruyne, John Stones — but the squad is resilient and deep. They have lost players in the transfer market too — Riyad Mahrez, Aymeric Laporte and Cole Palmer among others. But Guardiola’s core team has not been weakened. Mateo Kovacic , Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku have all been fitted in seamlessly.

Cup distractions

Ferguson’s regret was that he and United did not win more Champions Leagues. “I always said Manchester United ought to be achieving more in Europe,” he said.

With Neville later admitting he was “bored” by United’s domestic domination, the Champions League became their focus. In April 2010, United were 4-2 ahead on aggregate against Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in the quarter-finals. Another semi-final looked on. Then Rafael was sent off, Arjen Robben scored an aggregate equaliser and United went out on away goals.

The European hangover contributed, three days later, to a 0-0 draw at Blackburn. A win would have put United top of the Premier League. “It makes it really difficult to win the league now,” Ferguson said.

In 2001-02, the added European distraction for Ferguson was the final being staged in his home city of Glasgow — “The urge to lead the team out at Hampden Park obsessed me.”

But United lost on the away goals rule to Bayer Leverkusen in the semi-final and, as in 2010, they did not win their next Premier League game after that exit. It again told.

The Arsenal team of 1936 could sympathise. They had their own knockout distraction, the FA Cup, a competition held in such esteem that, after winning three league titles, reaching the final at Wembley was the priority of Arsenal’s season. (It also meant player bonuses at a time of the maximum wage.)

In the third round at Bristol Rovers, with Arsenal 1-0 down, Whittaker locked Allison out of the dressing room at half-time. “I ripped into the lads… then before I unlocked the door to send them out again past the anxious Allison, I told (Cliff) Bastin and (Bobby) Davidson to switch places. Arsenal clicked from the restart.”

Arsenal won 5-1. When they reached the semi-final, these champions of the three previous seasons won only two of their remaining 11 league games. The FA Cup mattered far more than four-in-a-row and they duly defeated Sheffield United at Wembley.

In 2024, for City and Arsenal, it is fair to say the status of the Premier League and FA Cup has been reversed.

Rising rivals

Sunderland were the team who took Arsenal’s potential fourth title. After losing at Highbury on the opening day of the 1935-36 season, Sunderland won 21 of their next 29 matches. By late February, they were 16 points ahead of Arsenal.

Sunderland had finished sixth in 1934, second in 1935 and were champions for the sixth (and, to date, last) time in 1936. Club legends Raich Carter, Bobby Gurney and Patsy Gallacher scored 81 goals between them, and the team beat Arsenal 5-4 at Roker Park.

It was a similar story for Huddersfield in 1927. Newcastle had Hughie Gallacher in his first full season at St James’ Park and Gallacher scored 36 goals in 38 league games. Crucially one of these was a winner against Huddersfield over Easter in 1927. Newcastle were top, Town third. The papers called it a “staggering blow”. It was Newcastle’s fourth (and, to date, last) title. They were an established power.

In the mid-1980s Liverpool were faced with another growing force, a major club enjoying a renewal — Everton. Manager Howard Kendall built an electric team at Goodison Park and in 1984-85, they won the title by 13 points. Goalkeeper Neville Southall was the writers’ Footballer of the Year and midfielder Peter Reid was Players’ Player of the Year. Everton finished second the next season and were champions again in 1986-87 (by nine points). Liverpool were second on both occasions and champions either side. Theirs were marginal losses and gains.

In 2010, it was Chelsea foiling United’s possible four-timer. Fuelled by Roman Abramovich’s Russian economics, Chelsea won three Premier Leagues in six seasons. Managed by Carlo Ancelotti, they scored 103 league goals (Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard getting 51 of them), and ran up a goal difference of 71.

They also had a great goalkeeper, Petr Cech, of whom Ferguson said ruefully: “I should have signed him at 19 when I had my chance.”

With six games to go, Chelsea went to Old Trafford, with United top by a point, and won 2-1. Finishing second by a point, United’s season was hardly terrible. They simply encountered a flowing team.

Manchester City’s 2023-24 edition have met an Arsenal team who finished fifth in May 2022 on 69 points, second in May 2023 on 84 points and who have 86 after Sunday’s win at Old Trafford.

City can reach 91 points. There is a sliver of jeopardy about their trip to Tottenham on Tuesday, but if City do drop points and miss out on four-in-a-row it will not be because of managerial disruption, key player departures or cup distractions. It will be because of Arsenal.

But as the headlines will say, it feels like the fourth is with City. Saturday’s starting XI at Fulham had 31 Premier League titles between them and when the first substitute came on, Kyle Walker added another five. It is an avalanche of quality and experience that will surely make English history.

Then the asterisk arguments will boom again.

(Top photos: Herbert Chapman, Sir Alex Ferguson and Joe Fagan; Getty Images)

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First published in The Observer in 1990, Michael Walker has covered World Cups and European Championships for The Guardian, Daily Mail and Irish Times among others. Author of two football books, one on England’s North-east, one on Ireland.