another word for a closing speech

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

9 Closing a Speech: End with Power and Let Them Know It is Time to Clap

Open Your Speech With a Bang Close It With a Slam-Dunk Westside Toastmasters

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending,” according to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The first few words of your speech make the audience want to listen and the last few sentences help them decide what they feel about you and your topic. In this chapter, I will explain the function of a conclusion, the format of a conclusion, and I will give you numerous examples of ways to end your speech. Most of this chapter is dedicated to showing you good examples of different types of speech closings. Let’s get started by talking about the purpose of the closing.

A Strong Closing Does Many Things

• Summarizes the points. By restating your points your audience is more likely to remember them.
• Tells the audience when to clap. Let’s face it, it is so awkward when you are done with your speech, and no one claps. Being clear the end is near, relieves the audience of the pressure of wondering if they are clapping at the right time.
• Provides resolution. Your speech should give the audience a sense of resolve or a sense of being challenged.

The Formula for Closing Most Speeches

• Transition statement to ending.
• Review the main points–repeat the thesis.
• If it is a persuasive speech, tell the audience what you want them to do or think.
• Provide a closing statement.

Restate the Thesis

Tell them what you are going to say, say it, tell them what you have said. This speech pattern is useful in most types of speeches because it helps the speaker to remember your key points. As you build your closing, make sure you restate the thesis. A good rule of thumb is to write it in such a way that if the audience were asked to restate the main points, their answer would match closely with your thesis.

EXAMPLE Watch as Stella Young gives her thesis and then restates her thesis at the end of the speech as she wraps up. The thesis of the talk in the introduction: We’ve been sold the lie that disability is a Bad Thing, capital B, capital T. It’s a bad thing, and to live with a disability makes you exceptional. It’s not a bad thing, and it doesn’t make you exceptional. Restates the thesis of the talk at the closing: Disability doesn’t make you exceptional but questioning what you think you know about it does.

Stella Young, I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPGrLoU5Uk

This next example is from a student’s speech. It is easy to pull out one sentence that clearly summarizes the main points of her speech. Following her summary, she winds the speech down into a thoughtful conclusion and ends with three powerful words.

Now is the time to separate the war on drugs from the war on addiction. T oday you’ve heard the problems, impacts, and solutions of criminalizing addictions. Bruce Callis is 50 years old now. And he is still struggling with his addiction. while you all are sitting out there listening to this, I’m living with it. Bruce Callis is my father and for my entire life, I have watched our misguided system destroy him. The irony here is that we live in a society where we are told to recycle. We recycle paper, aluminum, and electronics. But why don’t we ever consider recycling them most precision think on Earth– the human life. Student Tunnette Powell, Winner of the 2012 Interstate Oratorical Association Contest.

Closing Phrases

After you restate your thesis, you should carefully deliver your closing phrases.  Your closing should provide a resolution to your speech and/or it should challenge the audience. Frantically Speaking writer Hrideep Barot suggests  “a conclusion is like tying a bow or ribbon to a box of your key ideas that your audience will be taking along with them.”

A speech closing is not just about the words you say, but it is also the way you say it. Change the pace near the end of your speech. Let your tone alone should signal the end is near. It is about deliberate voice control, don’t let your voice weakly away.

In the next section, I will cover these ways to end your speech:

End with powerful words End with a quote End with a graphic End with parallel construction End on a positive note End with a challenge End with a question End with inspiration End with well-wishing End with humor End with a call to action End with a feeling of resolve End with a prop

The best way to teach you about advanced closings is to show not tell. For this section, I will briefly explain each type of closing and then provide a video. Each video is queued so you can play the video and watch the closing statement.  I included a transcript under each video if you want to follow along.  It will be most beneficial for you to watch the clip and not just read the text. By watching, you will have a chance to hear the subtle changes in the speaker’s voice as they deliver their closing statements.

End with Powerful Words

As you design your closing, look at the last three to five words and examine them to see if they are strong words. Oftentimes, you can rearrange a sentence to end with a powerful word. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Watch this clip for how BJ Miller ends with a powerful thought and a powerful word. 

Parts of me died early on, and that’s something we can all say one way or another. I got to redesign my life around this fact, and I tell you it has been a liberation to realize you can always find a shock of beauty or meaning in what life you have left, like that snowball lasting for a perfect moment, all the while melting away. If we love such moments ferociously, then maybe we can learn to live well — not in spite of death, but because of it. Let death be what takes us, not lack of imagination. BJ Miller, What Really Matters at the End of Life

End by Circling Back to the Opening

Another type of ending is to circle back to what you said in the beginning. You can revisit a quote, share the end to an illustration that was begun in the beginning, or you can put away a prop you got out in the beginning.

Watch this clip for how Zubing Zhang begins and ends with the same quote to circle back around to the main idea. 

She starts by telling a story of bungee jumping off the world’s highest platform and how she saw a sign with a quote that says, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.” After telling her own story about pushing her emotional limits, she circles back around at the end by saying, “As the words said high on the bungee platform, “Life begins at the edge of your comfort zone.”

Yubing Zhang, Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone. 

End With Quote

If you end your speech with a quote, attend to the following.

• Always say the author of the quote before the quote for example, “I want to leave you with a leadership quote ‘What you do has far greater impact than what you say,’ Steven Covey.” The problem with this ending is that “Stephen Covey” are the last two words of the speech and that is boring. Consider instead this ending. “I think Robin Sharma said it best ‘Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.'” In this arrangement, the last three words are powerful–influence and inspiration.
• Provided context for the quote before or after. Make sure the quote is meaningful and not just an easy way to end.

Watch this clip for how Sir Ken Robinson ends with a quote. Notice how he says the author and then the quote.

Also, notice how he then ties his speech to the quote with a final few sentences and ends with the powerful word–“revolution” and how he uses a strong vocal emphasis as he says his last word. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

There’s a wonderful quote from Benjamin Franklin. “There are three sorts of people in the world: Those who are immovable, people who don’t get it, or don’t want to do anything about it; there are people who are movable, people who see the need for change and are prepared to listen to it; and there are people who move, people who make things happen.” And if we can encourage more people, that will be a movement. And if the movement is strong enough, that’s, in the best sense of the word, a revolution. And that’s what we need.

Sir Ken Robinson, How to Escape Education’s Death Valley. 

End with a Graphic

You might want to use a visual to make your final point. Bringing in a picture, graphic, or object, reengages the audience to pay attention to your final ideas.

Watch this clip for how Barry Schartz uses the magic words “so to conclude” and then he creatively uses a picture of a fishbowl to narrow in on his point. Notice how his final word is spoken with urgency as he says “disaster.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

 So, to conclude. (He shows a picture of fish in a fishbowl) He says, “You can be anything you want to be — no limits.” You’re supposed to read this cartoon and, being a sophisticated person, say, “Ah! What does this fish know? Nothing is possible in this fishbowl.” Impoverished imagination, a myopic view of the world –that’s the way I read it at first. The more I thought about it, however, the more I came to the view that this fish knows something. Because the truth of the matter is, if you shatter the fishbowl so that everything is possible, you don’t have freedom. You have paralysis. If you shatter this fishbowl so that everything is possible, you decrease satisfaction. You increase paralysis, and you decrease satisfaction. Everybody needs a fishbowl. This one is almost certainly too limited –perhaps even for the fish, certainly for us. But the absence of some metaphorical fishbowl is a recipe for misery and, I suspect, disaster. Barry Schwartz, The Paradox of Choice

End with Parallel Construction

Parallel construction is a series of repeated phrases. It can be a powerful tool to use in a persuasive speech as it creates a feeling of importance.

Watch this clip for how Malala Yousafzai ends with a series of parallel statements to build momentum. Notice how her pace perfectly matches her words and you feel her strength when she ends with “education first.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are suffering from poverty, injustice, and ignorance. We must not forget that millions of children are out of schools. We must not forget that our sisters and brothers are waiting for a bright peaceful future. So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty, and terrorism, and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world. Education is the only solution. Education First.

Malala Yousafzai,  United Nations Youth Assembly

End on a Positive Note

Audiences are constantly evaluating a speaker to determine their attitude and motivation. As you consider your speech closing, ask yourself what type of impression do you want to leave?  Do you want to leave them with depression or hope? Sadness or promise? Most of the time, audiences will receive messages that end positively better than speeches that end negatively.

In this speech sample, Hans Rosling showed the audience some hard statistics and he even pointed fingers at the audience as part of the problem. To help them hear his main point, he wisely ends on a positive note.

Watch this clip for how Hans Rosling ends this thought-provoking talk on a positive note. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Now, when thinking about where all this leaves us, I have just one little humble advice for you, besides everything else, look at the data. Look at the facts about the world and you will see where we are today and how we can move forwards with all these billions on our wonderful planet. The challenge of extreme poverty has been greatly reduced and it’s for the first time in history within our power to end it for good. The challenge of population growth is, in fact, already being solved, the number of children has stopped growing.  And for the challenge for climate change, we can still avoid the worst, but that requires the richest, as soon as possible, find a way to use their set their use of resources and energy at a level that, step by step, can be shared by 10 billion or 11 billion by the end of this century. I’ve never called myself an optimist, but I do say I’m a possibilist and I also say the world is much better than many of you think.

Hans Rosling, Facts about the Population.

End with a Challenge

Leave the audience with a doable personal challenge. Help them mentally make sense of all the information that you shared by helping them know how to file it away and how to use it.

Watch this clip for how Melissa Butler ends with a challenge. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

So, I challenge each of you, when you go home today, look at yourself in the mirror, see all of you, look at all of your greatness that you embody, accept it, and love it. And finally, when you leave the house tomorrow, try to extend that same love and acceptance to someone who doesn’t look like you . Melissa Butler, Why You Think You’re Ugly. 

Watch this clip as Darren LaCroix literally falls face down to anchor the point that when we fall, we “fall forward.” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Darren LaCroix talks about taking risks and falling down and getting back up, he literally and purposefully falls down during his speech and ends this way: What’s your next step… take it. I didn’t want to look back at my life and say you know I never did try that comedy thing, but I died debt-free. All of us are headed toward that goal we are going to teach a point where we get stuck and our feet are like in cement and we can’t move but we’re so afraid of that ouch but we forget that if we lean forward and take a risk–(He falls face down) and we fall on our face. When we get up, notice, you still made progress. So please, with me, go ahead and fall. But fall forward. Darren LaCroiz, Winning Speech delivered at National Speech Association

End with a Question

Asking a question at the end is one way to reengage the audience. It helps them think about what your topic might mean for them.

Watch this clip for how David Eagleman reminds us about why his topic is important and then ends with a question. Notice how he pauses before his final question and how he changes the pace of his speech for the final sentence. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

So I think there’s really no end to the possibilities on the horizon for human expansion. Just imagine an astronaut being able to feel the overall health of the International Space Station, or, for that matter, having you feel the invisible states of your own health, like your blood sugar and the state of your microbiome, or having 360-degree vision or seeing in infrared or ultraviolet. So the key is this: As we move into the future, we’re going to increasingly be able to choose our own peripheral devices. We no longer have to wait for Mother Nature’s sensory gifts on her timescales, but instead, like any good parent, she’s given us the tools that we need to go out and define our own trajectory. So the question now is, how do you want to go out and experience your universe?

David Eagleman, Can We Create New Senses for Humans? 

