Finish with a flourish

I recommend that speakers write their concluding paragraph first. This consists of the main point that you want the audience to remember from your presentation. Perhaps it is a restatement of your main theme, perhaps it is a call to action, perhaps a story of the benefits gained from applying your message.

I never finish with a questions from the floor session. If questions from the floor are necessary - and often they are, I insert that portion about 70% of the way through my presentation. I explain that I will take question for the next ten minutes and then will have some concluding remarks.

I have already mentioned that I prepare a briefing note for the person who is going to thank me for the presentation. Unlike my introduction, it is not scripted, but it does ask the host to mention one or two salient points, so that the individuals in the audience are hearing my message restated by a person with local influence.
Use your final remarks to create a lasting impression.
To help them remember:

• Summarise your message into a brief, memorable sentence;
• Explain what can be done to make it come true;
• Show how it is relevant to your audience;
• Explain how it will benefit your audience.