Quora Answer: How Should I End a Speech?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “How should I end a speech?” 

Just as we begin any speech with an opening statement, it is important to end that speech with a call to action.  This call to action should be a summary of the contentions raised in the speech, and circle back to the opening statement. 

Depending on the nature of the speech, and intent of its delivery, there are several ways to end the speech.  You could end with a question, which an open-ended ending.  This is when you want the audience to think about the points raised.  The question should be rhetorical.  You could end the speech with a challenge to the audience to take action.  These are powerful speeches for specific ends.  You could end with a quote that best summarises the position.  This is when you need to borrow credibility to emphasise a point.  In whatever manner you end a speech, people want hope.  They want a vision of something better over the horizon.  Unless you have a good reason otherwise, always try to end a speech on a positive note.