Watch this clip for how Lera Boroditsky ends with a personal note and a  powerful final question. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

I want to leave you with this final thought. I’ve told you about how speakers of different languages think differently, but of course, that’s not about how people elsewhere think. It’s about how you think. It’s how the language that you speak shapes the way that you think. And that gives you the opportunity to ask, “Why do I think the way that I do?” “How could I think differently?” And also,  “What thoughts do I wish to create?” Lera Boroditsky, How Language Shapes the Way We Think

End with Inspiration

“Inspiring your audience is all about helping them see their own vision, not yours.”

You may want to end your speech with inspiring and encouraging words. Pick words that resonate with most of your audience and deliver them in such a way that your audience feels your lift in emotion.

Watch this clip for how Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie ends with an inspiring final note and a powerful last few words “regain a kind of paradise” (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

Stories matter. Many stories matter. Stories have been used to dispossess and to malign, but stories can also be used to empower and humanize. Stories can break the dignity of a people, but stories can also repair that broken dignity.

I would like to end with this thought:   That when we reject the single-story,   when we realize that there is never a single story   about any place,   we regain a kind of paradise.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,  The Danger of a Single Story  

Watch this clip for how Dan Pink ends with an inspiring final note. (I have the video cued to play just the closing) Let me wrap up. There is a mismatch between what science knows and what business does. Here is what science knows. One: Those 20th century rewards, those motivators we think are a natural part of business, do work, but only in a surprisingly narrow band of circumstances. Two: Those if-then rewards often destroy creativity. Three: The secret to high performance isn’t rewards and punishments, but that unseen intrinsic drive– the drive to do things for their own sake. The drive to do things cause they matter.

And here’s the best part. We already know this. The science confirms what we know in our hearts. So, if we repair this mismatch between what science  knows and what business does, if we bring our motivation, notions of motivation into the 21st century, if we get past this lazy, dangerous, ideology of carrots and sticks, we can strengthen our businesses, we can solve a lot of those candle problems, and maybe, maybe — we can change the world. I rest my case. Dan Pink, The Puzzle of Motivation

End with Well Wishing

There are several types of closings where the speaker wished the audience well.

The Benediction Close: M ay God bless and keep you…. The Presidential Close: God bless you and may God bless the USA The Congratulatory Close: I congratulate you on your accomplishment and wish you continued success. 

End with Humor

You can end on a fun lighthearted note. It is important to always run your humor by a variety of people to make sure you are funny, and your humor is appropriate.

Watch this clip for how Andrew Dunham uses humor throughout his speech and ends with a funny one-liner. (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

I wish you all the best as we begin this journey on our paths and I sincerely hope and pray that your time and success have proven to be as memorable and spiritually rewarding as mine. If not, there’s always summer school.

Andrew Dunham, Valedictorian Comes Out As Autistic During Speech

End with a Call to Action

If you are delivering a persuasive speech, let the audience know exactly what you want them to do.

End with a Feeling of Resolve

Paul Harvey made famous the line “And now you know…the rest of the story.” Your closing should allow us to know the rest of the story or to know how a situation was resolved.

Watch this clip for how Lucy Hone ends this tough but inspiring talk with a feeling of resolve (I have the video cued to play just the closing)

https://youtu.be/9-5SMpg7Q0k?t=913 If you ever find yourself in a situation where you think there’s no way I’m coming back from this, I urge you to lean into these strategies and think again. I won’t pretend that thinking this way is easy and it doesn’t remove all the pain. But if I’ve learned anything over the last five years, it is that thinking this way really does help. More than anything it has shown me that  it is possible  to live and grieve at the same time. And for that I will be always grateful. Lucy Hone, The Three Secrets of Resilient People

End with a Prop

Nancy Duarte says you should give your audience, SOMETHING THEY  will ALWAYS REMEMBER–S.T.A.R. One way to do that is with an action or statement that will have the audience talking about it for a long time. President Obama did it with a mic drop.

Memorize Your Conclusion

End on time.

Do not diminish the effect of a great speech with a bloated, aimless conclusion. Dan Rothwell.

“Times about up.”

Don’t end with any references to time. It is like a giant stop sign saying, “stop listening.”  Don’t highlight that you ran over time or that it is almost time for lunch. You want them to think about your speech, not the clock.

“Any Questions?”

You want them to feel a sense of closure for your speech.  End with something powerful and let them applaud.  After the applause, you can offer to answer questions. Similarly, projecting your last slide with the words, “Any Questions” is a weak ending.

“Let Me Add This Point I Missed”

If you forget something in the body of your speech, it is usually best to leave it out.  Most of the time you are the only one who will miss it.

“Thank You to the Team”

There is a time to thank the organizers and those who helped you but it is not at the end of your speech. Your focus should be on your audience and what they need and what they need to hear is your idea.  Send a thank you letter to the team if you want them to feel your appreciation.

“I’m Sorry”

“Sorry again for the technology issue,” “I apologize for going over time, ” “I regret I have no answer to this.” These are all negative phrases.  Keep to your topic that is what they need to hear and stay focused.

“I’ll Close with this Video”

No, you should close with talking about the big idea.

If you don’t have a plan at the end, you will ramble. “Steer clear of meandering endings they kill a story,” according to the Moth Storytelling website. “Your last line should be clear in your head before you start. Yes, bring the audience along with you as you contemplate what transpires in your story, but remember, you are driving the story, and must know the final destination. Keep your hands on the wheel!”

To Thank or Not to Thank, That is the Question

There is a debate amongst speech professionals, speech teachers, and speech coaches about whether or not you should thank the audience. Here are their main arguments.

Why You Should Not Say Thank You

• You want to end with powerful words. “Thank you” are not strong words.
• The recency effect suggests they will remember the last words you spoke. You want them to remember more than just “thank you.”
• It is not a very creative way to end.
• It can be a sign of a lazy speaker, “I have no idea how to end this, I’ve run out of good things to say so I’ll say ‘Thank you’ so you will clap now.”

Why You Should Say Thank You

• It has come to be the expected ending in many settings. Violating their expectations can cause them to have a negative reaction.
• It clearly signals you are finished so the audience knows when to clap. The relieves the pressure from both you and the audience.
• It expresses gratitude.

I will leave it up to you to decide what works for you. As for me, I plan on trying to find more creative ways to end other than just saying “thank you.”

Maximizing the Primacy Recency Effect

If I were to read you a list of thirty things on my grocery list and then asked you to list all that you can remember, chances are you would remember the first times on the list and the last items on the list ( and any ones you found interesting from the middle). When people engage in listening, they tend to remember the first and last things they hear, it is called the primacy-recency effect. T his is just one more reason that your introduction and conclusion should be so well planned out. It is those first words and last words that the audience is going to remember. 

The primacy recency effect influences, not only what people pay attention to in a speech, but also which speech we pay the most attention to in a series of speeches. For example, if there is a lineup of six speakers, the first and last speakers tend to get the most attention.

As a speaker, you can use this information to your advantage by volunteering to go first or last. If you are giving a long presentation, you can break it up by allowing the audience to move around or talk to a neighbor. When you come back from break, you have re-engaged that primacy effect and moved them back to a high state of attention.

Do You Have Everything You Need for a Strong Closing?

• Have I signaled my speech is coming to an end with my words or my voice?
• Have I restated my main points?
• If I am persuading my audience, do they know what I want them to do or think?
• Have I written the last three to five words in such a way that I end with powerful words?
• Have I memorized my closing?

Getting Off the Platform is Part of Your Closing

Plan on making a strong exit. Whether you are stepping off a stage or simply going to your seat, you should consider that the audience is watching you.

I have had students who finished their speech and then walked over to the trashcan and in a large, exaggerated movement, they threw their notecards in the trash. In our minds, we threw their message away with those cards. I’ve seen speakers, sit in their chairs and then announce, “I can’t believe my hands were shaking so much.” I’ve sat there and thought, “I didn’t notice.” I then realized that the comments they made influenced my perception of them and my perception of their topic.

You said your last word and the audience is applauding, now what? Look at your audience and smile and nod in appreciation before walking off the stage. If you will be answering questions, wait until after the applause stops to begin your question and answering period.

When practicing your speech, it is a good idea to start from your chair, walk up to a spot and then give your speech, and then walk back to your chair and sit down. Your “speech” impression begins and ends from your chair.

Key Takeaways

Remember This!

• A speech closing should include a review of the main points and a purposeful closing sentence.
• Persuasive speech endings should tell the audience specifically what they should do or think about.
• The recency effect suggests that people remember the most recent things they have heard which is one reason the closing is so important.
• Chance the pace of your speech and the tone of your voice to signal the end of the speech.

Please share your feedback, suggestions, corrections, and ideas.

I want to hear from you. 

Do you have an activity to include? Did you notice a typo that I should correct? Are you planning to use this as a resource and do you want me to know about it? Do you want to tell me something that really helped you?

Click here to share your feedback. 

Adichie, C.N. (2009). The danger of a single story. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg Standard YouTube License.

Anderson, C. (2016). TED talks: The official TED guide to public speaking. Mariner Books.

Barot, H.  Fifteen powerful speech ending lines (and tips to create your own). Frantically Speaking. https://franticallyspeaking.com/15-powerful-speech-ending-lines-and-tips-to-create-your-own/

Boroditsky, L. (2017). How language shapes the way we think.  https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think  Standard Youtube License. 

Butler, M. (2018). Why you think you’re ugly. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imCBztvKgus  Standard YouTube License. 

Dunham. A. (2019). Valedictorian comes out as autistic during speech. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPGrLoU5Uk  Standard Youtube License. 

Eagleman, D. (2015). Can we create new senses for humans?[Video]. YouTube  https://youtu.be/4c1lqFXHvqI  Standard YouTube License. 

Hone, L. (2019).  The three secrets of resilient people. [Video]. YouTube  https://youtu.be/NWH8N-BvhAw  Standard YouTube License. 

Jeff, P. (2009). Ten ways to end your speech with a bang. http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/10-ways-to-end-your-speech

Jobs, S. (2005). You’ve got to find what you love. https://news.stanford.edu/2005/06/14/jobs-061505/

Khanna, P. (2016). Let the head of TED show you how to end your speech with power. https://www.fastcompany.com/3059459/let-the-head-of-ted-show-you-how-to-end-your-speech-with-p

Karia, A. (2013). How to open and close a TED talk (or any other speech or presentation). https://akashkaria.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/HowtoOpenandCloseaTEDTalk.pdf

LaCroix, D. (2001). World champion of public speaking. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUDCzbmLV-0  Standard YouTube License. 

Mandela, N. (2011). Speech from the dock in the Rivonia trial.[Video]. YouTube https://www.nelsonmandela.org/news/entry/i-am-prepared-to-die  Standard YouTube License. 

Mandela, N. (1994). Presidential Inaugural Speech. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/nelsonmandelainauguralspeech.htm  Standard YouTube License. 

Miller, B.J. (2015). What really matters at the end of life. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.ted.com/talks/bj_miller_what_really_matters_at_the_end_of_life?language=en  Standard YouTube License. 

Moth. (2021). Storytelling tips and tricks: How to tell a successful story. https://themoth.org/share-your-story/storytelling-tips-tricks 

Obama, B. (2016). White House correspondents dinner. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxFkEj7KPC0  Standard YouTube License. 

Pink, D. (2009). The puzzle of motivation. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_the_puzzle_of_motivation  Standard YouTube License. 

Rothwell, D. (2014). Practically Speaking. Oxford University Press.Robinson, K. (2013). How to escape education’s death valley. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX78iKhInsc  Standard YouTube License. 

Rosling, H. (2014). Don’t Panic-Hans Rosling showing the facts about population.[Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FACK2knC08E  Standard YouTube License. 

Schwartz, B. (2005). The paradox of choice. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_the_paradox_of_choice  Standard YouTube License. 

