Strategies for Preparing Conclusions
Strategies for Preparing Conclusions
The conclusion is the last part of the speech to prepare.
Wait—isn’t that what was said about the introduction? Yes—and both are true. We have already discussed the concepts that introductions and conclusions are similar in nature, that they provide mirror images of the other, and that they are often of the same type. So you complete the introduction and conclusion at the same time. You do so to make sure that both elements work together.
As you prepare the conclusion, make sure as well that there are no false conclusions. You need to prepare the audience for the end of the speech—but you can only prepare them one time and there can be only one end to the speech. By the same token, you need to make sure that the conclusion is not so abrupt or sudden that no one in the audience is aware you have completed your speech.
Just as with the introduction, write out the conclusion word for word. This is your last chance to impress your audience and to make sure that they understand what you have said. Do not leave the conclusion to chance: write it out.
And finally, make sure that the conclusion you develop meets all the necessary functions of a conclusion.