Toastmasters International. (2016). Concluding your Speech. https://www.toastmasters.org/Resources/Concluding-Your-Speech

Young, S. (2014). I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much. [Video]. YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtPGrLoU5Uk  Standard YouTube License. 

Yousafzai, M. (2013). Malala Yousafzai addresses United Nations Youth Assembly. [Video]. YouTube https://youtu.be/3rNhZu3ttIU  Standard YouTube License. 

Zhang, Y. (2015). Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmN4xOGkxGo  Standard YouTube License. 

Media Attributions

• Audience clapping © Alex Motoc is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license
• jose-aragones-81QkOoPGahY-unsplash © Jose Aragones is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license

Advanced Public Speaking Copyright © 2021 by Lynn Meade is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

bottom_desktop desktop:[300x250]

• TEFL Internship
• TEFL Masters
• Find a TEFL Course
• Special Offers
• Course Providers
• Teach English Abroad
• Find a TEFL Job
• About DoTEFL
• Our Mission
• How DoTEFL Works

Forgotten Password

• 55 Other Ways to Say in Conclusion: Want a Memorable Finish?
• Learn English
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated July 24, 2023

In order to be a better writer or speaker, you need to use synonyms for in conclusion. After all, everyone knows ‘in conclusion’, and if you want to stand out you need to mix things up! So, if you’re ready to vary the way you end a piece of writing or finish a presentation read on for 55 alternatives for in conclusion!

Table of Contents

55 synonyms for in conclusion

What’s another word for in conclusion? Take a look at these in conclusion replacements:

• All in all,
• All things considered,
• As a conclusion,
• As a final observation,
• As a final point,
• As demonstrated,
• As you can see,
• At the end of the day,
• Briefly to conclude,
• By and large, we can say
• Considering all of this,
• Everything considered,
• For the most part,
• For these reasons,
• Generally speaking,
• In a nutshell,
• In closing,
• In general, it may be concluded that…
• In summary,
• In summation,
• In the end,
• It can be concluded…
• Last but not least,
• On a final note,
• On the whole,
• Simply put,
• Summing up,
• Taking everything into account,
• The bottom line is…
• The conclusion is…
• To conclude,
• To cut a long story short,
• To end things off,
• To end with,
• To put it all together,
• To put it briefly,
• To summarize,
• To wrap it all up,
• Ultimately,
• Upon analyzing,
• Upon reflection,
• Upon review,
• With this in mind,

There you have it, 55 alternatives for in conclusion! Many of these can also be used as in conclusion transition words or as a transition phrase.

This should allow you to form a variety of in conclusion phrases for your academic essay or any other piece of writing you are working on.

If you’re not currently writing anything, but want to practice using some of these for real, check out these 50 prompts for narrative writing .

Otherwise, for some other in conclusion phrases and their pronunciation, check out this video:

But when should you use these and what is the meaning of in conclusion?

In conclusion meaning

‘In conclusion’ means to evaluate and summarise everything that came before and provide a final argument. It can be used in both the academic and professional environment and you will find it in some form or another at the end of essays, speeches, books, reports and sales pitches.

Arguably, a conclusion makes up the most important part of academic and professional writing. This is because it lets the reader know that there is a conclusion coming and forms a key part of the overall written structure. Plus, if you know how to write a conclusion that sticks in the mind of the reader, they are much more likely to remember your message.

When to use in conclusion?

In conclusion, or one of the many in conclusion synonyms, can be used at the end of a piece of writing or speaking when you want to indicate to your audience that you are approaching your closing words and are about to summarise what you have written before.

Using in conclusion in speeches and oral presentations actually works every well. Some people would argue that it works even better than in academic or professional writing, where using in conclusion may sometimes be unnecessary. Alternatively, you might just want to find a better, more suitable term to replace it. After all, that’s why we created this list!

Before we go any further, if you want an in conclusion paragraph example, let’s sum up this article:

In conclusion, a conclusion can be found at the end of a piece of writing and evaluates and summarises everything that came before. It lets the reader know what they have read and can also establish your final argument and closing position on the subject.

In conclusion or to conclude?

In conclusion and to conclude are what are known as complete synonyms and mean exactly the same thing. You can therefore interchange them as much as you like and use whichever fits best.

In summary or in conclusion?

You may have already seen variations of the word ‘summary’ in this article. In summary can be used in the same way as in conclusion, which is at the end of a piece of writing or speaking to indicate the beginning of the closing statement. However, it doesn’t have the exact same meaning as in conclusion and is therefore known as a close synonym. Nevertheless, you can replace in conclusion with in summary in most instances and it is a great example of another way to say in conclusion. Speaking of which, here are a variety of in conclusion examples using some of the other words we outlined above:

In conclusion synonyms with examples

All in all , the event was a great success.

All things considered ; it’s clear that the internet radically changed the world.

At the end of the day , he made a mistake by not preparing correctly.

By and large , we can say that polar bears prefer a cold environment.

Lastly , the computer course is clearly great value.

In a nutshell , the manager hadn’t resolved his problem.

In brief , the meeting didn’t go well.

In conclusion , squirrels preferred acorns to nuts from the supermarket.

In short , they weren’t ready and this caused their downfall.

In sum , they should reduce their expenses.

In summary , money is needed in order to survive.

In the end , a draw was a fair result.

Last but not least , it will definitely help the employees.

On the whole , I’m against the statement.

To conclude , DVDs were always going to be replaced by new technology.

To sum up , there is only one obvious solution.

To summarise , this wasn’t the right approach.

Ultimately , they decided on the best course of action.

• Recent Posts

• 7 Ways to Learn a Language While Traveling - March 8, 2024
• 5 Ways to Use Technology in Language Learning - March 7, 2024
• Does Reading Improve Memory? Unlocking Your Brain’s Potential - February 22, 2024

More from DoTEFL

The 1000 Most Common English Words

• Updated November 2, 2023

TEFL vs TESOL vs TESL, What’s the Difference?

• Updated March 7, 2024

Businesses or Business’s or Business’? What’s the Difference?

• Updated March 30, 2023

What Are the Requirements for Teaching English Abroad?

• Updated March 22, 2024

Technology or Technologies? What is the Plural of Technology?

• Updated July 9, 2023

Decoding Business Structures: A Guide for Tutoring Entrepreneurs

• Updated February 12, 2024
• The global TEFL course directory.

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• Informative
• Introduction
• Student Council
• Speech topics
• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
• Using props/visual aids
• Acute anxiety help
• Breathing exercises
• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
• Delivery overview
• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
• Vocal variety
• Diction/articulation
• Pronunciation
• Speaking rate
• How to use pauses
• Eye contact
• Body language
• Voice image
• Voice health
• Public speaking activities and games
• About me/contact
• How to end a speech effectively

How to end a speech memorably

3 ways to close a speech effectively.

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 09-05-2022

Knowing how, and when, to end a speech is just as important as knowing how to begin. Truly.

What's on this page:

• why closing well is important
• 3 effective speech conclusions with examples and audio
• 7 common ways people end their speeches badly  - what happens when you fail to plan to end a speech memorably
• How to end a Maid Honor speech: 20 examples
• links to research showing the benefits of finishing a speech strongly

Why ending a speech well is important

Research *  tells us people most commonly remember the first and last thing they hear when listening to a speech, seminar or lecture.

Therefore if you want the audience's attention and, your speech to create a lasting impression sliding out with:  "Well, that's all I've got say. My time's up anyway. Yeah - so thanks for listening, I guess.",  isn't going to do it.

So what will?

* See the foot of the page for links to studies and articles on what and how people remember : primacy and recency.

Three effective speech conclusions

Here are three of the best ways to end a speech. Each ensures your speech finishes strongly rather than limping sadly off to sure oblivion.

You'll need a summary of your most important key points followed by the ending of your choice:

• a powerful quotation
• a challenge
• a call back

To work out which of these to use, ask yourself what you want audience members to do or feel as a result of listening to your speech. For instance;

• Do you want to motivate them to work harder?
• Do you want them to join the cause you are promoting?
• Do you want them to remember a person and their unique qualities?

What you choose to do with your last words should support the overall purpose of your speech.

Let's look at three different scenarios showing each of these ways to end a speech.

To really get a feel for how they work try each of them out loud yourself and listen to the recordings.

1. How to end a speech with a powerful quotation

Your speech purpose is to inspire people to join your cause. Specifically you want their signatures on a petition lobbying for change and you have everything ready to enable them to sign as soon as you have stopped talking.

You've summarized the main points and want a closing statement at the end of your speech to propel the audience into action.

Borrowing words from a revered and respected leader aligns your cause with those they fought for, powerfully blending the past with the present.

For example:

"Martin Luther King, Jr said 'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.'

Now is the time to decide. Now is the time to act. 

Here's the petition. Here's the pen. And here's the space for your signature.

Now, where do you stand?"

Try it out loud and listen to the audio

Try saying this out loud for yourself. Listen for the cumulative impact of: an inspirational quote, plus the rhythm and repetition (two lots of 'Now is the time to...', three of 'Here's the...', three repeats of the word 'now') along with a rhetorical question to finish.

Click the link to hear a recording of it:  sample speech ending with a powerful quotation .

2. How to end a speech with a challenge

Your speech purpose is to motivate your sales force.

You've covered the main points in the body of it, including introducing an incentive: a holiday as a reward for the best sales figures over the next three weeks.

You've summarized the important points and have reached the end of your speech. The final words are a challenge, made even stronger by the use of those two extremely effective techniques: repetition and rhetorical questions.

"You have three weeks from the time you leave this hall to make that dream family holiday in New Zealand yours.

Can you do it?

Will you do it?

The kids will love it.

Your wife, or your husband, or your partner, will love it.

Do it now!"

Click the link to listen to a recording of it: sample speech ending with a challenge . And do give it a go yourself.

3. How to end a speech with a call back

Your speech purpose is to honor the memory of a dear friend who has passed  away.

You've briefly revisited the main points of your speech and wish in your closing words to  leave the members of the audience with a happy and comforting take-home message or image to dwell on.

Earlier in the speech you told a poignant short story. It's that you return to, or call back.

Here's an example of what you could say:

"Remember that idyllic picnic I told you about?

Every blue sky summer's day I'll see Amy in my mind.

Her red picnic rug will be spread on green grass under the shade of an old oak tree. There'll be food, friends and laughter.

I'll see her smile, her pleasure at sharing the simple good things of life, and I know what she'd say too. I can hear her.

"Come on, try a piece of pie. My passing is not the end of the world you know."

Click the link to hear a recording of it: sample speech ending with a call back . Try it out for yourself too. (For some reason, this one is a wee bit crackly. Apologies for that!)

When you don't plan how to end a speech...

That old cliché 'failing to plan is planning to fail' can bite and its teeth are sharp.

The 'Wing It' Department * delivers lessons learned the hard way. I know from personal experience and remember the pain!

How many of these traps have caught you?

• having no conclusion and whimpering out on a shrug of the shoulders followed by a weak,  'Yeah, well, that's all, I guess.',  type of line.
• not practicing while timing yourself and running out of it long before getting to your prepared conclusion. (If you're in Toastmasters where speeches are timed you'll know when your allotted time is up, that means, finish. Stop talking now, and sit down. A few seconds over time can be the difference between winning and losing a speech competition.)
• ending with an apology undermining your credibility. For example:  'Sorry for going on so long. I know it can be a bit boring listening to someone like me.'  
• adding new material just as you finish which confuses your audience. The introduction of information belongs in the body of your speech.
• making the ending too long in comparison to the rest of your speech.
• using a different style or tone that doesn't fit with what went before it which puzzles listeners.
• ending abruptly without preparing the audience for the conclusion. Without a transition, signal or indication you're coming to the end of your talk they're left waiting for more.

* Re  The 'Wing It' Department

One of the most galling parts of ending a speech weakly is knowing it's avoidable. Ninety nine percent of the time it didn't have to happen that way. But that's the consequence of 'winging it', trying to do something without putting the necessary thought and effort in.

It's such a sod when there's no one to blame for the poor conclusion of your speech but yourself! ☺

How to end a Maid of Honor speech: 20 examples

More endings! These are for Maid of Honor speeches. There's twenty examples of varying types: funny, ones using Biblical and other quotations... Go to: how to end a Maid of Honor speech    

How to write a speech introduction

Now that you know how to end a speech effectively, find out how to open one well. Discover the right hook to use to captivate your audience.

Find out more: How to write a speech introduction: 12 of the very best ways to open a speech .

More speech writing help

You do not need to flail around not knowing what to do, or where to start.

Visit this page to find out about  structuring and writing a speech . 

You'll find information on writing the body, opening and conclusion as well as those all important transitions. There's also links to pages to help you with preparing a speech outline, cue cards, rehearsal, and more. 

Research on what, and how, people remember: primacy and recency 

McLeod, S. A. (2008).  Serial position effect .  (Primacy and recency, first and last)  Simply Psychology.

Hopper, Elizabeth. "What Is the Recency Effect in Psychology?" ThoughtCo, Feb. 29, 2020.

ScienceDirect: Recency Effect - an overview of articles from academic Journals & Books covering the topic.

• Back to top of  how to end a speech  page

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Top 10 popular pages

• Welcome speech
• Demonstration speech topics
• Impromptu speech topic cards
• Thank you quotes
• Impromptu public speaking topics
• Farewell speeches
• Phrases for welcome speeches
• Student council speeches
• Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Useful pages

• Search this site
• About me & Contact
• Blogging Aloud
• Free e-course
• Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

The Throughline Blog

Practical Media Training and Public Speaking Tips

15 Great Ways To Close A Speech (Public Speaking Essentials)

What would you like your final words to achieve? Do you want audience members to get involved in your advocacy efforts? Reconsider previously held views? Have a more complete or nuanced understanding of your topic?

In the last post , you learned how to close your presentations with two closes, not one. In this post, you’ll learn 15 memorable ways to end on a high note.

1. The Summary Close: This close, which recaps the main points you made during your presentation, can serve as a useful reminder and ensure that the audience leaves with clarity on your biggest ideas. Because this isn’t the most creative option, it can often be improved by combining it with another type of closer.

2. The Illustrative Close: You can end by using a first- or third-person anecdote, case study, or fable; an apocryphal (fictional but plausible) tale; or another storytelling device that illustrates the main points you made during your talk. Many talks begin and end in this manner.

3. The Personal Close: Many speakers discuss their personal connection to the speech topic well before the close. But if you don’t plan on highlighting your own ties to the topic sooner, doing so at the end can serve as a powerful final rapport builder.

4. The Bookend Close: Just as matching bookends are used at the beginning and end of a row of books, matching speech bookends use the same opening and closing device. One client began his talk by discussing “The Carrington Event” — a large solar flare observed in 1859 that resulted in a pre-sunrise red sky and telegraph systems around the world shutting down — and concluded by discussing the catastrophic consequences of such an event occurring today (such as the eastern seaboard of the United States losing power for an entire year).

5. The Surprise Close: One of my favorite TED Talks was delivered by Mark Bezos, an executive with a nonprofit group and a volunteer firefighter. He shares the story of one particular house fire, during which he watched other firefighters work valiantly to extinguish the flames while he was given a seemingly unimportant assignment. His surprise ending makes clear that his work that night mattered — and drew an audible reaction from the audience.

7. The Metaphor Close : A metaphor is a comparison of one action or object to a symbolically similar but literally different action or object. A technology executive marketing a product that protects personal electronic devices from malicious viruses might say: “We are the rainforest of personal technology. Just as rainforests keep the planet healthy by releasing oxygen and storing carbon, we keep your sensitive information safe by keeping the good stuff you want—and capturing the bad stuff you don’t.”

8. The Forward-Looking Close: In this close, you’ll paint a picture of what the world could look like at some point in the future. You might share your vision of what will be different if your recommendations are adopted, or discuss where you see trends heading in the years to come.

9. The Backward-Looking Close: Some audiences — such as those who are discouraged or have become complacent — may need to be reminded of just how far they’ve already come. You can take a backward glance to where they were, say, five years ago, and detail their meaningful accomplishments to the present day.

10. The Opposing Vision Close: In this close, you’ll present two competing visions: one that paints a picture of what would happen if the audience (or society at large) adopts your recommended action and another if it doesn’t. This close can be used to encourage the audience to prevent the negative option from occurring or, more positively, to demonstrate that something better is achievable.

11. The Provocative Close: Some speakers have license to be more provocative than others. As examples, a boss might give her staff a wakeup call by telling them the old ways of doing business aren’t going to cut it anymore, and a presenter speaking to a skeptical group might candidly concede that he disagrees with the audience in several areas—but that they agree wholeheartedly on the one he discussed during his talk.

12. The PowerPoint Close: Flashing something unexpected on the screen can make for a memorable close. As examples: a photo that is seemingly unrelated to your speech topic and that requires your explanation, a humorous comic that makes a profound point, or a line graph showing two potential outcomes—one if the audience gets involved, and another if they don’t.

13. The Personal Pledge Close: After giving a lofty speech and asking your audience to get involved, some audience members might wonder, “Well, what are you doing to help?” This close expressly articulates the promise you, your community, or your company is making toward the cause.

14. The Takeaway Close: For some of my public speaking talks, I close by asking the audience to reflect upon the two or three things they heard me say that resonated with them the most. To make sure those takeaway points stick with them, I ask them to write them down—after which I encourage them to look at whatever they’ve written every time they prepare for a future presentation.

15. The Next Steps Close: This close articulates a sequence and timeline of the next steps required to make a decision or achieve a goal.

Would you or your colleagues benefit from presentation training? Click here for more information about our customized workshops. 

• close a speech
• presentation training
• public speaking

Share this article

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Email

STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE THROUGHLINE NEWSLETTER

Join the thousands of professionals who receive our email newsletter. Improve your public speaking and media interviewing skills—and enhance your career— by signing up.

Public Speaking Skills Training

Since 2004, we have helped speakers prepare for the world’s biggest stages, including TED, the World Economic Forum, and a presidential announcement speech. We’re committed to your long-term growth, and we’ll be with you every step of the way.

More from the throughline blog

In Presentation Training How to Hide a Lavalier Mic Wire

In Presentation Training Are Your Stories Making You Appear Inauthentic?

In Presentation Training Why You Should Have Three Speech Opens

This website or its third party tools use cookies, which are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the privacy policy . If you want to know more or withdraw your consent to all or some of the cookies, please refer to the privacy policy. By closing this banner or continuing to browse otherwise, you agree to the use of cookies.

Cart – Checkout

How do you close a speech.

How should you close a speech? I recently had a query from a fellow coach who specializes in working with engineers and tech firms, and her complaint was that far too many speeches in her experience ended with a slide reading “Any Questions?” She was asking for alternative ways to end a presentation.

It would be hard to imagine a duller (and less engaging) way to finish, aside from simply walking off the stage in silence.

First of all, there’s the slide issue itself. Slide-ware like PowerPoint doesn’t help; it distracts, because it requires us to multitask. And all the research on multitasking shows that we can’t do it. We first pay attention to one thing, and then another. Moreover, the research on how our brains process visual information indicates that we don’t actually see what’s in front of us, but rather an approximation of it that our brain matches to reality based on its memory banks.

So what really happens when we’re confronted in a meeting or a presentation with a speaker and a set of slides is that we look at the speaker—because we’re inherently more interested in people than pictures—and when our attentions start to wander, then we look at the slides. Now, reading slides and looking at people occupy two different parts of our brain, and there’s a lot of inefficiency in switching back and forth. So when we’re looking at the speaker, we’re getting one set of cues. When we look at the slides, we get another set. When we switch, we lose a bit of either information stream.

So the result is two incomplete sets of information. That’s tiring and indeed annoying for us, so we get cranky and tune out.

That’s what slide-ware does. With some exceptions, it adds to our information load, overwhelming it even faster, and causing us to tune out.

Don’t do it.

Any questions?

OK, so how should you end a speech? Following are five suggestions, in order to avoid the dreaded “Any Questions” slide.

1. The simplest way to end a speech, after you’ve finished the content part, is to say, “thank you.” That has the virtue of being individually understood, unexceptional, and unambiguous.

That remains my go-to recommendation for anyone who wants a way to signal to the audience that it’s time to applaud and then head for the bar. Neat, simple, gets the job done.

2. But let’s say you want something more original and exciting. A personal favorite of mine is to end with a question suggested by the talk, something related that broadens the discussion and gets people thinking. So, for example, if you’re wrapping up a talk on the future of software, you might say, “We’ve had a great discussion today about what software will look like in near future; I’d like to close by asking you what you think software might look like 100 years from now. Are we actually heading for the Great Singularity?”

Or even, “I’d like to close by asking you whether or not you think there should be government controls on either the violence in or the length of time spent on gaming software?”

That should give them something to talk about into next week, or at least over the coffee and donuts.

3. Of course, as I’ve recommended many times, the best way to end a speech is to turn the audience loose on an action. After all, you’ve been asking the audience to sit passively for 20 or 30 or 50 minutes. Give them a chance to move, to do something. It should be related to what you’ve been talking about, it should be specific, and it should be relatively simple. Get them to turn to a neighbor and pledge to start the good health regimen you’ve been talking about with one specific food change, for example.

4. If you’re afraid of not getting any questions, then you can arrange for a friend in the audience to ask one. The “plant” is a good way to get questions started if you fear silence. But if you’ve turned the chore of asking for questions over to a slide, then that suggests either you don’t really want to engage in questions, or you’re afraid of them. If it’s the former, then get over yourself. You’ve had the floor for 45 minutes; now it’s someone else’s turn. If the latter, then you might think about sharing your fears in an authentic way: “Now, I’m a little afraid of the questions you might ask, since there are some people here in the audience who know more about the subject than I do, but if we agree to turn the answering over to anyone who is best positioned to answer the question, I’m happy with that.”

5. Finally, you might borrow an idea from the theatre and have a “talk back.” In the theatre, some groups invite the audience to give their thoughts back to the actors, the director, the stage crew, or anyone else who’s available. It’s a critique, a Q and A opportunity, a focus group, and a therapy session all rolled up into one. It’s risky, because you’re at the mercy of jerks in the audience who just want to ventilate or bloviate, but then Q and A can bring out those trolls too. If you choose this option, then it’s a big help to have someone else MC the discussion.

No excuses; there are plenty of interesting ways to end a presentation. Throw away that “Any Questions” slide and get to work.

With thanks to Susan de la Vergne for the question.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

About the author: nick morgan.

Related Posts

24 Comments

Greetings from West Cork.

Go raibh maith agat. (thank You In Irish)

I would like to thank you for all your great posts this year , all highly informative and inspirational.

I would like to wish you and your family a fabulous Christmas and a most prosperous new Year.

Kind regards John Keating

Thank you, John — my best wishes to you and yours and thanks for your kind comments.

Nick, for years I struggled with this one.

I always thought that “thank you” was the best ending. But when I started listening to comedians on the radio (SiriusXM channels), their “thank you” endings seemed like a let down. Lacked power. I’ve switched gears a bit.

I don’t ask a question (which I think is a great idea), but end with a simple magic trick.

I talk earlier in my speech about the connect between magic and innovation. I do a trick which truly astonishes all audience members…as I’m doing the trick (which is purely visual, it does not need any comment from me), I conclude with the most important points from the speech and then I say, “and like magic, innovation is about making the impossible possible.” And I walk off the stage. No thank you. No explanation. Nothing for them to do. There is usually a hush followed by a sea of applause that goes in waves as the audience realizes I’m done.

It is not perfect. But it catches the audience off guard (twice, once with the magic and the other with my walking off) and it seems to leave them with something memorable. Thanks for all of your great posts!

Hi, Stephen — love the magic trick idea — very dramatic! Thanks for the comment…..That’s a sixth ending, and in fact it suggests another post…..

Depending on how you did your introduction, it is nice to go back to it, complete it, extend it, etc. – go full circle.

Thanks Nick for packaging together 5 options for us to consider. There are times when I like to leave them with a question to ponder, other times I like to end with a story that underlines the main point.

Keep up the great work!

Thanks, Dave — closing with a story is an excellent option — as long as it’s a story that has a finality to its arc. You want to give them closure.

You know how people talk about blog posts that are “click bait”? They’re designed to get someone to click? I get a kick out of how some keynote speakers are remarkable with “standing ovation bait”. You can see it in pacing, verbal inflection, etc. that just makes people want to stand up and cheer.

Even using the term “standing ovation bait” seems pejorative, which isn’t exactly my intention. I think there’s something to getting people to that emotional response. It’s the climax to the story, as you teach us in Power Cues.

It’s just that I recently saw a LinkedIn profile that said something like “Herman Finklestein, 1000+ Standing Ovations” (name changed–I apologize to any of your readers by that name!). I guess my point is that success might be better measured by how people’s lives are impacted or job performance improvement or the discussions that are spurred on after the applause dies down.

Or maybe Herman Finklestein has it right–all the meeting planner wants is to hear applause…. :)

Thanks for the thought-provoking post!

Hi, Andy —

Alas, yes — all speakers would secretly love a standing ovation, and some not so secretly twist their audience’s arms to get one. Very shallow! And very understandable:-)

Great article Nick! Thank you for sharing. My favorite is to leave them with a question like you mentioned in #2! P.S. I tried to tweet this article from your social media buttons below the article, but it does not include the hyperlink. I had to copy and paste the link! Merry Christmas and thanks for all the great content this year!

Hi, Ryan —

Thanks for your comment and the point about the buttons. We recently did some upgrading of the site, and the result was a great look and some issues with various plug-ins…. We’re working on it!

[…] Nick Morgan suggests that the simplest ending is to say ‘thank-you’. But you need to be careful that simplicity does not become a rationalization for not planning a […]

[…] How Do You Close A Speech […]

really helpful thank you

I have listened to Emmanuel Macron ‘s recent speech in English and I was amazed when he closed his formal speech by ” Thanks” It didn’t sound proper to me in particular for a head of state shouldn’t he have said ” Thank You ” ( English is my 2nd language that’s why I ‘d like to know) When one commit to deliver a speech in a foreign language then one has to make sure that the written speech is correct and in keeping with the level of language . Formal or informal . Thank you for your enlightenment .

Hi, Joelle — you’re correct. The conventional way to end a speech in English is to say “thank you.” Occasionally speech pros rebel against the convention, but then the audience is left wondering — is he/she done? It’s hard to tell without the convention. So I strongly recommend everyone speaking in English to close a speech with “thank you.”

Thankyou very much .It was really helpfull for me in ending my speech with a bang.

Great, glad to hear it!

Wow this is great! I’m doing a speech on income inequality, and my intro is a fact about how the three richest men own as much as the bottom half of Americans. I want to end with a call to action, but in my speech I mostly talk about what the government can do, not so much us personally. Any ideas how to conclude? Suggestions appreciated! :)

I would urge the audience to pressure the government — citizen activism — as a place to start. It’s all our responsibility in the end, because we are the government at base.

Yes its too right Also you can end the as you have started FOR EXAMPLE :- STARTING -The sun is brightning like your faces. ENDING. -Not the brightning sun is becoming dull.

Hi Nick thanx for providing a good conclusion…. It’s really helpful for us….

You are welcome.

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Public Speaking Podcast

A podcast launched in a time of great change. Just One Question with Dr Nick Morgan has over 50 episodes featuring some of the worlds most elite and accomplished speakers. More importantly the podcast brings light to our industry as we undergo a public speaking and communication reformation. 

© Copyright 2021 | All Rights Reserved Public Words Inc | Legal | Privacy

BLOG PODCAST NEWS SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our weekly blog for useful articles, tips and podcasts for boosting your public speaking career:

CALL US NOW

© Copyright 2021 | All Rights Reserved Public Words Inc | Legal Policy | Privacy Policy

Conclusion transition words: Phrases for summarizing and ending

Transition words help us structure our thoughts and guide the reader or listener through what we are saying. When it’s time to summarize your message or end a paragraph, conclusion transition words let you signal this closing.

It’s good to know some synonyms for ‘in conclusion’ and ‘to conclude’, because although these are good examples of concluding words, they can get repetitive.

Our comprehensive list of transition words for conclusion and summary should give you all the inspiration you need, whether you are writing an essay or speech, or just want to become more confident forming an argument. These signal words can also be helpful for restating ideas, drawing attention to key points as you conclude.

We have included plenty of examples of how you can use these transition words for concluding paragraphs or sentences, so by the end of this article, you should be clear on how to use them properly.

Conclusion transition words with examples

We have grouped these summarizing and concluding transition words according to how and where they can be used. For example, some should only be used when forming a final conclusion, whereas others can be used to summarize sections mid-way through your speech or writing.

First, let’s be clear about the difference between a summary and a conclusion .

Summary vs conclusion

A conclusion comes at the end of a speech, chapter, or piece of text, and it brings together all of the points mentioned. A summary, however, can be placed anywhere (even at the beginning). A summary gives a brief outline of the main points but is not as in-depth as a conclusion.

If you are giving a presentation or writing a blog, you may wish to summarize the main points in your introduction so that people know what you are going to cover. You could also summarize a section part-way through before moving on to another angle or topic.

In contrast, the conclusion always comes at the end, and you should only use specific conclusion transition words as you are drawing to a close.

Transition words for conclusion paragraphs

Let’s begin with some discourse markers that signal you are moving to the concluding paragraph in your presentation, speech, essay, or paper. These can all be used to start a conclusion paragraph.

• In conclusion
• To conclude
• We can conclude that
• Given these points
• In the final analysis
• As can be seen
• In the long run
• When all is said and done
• I’ll end by
• As we draw to a close

The last three on this list, the ‘closing’ transition words, would generally only be used in spoken discourse.

Some transition words for order and sequencing should also help with structuring what you want to say, including the ending.

Example conclusion sentences

The following sentences show how to use conclusion words correctly:

• In conclusion , we can say that plan A will be of greater benefit to the company.
• When all is said and done , it’s clear that we should steer clear of this investment strategy.
• Given these points , I believe the trial was a great success.
• I’ll end by reminding you all that this experiment was just the beginning of a much larger project.
• To wrap up , let’s look at how this learning can be applied.
• In the long run , we will make more profit by investing heavily in new machinery.
• Having analyzed seven of our competitors in detail, we can conclude that our content marketing strategy should be updated.

Transition words for summary

The following summary transition words may be used as part of a conclusion paragraph, but they are especially helpful for concisely drawing together several points.

• To summarize
• On the whole
• Generally speaking
• All things considered
• In a nutshell (informal)
• In any case

Note that although you can insert summary transition words anywhere, the specific phrases ‘In summary’, ‘To summarize’ and ‘To sum up’ are generally only used at the end, similar to conclusion phrases.

Example summary sentences

• In brief , this presentation is going to cover the pros and cons of the device and how we can apply this to our own product development.
• This new technology is, in a word , revolutionary.
• All things considered , we found that Berlin was a great city for a weekend break.
• To summarize , we can say that Shakespeare’s writing continues to have a global influence.
• We can say that the combustion engine was, on the whole , a good invention.
• In any case , we should put the necessary precautions in place.
• Generally speaking , girls are more thoughtful than boys.

Transition words to end a paragraph

You may wish to add ending transition words in the final sentence of a paragraph to conclude the ideas in that section of text, before moving on to another point.

Here are some transition words to conclude a paragraph:

• This means that
• With this in mind
• By and large
• For the most part

Note that some of these could equally be used to begin a new paragraph, so long as that paragraph is summarizing the points previously mentioned.

Cause and effect transition words could also be helpful in this context.

Examples of transition words for the end of a paragraph

• Jamie is a vegan and Sheryl has a lot of allergies. This means that we should be careful which restaurant we choose.
• The weather forecast said it would rain this afternoon. With this in mind , should we postpone our hike?
• Each of the students has their own opinion about where to go for the field trip. Ultimately , though, it’s the teacher who will decide.

Restating points as you conclude

Conclusion transition words can also signal that you are restating a point you mentioned earlier. This is common practice in both writing and speaking as it draws the reader or listener’s attention back to something you want them to keep in mind. These are, therefore, also examples of transition words for emphasizing a point .

Here are some helpful transition words for concluding or summarizing by restating points:

• As mentioned previously
• As stated earlier
• As has been noted
• As shown above
• As I have said
• As I have mentioned
• As we have seen
• As has been demonstrated

You may switch most of these between the passive and active voice, depending on which is most appropriate. For example, ‘As has been demonstrated’ could become ‘As I have demonstrated’ and ‘As shown above’ could become ‘As I have shown’.

Example sentences to restate a point in conclusion or summary

• As I stated earlier , the only way we can get meaningful results from this survey is by including at least a thousand people.
• As has been demonstrated throughout this conference, there are exciting things happening in the world of neuroscience.
• As shown by this study, the trials have been promising.

If you were researching these transition words for concluding an essay, you might find it helpful to read this guide to strong essay conclusions . Of course, there are many ways to use summary transition words beyond essays. They may be a little formal for casual conversation, but they certainly can be used in speech as part of a presentation, debate, or argument.

Can you think of any other concluding words or phrases that should be on this list? Leave a comment below to share them!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and site URL in my browser for next time I post a comment.

Sign me up for the newsletter!

12 Powerful Closing Lines for a Class Presentation

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation , Public Speaking

Powerful closing lines have been a part of some of the most crucial moments in history. They’re the last notes in a symphony, the final strokes on a masterpiece, and in the context of class presentations , they’re the unforgettable conclusion that leaves your classmates in awe.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re about to unveil the artistry behind crafting unforgettable closing lines for class presentations. Whether you’re a student stepping into the spotlight to deliver a class project or an educator determined to inspire and captivate your students, never underestimate the profound impact a closing statement can have. It’s the final brushstroke on the canvas, the last note in a symphony, the lingering taste of a delicious meal. The closing lines you choose can elevate your class presentation from the realm of the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Picture this: you’ve meticulously researched your topic, crafted a compelling narrative, and delivered your content with enthusiasm. Your audience is hanging onto your every word. Now, as you reach the crescendo of your presentation , it’s time for that final flourish, that memorable conclusion that leaves an indelible mark.

In the words that follow, we’ll delve into the art and science of crafting closing lines that resonate, leaving your audience both informed and inspired. We’ll explore 12 powerful closing lines, each with its unique charm and ability to transform your presentation’s impact.

So, get ready to embark on a journey through the world of impactful conclusions . Whether you’re a student striving for an A+ or an educator aiming to ignite curiosity and learning, our guide will equip you with the tools you need to conclude your class presentation with finesse. 

Together, let’s dive right in and unlock the magic of memorable Conclusions!

1. the call to action.

Inspire your audience to take action or reflect on your presentation’s key message. Encourage them to join you on a journey of discovery or change. Example: “Now, let’s embark on this adventure together and make a difference in our world.”

2. The Thought-Provoking Quote

Close with a thought-provoking quote that encapsulates the essence of your presentation. It should leave your audience pondering its meaning. Example: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ Let’s keep imagining and learning together.”

3. The Challenge

Present a challenge to your audience, something they can take on or think about further. Example: “I challenge each of you to think beyond the ordinary, to question, to innovate, and to be the change you wish to see.”

4. The Visionary Statement

Paint a vivid picture of the future you’ve explored in your presentation. Give your audience a glimpse of what could be if they embrace the ideas presented. Example: “Imagine a world where every act of kindness ripples through society. That world is within our grasp.”

5. The Personal Anecdote

Share a personal anecdote or story that ties back to your presentation’s theme. It adds a human touch and makes your message relatable. Example: “I’ll never forget the day I realized the power of perseverance. Just like I did, we can all overcome challenges.”

6. The Call for Questions

Open the floor for questions, showing your willingness to engage with your audience further. It invites discussion and deeper exploration. Example: “I’m here to answer any questions or hear your thoughts. Who’d like to start?”

7. The Visual Recap

Display a visual summary of your key points on the screen. It reinforces your message and helps your audience remember the main takeaways. Example: “Before we conclude, let’s quickly recap the journey we’ve taken.”

8. The Emotional Appeal

Appeal to your audience’s emotions, expressing gratitude or highlighting shared values. Example: “Thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we’ve shown that compassion and collaboration can drive change.”

9. The Future Collaboration

Suggest future collaboration or exploration of the topic together. It keeps the conversation going beyond the presentation. Example: “Let’s continue this conversation, explore new ideas, and make a difference together.”

10. The Bold Statement

Make a bold statement or prediction related to your topic. It should leave your audience excited about what lies ahead. Example: “The future of [topic] is bright, and together, we will shape it.”

11. The Call for Feedback

Encourage feedback from your audience, showing your commitment to improvement and continuous learning. Example: “Your feedback is invaluable. Please share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas with me.”

12. The Acknowledgment of Gratitude

Express sincere gratitude to your audience for their time and attention. It’s a simple yet powerful way to wrap up. Example: “I’m truly grateful for your presence today. Thank you for being such an engaging audience.”

Examples of Powerful Closing Lines

Martin luther king jr.’s “i have a dream” speech (1963):.

In one of the most iconic speeches in history, Martin Luther King Jr. closed with the powerful words, “ Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last! ”

This memorable closing statement from the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom not only marked the culmination of his vision for racial equality but also became a symbol of hope and inspiration for civil rights movements worldwide. It continues to resonate today as a call for justice, freedom, and equality.

Neil Armstrong’s Words on the Moon (1969):

As Neil Armstrong took humanity’s first step onto the lunar surface, he uttered the famous words, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” This historic closing statement not only marked a momentous achievement in space exploration but also symbolized humanity’s indomitable spirit of exploration and discovery. It remains etched in history as a testament to human ingenuity and curiosity, inspiring generations of scientists, explorers, and dreamers.

These memorable closing statements from history serve as valuable lessons, urging us to adopt their qualities and incorporate them into our own lives.

Winston Churchill’s famous speech delivered at the end of World War II:

“ Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning .”

Winston Churchill delivered this closing statement in his speech on November 10, 1942, following the Allied victory in the Second Battle of El Alamein during World War II. With these words, Churchill conveyed that while a significant victory had been achieved, the war was far from over. He provided hope for the future and the continued determination to prevail against Nazi Germany, acknowledging that the hardest battles were yet to come. This statement has since become emblematic of perseverance in the face of adversity.

John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address (1961):

John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address in 1961 is renowned for its call to civic duty and personal responsibility. Here’s a bit more context and the preceding lines leading up to the famous closing line:

“ And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. “

This statement marked the culmination of Kennedy’s message of shared responsibility and unity as he assumed the presidency. In the address, he addressed the challenges and opportunities facing the nation at the height of the Cold War. Kennedy inspired hope and a sense of purpose, urging Americans to contribute actively to their country’s well-being.

How can we form Powerful Closing Statements :

1. the visionary challenge:.

• Example 1: “Together, let’s envision a world where every child has access to quality education, where poverty becomes a relic of the past, and where innovation knows no bounds. As we embark on this journey, remember that change begins with a single step, and each of us has the power to be that change.”
• Elaboration : This closing statement invites the audience to envision a better future while emphasizing individual agency in creating that change. It challenges listeners to become active participants in a collective vision.

2. The Invitation for Reflection:

• Example 2: “As we conclude today, I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the lessons learned, the connections forged, and the possibilities ahead. Remember that learning is a lifelong journey, and our experiences today are just the beginning of a greater adventure.”
• Elaboration : This closing statement encourages introspection and emphasizes the continuous nature of learning. It leaves the audience with a sense of ongoing growth and exploration.

These original examples of powerful closing statements are designed to inspire and leave a lasting impact on the audience, much like the historical examples mentioned earlier. They encourage forward-thinking, reflection, and a sense of shared purpose.

What is THE BEST way to end a presentation?

I. the surprise element:.

Leave your audience with a surprising fact or unexpected twist related to your topic. A well-placed surprise can make your presentation memorable.

Example of Topic: Environmental Conservation

Closing: “Did you know that a single recycled plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a laptop for 25 minutes? So, every time you toss one in the recycling bin, you’re literally fueling your own productivity!”

II. Visual Metaphor:

Use a visual metaphor or analogy to drive home your main message. An evocative image or comparison can linger in your audience’s mind.

Example of Topic: Teamwork and Collaboration

Closing: “Just like the gears in a well-oiled machine work together seamlessly, our teamwork can propel us to success. Let’s keep our projects running as smoothly as these gears.”

III. Personal Connection:  

Share a brief personal anecdote or experience that ties into your presentation’s theme. Connecting on a personal level can create a stronger bond with your audience.

Example of Topic: Overcoming Challenges

Closing: “When I faced a similar obstacle during my internship last summer, I thought it was insurmountable. But I persisted, and it taught me that perseverance pays off. I hope my experience inspires you to push through your challenges as well.”

IV. Open-Ended Question:

Instead of a call to action, ask an open-ended question that encourages contemplation. This leaves your audience with something to ponder after your presentation.

Example of Topic: Ethics in Business

Closing: “As we conclude, I’d like to leave you with this question: What role do ethics play in shaping the future of business? I encourage you to reflect on this and share your thoughts in our discussion after the presentation.”

V. A Powerful Image: 

Display a single striking image that encapsulates the essence of your message. Visual impact can sometimes convey more than words.

Example of Topic: History of Space Exploration

Closing: “This image of Earthrise taken from the Apollo 8 mission reminds us of our place in the cosmos and the importance of exploring the unknown. Let it inspire your curiosity and wonder about the universe.”

VI. Contrast and Resolution:  

Highlight a before-and-after scenario related to your topic. Show how your presentation has provided a solution or resolution to a problem.

Example of Topic: Health and Fitness

Closing: “Remember the ‘before’ picture we saw at the beginning of this presentation? Today, we’ve explored the path to a healthier lifestyle. Let’s embrace this transformation and make positive changes together.”

VII. Provocative Statement: 

Make a thought-provoking statement that challenges conventional thinking. Stimulating intellectual curiosity can leave a lasting impression.

Example of Topic: Artificial Intelligence

Closing: “In a world where machines are becoming increasingly intelligent, the real question is, ‘What does it mean to be human?’ Let’s keep pondering this as we navigate the age of AI.”

VIII. Audience Participation Challenge: 

Challenge your audience to apply a concept or principle from your presentation in their daily lives. Encourage them to share their experiences later.

Example of Topic: Effective Study Techniques

Closing: “Now, I challenge each of you to implement one new study strategy from today’s presentation for the next week and share your experiences with the class. Let’s see how it impacts our learning.”

IX. Visual Progression:

Use a series of visual slides that depict progress or transformation. Show how your presentation has advanced the understanding of your topic.

Example of Topic: Scientific Discovery

Closing: “From the initial observations to the breakthrough experiments we discussed today, science continually evolves. Let’s continue to explore, learn, and advance our understanding of the natural world.”

What Is a Good Closing Sentence For a Thank You Note: 

1. the reflecting farewell :.

Sometimes, sticking to the classics is the way to go. Example: “In conclusion, let’s remember that it’s through our collective efforts that we can make a positive difference. Thank you for being part of this journey.”

This option is compelling as it inspires a sense of unity and purpose, encouraging the audience to reflect on the speech’s message.

2. The Forward-Looking Finish Line:

Want to keep the connection alive? Try a closing like, “Looking forward to catching up soon!” It adds a hint of anticipation and suggests that your gratitude isn’t just a one-time thing; you’re excited about future encounters.

3. The Appreciative Gesture:

To infuse your closing with warmth, make your thank-you note feel like a heartfelt connection. Example: To sum it up, your presence here today has added immeasurable value to this occasion. Thank you for being a part of this memorable moment.”

This sentence is strong because it emphasizes the audience’s importance in the event, making them feel appreciated and valued.

4. The Purposeful Note :

This one is especially unique as it leaves a sense of purpose and responsibility behind, also a technique used by some of the greatest leaders ever.

Example: “To wrap things up, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks for your time and consideration. May the lessons shared today resonate in our hearts and guide us forward.”

This closing is powerful because it leaves the audience with a sense of purpose and reflection, reinforcing the speech’s key takeaways.

5. The Creating Impact :

Leaving the audience feeling important and validated is very important. By saying that they make a difference or that they can leave an impact gives them a sense of power and control.

Example: “In summary, your support means the world to me, and I’m grateful beyond words. Let’s continue to make a positive impact together.”

This closing is effective as it conveys deep appreciation and invites the audience to be part of ongoing positive endeavors.

6. The Grateful Signature:

If you want to emphasize your thankfulness one last time, end with, “With heartfelt thanks.” It’s a signature of gratitude, leaving no doubt about the sincerity of your appreciation.

Example:  “In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude once more for your presence today. Your support and attention have made this moment truly special.”

This closing sentence is effective because it reiterates gratitude, leaving a lasting impression of appreciation in the audience’s minds.

Let us use an example to get a better understanding:

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being such an attentive and engaging audience during my recent speech. Your presence and active participation added depth and meaning to the discussion, and it was an absolute pleasure to share my thoughts with you.

Your support and enthusiasm are truly appreciated, and I hope the insights shared in my speech continue to resonate with you. If you have any further questions or thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you once again for your time and attention.

How Can I End a Presentation Without Saying Thank You:  

While expressing gratitude is a common way to conclude a presentation, there are moments when you might want to skip the traditional “thank you.” Here are some creative alternatives to wrap up your presentation effectively:

The Forward-Looking Statement:

Instead of looking back with gratitude, look forward with anticipation. Share your excitement about what lies ahead for your audience. For example, “I can’t wait to see the incredible impact we’ll make together.”

The Challenge Accepted:

Challenge your audience to take what they’ve learned and put it into action immediately. Encourage them to apply your insights and make a positive change. For instance, “I challenge each of you to implement one key takeaway from today’s presentation within the next week.”

 The Future Vision:

Paint a compelling vision of the future that aligns with your presentation’s theme. Describe the possibilities and benefits that await if your audience embraces your ideas. Use vivid language to help them visualize this future.

 The Open-Ended Question:

Pose a thought-provoking question that invites your audience to reflect and engage. This question should leave them pondering and encourage discussions beyond the presentation’s end.

The Inspiring Quote:

Share an inspiring quote that encapsulates the essence of your presentation. This can be a memorable way to conclude and leave your audience with a powerful message to remember.

The Call to Action:

If your presentation is focused on action, end with a clear call to action. Prompt your audience to do something meaningful based on your presentation’s content. It could be signing up for a workshop, joining a cause, or volunteering.

The Visual Surprise :

End with a visual surprise, such as revealing a compelling image or infographic that reinforces your message. Visuals can leave a strong impression and drive your point home.

 The Personal Connection:

Share a personal anecdote or story that relates to your presentation. Make it relatable and memorable, leaving your audience with a connection to your message.

 The Group Activity:

If your presentation allows, engage your audience in a brief group activity that reinforces your message or encourages collaboration and interaction.

 The Poignant Pause:

Conclude with a moment of silence or reflection. Allow your audience to absorb the key takeaways and reflect on the impact of your presentation.

Remember, the choice of how to conclude your presentation without saying “thank you” should align with your overall message, purpose, and audience. It’s an opportunity to leave a lasting impression and guide your audience toward the desired action or mindset.

Conclusion:

Throughout this exploration of closing statements, we’ve journeyed from understanding the significance of powerful closings to uncovering various ways to leave a lasting impact. From memorable historical examples to creative alternatives, we’ve delved into the art of concluding with finesse.

Closing statements are not mere formalities; they are the key to resonating with your audience, leaving an indelible mark, and driving your message home. Whether you choose to inspire, challenge, or provoke thought, the closing is your final opportunity to connect deeply.

So, when you find yourself at the brink of a presentation’s conclusion, remember the artistry of the closing statement. Use it wisely, weave it skillfully, and watch as your words echo in the hearts and minds of your audience, carrying the essence of your message long after the final word is spoken.

To learn public speaking and how to communicate effectively at the workplace you can reach out to us here.

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you

Call or Text? Deciphering the Best Communication Method for Every Situation

Spontaneous Speaking Skills for Any Situation

Keep Your Cool: 8 Strategies to Control Emotions While Speaking

• [email protected]
• +91 98203 57888

Get our latest tips and tricks in your inbox always

Copyright © 2023 Frantically Speaking All rights reserved

Kindly drop your contact details so that we can arrange call back

Select Country Afghanistan Albania Algeria AmericanSamoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Rwanda Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Tajikistan Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe land Islands Antarctica Bolivia, Plurinational State of Brunei Darussalam Cocos (Keeling) Islands Congo, The Democratic Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Guernsey Holy See (Vatican City State) Hong Kong Iran, Islamic Republic of Isle of Man Jersey Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Lao People's Democratic Republic Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Macao Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Mozambique Palestinian Territory, Occupied Pitcairn Réunion Russia Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sao Tome and Principe Somalia Svalbard and Jan Mayen Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tanzania, United Republic of Timor-Leste Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S.

Closing Ceremony Speech

A Closing Ceremony Speech is a pivotal moment, providing a chance to leave a lasting impression. This guide, brimming with diverse speech examples , offers a roadmap for creating impactful concluding remarks. Whether it’s encapsulating key moments, acknowledging contributions, or inspiring future endeavors, these speech examples serve as a foundation for crafting a message that resonates deeply. Ideal for anyone from students to professionals, this guide equips you with the tools to deliver a memorable and effective closing speech.

Download Closing Ceremony Speech Bundle

As the old saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.”-1374 ( Chaucer) , and this has never rang true than in making closing speeches. Whether it be at a conference, during a big training or a special event. Everything has to come to an end and that is a fact. With that being said, some closing ceremony speeches can be tricky to write especially if you are told to write one and have no idea what to put. No worries, that problem will end too. Here are some 13+ closing ceremony speech examples to wow the right audience.

13+ Closing Ceremony Speech Examples

1. closing ceremony speech.

Free Download

2. Closing Ceremony Speech in School

3. Closing Ceremony Speech For Students

4. Closing Ceremony Speech Template

Size: 66 KB

5. Sample Closing Ceremony Speech Example

Size: 52 KB

6. Closing Ceremony Speech Example

Size: 27 KB

7. Basic Closing Ceremony Speech Example

8. Closing Ceremony Speech in PDF

Size: 214 KB

9. Formal Closing Ceremony Speech Example

10. Printable Closing Ceremony Speech Example

Size: 15 KB

11. Closing Ceremony Speech by the President

12. Standard Closing Ceremony Speech Example

Size: 102 KB

13. Closing Ceremony Speech on Education

Size: 367 KB

14. Closing Ceremony Speech Format Example

Size: 118 KB

Tips on Writing and Presenting Your Closing Ceremony Speech

You are about to be making or writing a closing ceremony speech. Whether it is for a church meeting, a wedding, a funeral, a graduation, or an award. There are a lot of people watching you, and you are supposed to be making it the best or a good closing speech. What are you going to do? Don’t panic, here are some tips to help you with.

• Begin with a greeting : Begin with a simple greeting to welcome your guests, and the audience.
• Mention Honored Guests : Just like in any formal event, there would always be honored guests, greeting and mentioning them should be a part of the speech.
• Start with a thank you : Say thank you for those who have attended. Whether it is a sad event, a happy event, or any other type of formal event. Never forget to say thank you. You are being polite.
• State the agenda: State as to why all of them are there. State the agenda or the reason for the ceremony.
• Make eye contact : Do avoid bringing your copy of the speech in front. You can bring cue cards, and glance every now and then. But do not read your cue cards. You must maintain eye contact with your audiences.
• Voice, Tone and Intonation : Keep an eye on your voice projection, your tone and your intonation. When making closing speeches, be careful you are not going to hurt someone’s feelings nor mispronounced someone’s name. Practice makes perfect.

Closing speeches for any type of occasion does not always mean it’s a sad event. Nor does it mean it has to be a boring event as well. When making your speech, interact with your audience, make them feel that they are part of the event as much as you are. Watch your tone when making and writing them as well, as a closing speech can also be a sad one especially when made in a funeral. But most of the time, closing speeches are used for happy events. With that being said, remember practicing makes it better.

Closing Ceremony Speech Generator

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Create a closing ceremony speech for a sports tournament

Help me write a closing ceremony speech for a music festival

• Virtual Experiences
• In-Person Experiences
• Hybrid Experiences
• Experience FAQ
• Features & Benefits
• How Pricing Works
• Client Testimonials
• Happiness Guarantee
• Blog Articles
• Video Library
• View 48 Experiences

38 Top Opening and Closing Remarks for Meetings

You found our list of opening and closing remarks for meetings .

Opening and closing remarks for meetings are statements that introduce and wrap up workplace get-togethers. The purpose of these remarks is to set the tone of the subject matter and summarize topics covered during the meeting. Examples of opening and closing remarks for meetings include quick welcomes to attendees, announcements explaining the reason for the meeting, and conclusions that wrap up the content covered.

Utilizing opening and closing remarks is among the top public speaking tips for employees . You can use conference jokes or conference quotes as your opening or closing remarks. These icebreaker jokes are a great addition to your conference agenda .

This list includes:

• short opening remarks for a meeting
• opening remarks for a virtual meeting
• chairman opening remarks in a meeting
• opening remarks for a seminar
• sample closing remarks for a meeting
• sample closing remarks for an event
• simple closing remarks

Here we go!

Short opening remarks for a meeting

• Welcome, everyone. Thank you for taking the time to attend our meeting this morning. This meeting will address some announcements we think you will find interesting. We have a lot to cover, so we will get started without further ado.
• Good morning, folks. We appreciate you blocking out your calendar so we can discuss some important topics with you. We promise to get through this as quickly as possible so you can get back to your day.
• Hey, everyone! Great to see so many shining faces in the room, especially for the early hour! Apologies for calling this meeting on such short notice. We have some significant announcements to make, so we will get right to it.
• Hi, team. Thank you for making an effort to be here today. Some serious developments occurred over the weekend, and we wanted to inform you of the details before you heard any worrisome rumors. Here is everything we can tell you so far.
• Hello, all! Glad you could make it on such short notice. We have some exciting news to share, and we just could not wait to spill the beans! Rather than wasting any time, we can get right to the good stuff.
• Good afternoon. Thanks for making time to be here today. As you know, we hit some important milestones this week. We thought sharing the success and discussing what comes next would be helpful. Away we go!
• Greetings, everybody! Here we are at another super exciting monthly meeting, our chance to share the highs and lows we all have been through since the last time we met. Would anyone like to get things started for us?
• Well, hey there! It has been a long time since our last meeting. We have all been quite busy, as you know. We have a lot to catch up on, so how about we jump right in and get started?

Opening remarks for a virtual meeting

• Good morning to everyone on our video call today. We have participants joining today from locations all over the world. Before we get started, we would like to take a moment to share our appreciation for everyone lining up their schedules across the time zones in this way. We understand how difficult it was to coordinate this meeting so all major stakeholders could attend. We promise to make it worth your while. If anyone on the call knows of a colleague who cannot attend, please feel free to share our discussion with them when you can. You should have a meeting deck in your email to help you follow along. Feel free to open it, and we will get started.
• Cyberteam: Assemble! Cheers to our remote crew, tuning in from the various workspaces around town and throughout the country. It is truly incredible that technology allows us to get together, even if only in digital form. You may have heard about some developments across several departments. We will address those topics and field any questions or concerns you may have. We will also discuss future developments in as much detail as possible. Much of what we will cover is still in the works, so we do not have as much information for you as we would like. However, we promise to do our best to get you up to speed and keep you informed as we learn more.
• Good afternoon, team. You may have seen the email announcing our new project calendar. This timeline includes tasks spanning multiple teams, so we have a coordinated effort. We wanted to get everyone on a call to brainstorm ways to approach our rollout of various tasks. Depending on the needs, you may find your name on multiple lists, or you may not appear on any lists. Our hope is to distribute the work as fairly as possible among the team to minimize potential overload. Because you are the players involved, we want you to have a say in how we assemble the list.
• Hello, everyone. Thank you for firing up your cameras and getting online this morning. We have a few special announcements to go over as well as updates on items we left in limbo during our last meeting. We also have a special guest joining us today. This guest speaker has information about making the most of your remote work experience. I know we have discussed workplace wellness in the past, and I thought we should hear from an expert on the subject. They will hop on for the last 30 minutes, which gives us the first 30 minutes to cover everything else. I will dive right in so we can have time for Q&A before our guest appears.
• Hey, crew! We have gotten away from our meeting schedule as of late, and for a good reason. Great job on catching up on the backlog! Now that we are ahead of the curve again, I would like us to pick back up on our semi-monthly schedule to stay informed in a more unified setting. I think it is also a good idea for us to see one another’s shining faces every so often so we can remember what we all look like! More sincerely, our remote team needs face-to-face interaction, which is what these meetings are all about. I will put new items on our calendars to keep us on track through the end of the year.

Chairman opening remarks in a meeting

• I am pleased to be speaking to all of you today. As the leader of this board, it is my duty to bring us together when necessary. This task can be challenging, considering our other obligations. I would like us to take this opportunity to review developments that occurred since our last meeting and cover several lingering action items.
• Good morning, fellow board members. It is a privilege to address you all this afternoon for such a fortunate occasion. It is not often that the board has the opportunity to honor the accomplishments of its own members. Today, we will celebrate the successes of a long-standing trustee who has reached the pinnacle of personal and professional achievement. Before we start, please join me in welcoming our esteemed member with a round of applause.
• Thank you all for attending. As chairman, I would like to begin this meeting by reviewing the minutes from our last session before covering our new agenda. You all know how quickly the new corporate strategy is unfolding. We have a growing list of issues to address, so we should get started.
• I would like to extend a warm welcome to all in attendance today. As your newly appointed chairman, I think it best to begin this meeting by introducing myself and explaining my background before having each member do the same. Once introductions are complete, we will review the charter and attend to any new business.

Opening remarks for a seminar

• Welcome, everyone, and thank you for being with us today. For those who may not know, this seminar is our opportunity to share our latest developments and explain how this progress will lead us into our next phase. We have laid out a roadmap that puts us on solid footing the whole way through. We are eager to share the details and get your input on what improvements we can make. As key stakeholders in the business, your viewpoints count as much as anyone on the team. We hope you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts.
• There are few moments in which our group can assemble for a subject as important as improving our culture. We feel the need is critical enough to halt operations and bring us all together. This company remains dedicated to the well-being of every employee, but dedication means nothing without action. We have created a seminar-style meeting that presents information intended to help make the most of your experience in the workplace. This is your space, after all, and we will do all we can to create an enriching culture for all of us.
• I can think of few workplace developments less stressful than learning new software. Unfortunately, we have outgrown our old platform and have no choice but to move to a bigger and better model. After a great deal of deliberation, we have chosen a package that will make your current work much easier while also accommodating future growth. To get a head start on learning, we have put together this seminar with a representative from the software company. This speaker will provide an overview of the system and its functions before going into detail about how each feature fits in with our current system. Please feel free to ask questions and share your insight as we proceed.

Sample closing remarks for a meeting

• We have covered a lot of material in a short time. If you need more details, you can schedule one-on-one time with your supervisors, who will have additional information shortly. Please write down any questions that arise so you can get answers and feel settled about our next steps.
• I hope you enjoyed our brainstorming session. We are off to a great start and should have a great second meeting. I will add an item to the calendar to continue with our planning phase. If everyone will kindly send me their notes, then I will create a master folder we can all access. I will also email today’s meeting minutes out so we can create a living document as we go. More to come!
• As you can understand, this meeting is only a first step. We will continue business as usual until we receive further word about new developments. Once we know more about the acquisition, we will put together another meeting for updates. You may have questions and concerns before then, which you may discuss with your manager, of course. To avoid creating unnecessary anxiety, we would ask that you refrain from speculating on details we have yet to disclose. I appreciate your cooperation.
• I hope you can all agree that it is important for our team to spend quality time together outside of our usual tasks. These team building meetings are a perfect forum for showing off other sides of our personalities and connecting in fun and exciting ways. This meeting is the first of many! To ensure everyone feels a sense of ownership, I would like you all to send me your ideas for events we can include in future meetings. If you know of any games or icebreaker activities we should include, please send me a note or drop by my office to chat. The more input we have, the better variety of activities we can draw from.

Sample closing remarks for an event

• We hope you enjoyed attending our event as much as we enjoyed putting it together. As always, we are ready to assist our clients in any way possible. If you have concerns after you head out, please get in touch with your account manager or a supervisor and let us know how we can help. We truly appreciate serving you and cannot wait to see where we go together next. Thank you for coming!
• Thank you for coming to our get-together. We know breaking away from your busy day can be challenging, and we do not take it for granted. That said, it is always great to see our team come together for time away from the daily grind! We would not be able to do what we do without you. You are all integral to this organization’s success, and we are grateful to have you.
• We have come a long way since the last time we were all together. The organization has grown considerably, and we know more growth will come. We hope we have clarified what comes next for this company and how we intend to achieve our goals. The agenda may seem ambitious, but we have no doubt that the people in this room are the right people to make the effort successful. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and dedication to our cause. We hope to see you again next time.
• Before we all head out, I would like to thank everyone who showed up tonight. You really came through and made this event a smashing success! I would also like to give a shout-out to our event team, who put together everything from decorations to catering without falling behind on their daily tasks. This team is phenomenal, and the credit for such a winning event goes to them. Please join me in showing our appreciation for all they have done.

Simple closing remarks

• Thank you all for coming. Enjoy the rest of your day!
• This meeting went quicker than expected, so I will give you 30 minutes back.
• Apologies for this meeting taking longer than scheduled. I appreciate you taking the extra time needed to finish up.
• If you have any questions after the meeting, please feel free to come to my office.
• Anyone needing more information can reach out to the contacts listed on the calendar item for this meeting.
• We have much more to discuss, so I will schedule a follow-up meeting for a week from now.
• As you can see, we have some serious challenges ahead of us. But I know that our usual team spirit will help us rise to the occasion.
• This topic is highly sensitive, so we ask that you treat it with the proper discretion.
• As a thank-you for your time and attention, there are treats in the breakroom. Feel free to drop by and grab a few!
• You all put the “dream” in “dream team.” Thank you for your incredible effort and amazing output during such a demanding time!

Preparing opening and closing remarks will provide definitive starting and ending points for your meetings. You can set the tone while alerting attendees to the main topic as well as sharing a list of agenda items. These remarks also create an opportunity to open your meeting with a warm welcome and close on a note of gratitude and encouragement.

Next, read about virtual workshop ideas and virtual brainstorming ideas , and team meeting tips .

Book wildly fun team building events with expert hosts

FAQ: Opening and closing remarks for meetings

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about opening and closing remarks for meetings.

What are opening and closing remarks for meetings?

Opening and closing remarks for meetings are introductions and conclusions that bring a sense of organization to your agenda. You can use opening remarks to announce the topic of your meeting, while closing remarks will provide a wrap-up and alert attendees to any follow-up meetings or actions needed.

Why are good opening and closing remarks important?

Good opening remarks are important because they set the tone for the meeting, set goalposts, and keep listeners engaged. Similarly, good closing statements summarize essential topics, establish goals for future sessions, and provide calls to action.

What are some good opening statements for meetings?

Some options for good opening remarks include quick reasons for the meeting and brief rundowns of topics you will cover. Choosing an opener that matches the tone of the topics you want to address is essential.

How do you create good closing remarks for meetings?

Preparing good closing remarks can be as simple as reiterating information already covered and assigning the next steps. Additionally, these remarks should leave meeting attendees with a sense of understanding and accomplishment. Examples of some good closing remarks include thank yous to workers for attending, confirmations of the following steps, and reminders of follow-up items.

Author: Grace He

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

We lead wildly fun experiences for teams with 1,000,000+ players to date.

4.96 / 5.0 rating on

50,225 Google Reviews

Get our free team building tool box

$49 value at no cost..

• May as well check it out?
• 100+ tested icebreaker questions
• 24+ themed Bingo generators
• 5+ PDFs (including the 8% Rule)
• 2024 team building calendar and more...

Enter your email for instant access

• Daily Crossword
• Word Puzzle
• Word Finder
• Word of the Day
• Synonym of the Day
• Word of the Year
• Language stories
• All featured
• Gender and sexuality
• All pop culture
• Grammar Coach ™
• Writing hub
• Grammar essentials
• Commonly confused
• All writing tips
• Pop culture
• Writing tips

Advertisement

adjective as in last

Strongest match

Strong matches

• terminating

noun as in end

Strongest matches

• termination

Weak matches

• stopping point

Discover More

Related words.

Words related to closing are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word closing . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

noun as in conclusion

adjective as in authoritative

• categorical
• determining
• lastly/last
• nailed down
• straight-out
• unambiguous

noun as in stop, suspension of activity

• adjournment
• alternation
• discontinuation
• disjunction
• intermission
• interruption

noun as in completion, stop

• accomplishment
• achievement
• bottom line
• consequence
• consummation
• culmination
• determination
• discontinuance
• fulfillment
• realization

Viewing 5 / 28 related words

Example Sentences

The e-closing rooms are also designed to host the final closings.

When the customer is buying a house, the purchase and mortgage closings usually happen at the same time.

Step 6 is the part of closing often known as “post closing.”

With each announcement of another closing I find myself wondering if I could have done more as a customer.

When making those tough decisions, media companies will lean toward closing non-core domestic operations.

I had a feeling that Turkish authorities were closing their eyes.

The family was taking some private moments for a closing of the coffin in keeping with Chinese ritual.

Both were dead certain “security” had gotten to her and were closing in on us.

But for some of us, while its closing was sad, it was a tempered sadness.

The early reaction to Shami closing his account is similarly alarmed.

He knew that not only was it a signal for the closing of the city gates, but it was also a warning that bedtime was at hand.

Hard up as we are for shell he thinks it best to blaze it away freely before closing and to trust our bayonets when we get in.

I shall speak of these in succession, beginning with the oldest and closing with the newest that has come under my observation.

During that fortnight of silence the whole of the Turkish Empire has been moving—closing in—on the Dardanelles.

Closing the holes again and blowing harder, we get the scale an octave higher.

Synonym of the day

Start each day with the Synonym of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

On this page you'll find 53 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to closing, such as: concluding, final, finishing, terminating, and winding-up.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

• ABBREVIATIONS
• BIOGRAPHIES
• CALCULATORS
• CONVERSIONS
• DEFINITIONS

  Vocabulary      

What is another word for closing speech ?

Synonyms for closing speech clos·ing speech, this thesaurus page includes all potential synonyms, words with the same meaning and similar terms for the word closing speech ., we couldn't find direct synonyms for the term closing speech ., maybe you were looking for one of these terms.

closeup lens , closing , closing curtain , closing off , closing price , closing speech , closing time , closings , clostridia , clostridial myonecrosis , clostridium

... or search for closing speech inside other dictionary definitions.

Search inside, are we missing a good synonym for closing speech , image credit, the web's largest resource for, synonyms & antonyms, a member of the stands4 network, free, no signup required :, add to chrome, add to firefox, browse synonyms.com, are you a human thesaurus, an antonym for "pesky".

Synonyms of closing

• as in ending
• as in final
• as in shutting
• as in closing (down)
• as in finishing
• as in stopping
• as in approaching
• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Thesaurus Definition of closing

 (Entry 1 of 3)

Synonyms & Similar Words

• culmination
• consummation
• grand finale
• homestretch
• high - water mark
• coup de grace
• coup de grâce

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• introduction

Thesaurus Definition of closing  (Entry 2 of 3)

• terminating
• penultimate
• farthermost
• furthermost

Thesaurus Definition of closing  (Entry 3 of 3)

• battening (down)
• unfastening

closing (down)

• closing out
• extinguishing
• phasing out
• suppressing
• turning off
• rounding (off or out)
• wrapping up
• ringing down the curtain (on)
• consummating
• inaugurating
• discontinuing
• determining
• breaking off
• leaving off
• winking (out)
• breaking up
• dead - ending
• biting the dust
• refraining (from)
• laying off (of)
• packing (up or in)
• cutting out
• knocking off
• breaking down
• desisting (from)
• winding down
• petering (out)
• conking (out)
• drawing out
• protracting
• approaching
• bellying up
• creeping up
• waltzing (up)
• sneaking up
• withdrawing
• backing (up or away)
• running away
• pulling out
• walking out
• shoving (off)
• clearing out
• lighting out

Thesaurus Entries Near closing

Cite this entry.

“Closing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/closing. Accessed 23 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on closing

Nglish: Translation of closing for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of closing for Arabic Speakers

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

8 grammar terms you used to know, but forgot, homophones, homographs, and homonyms, commonly misspelled words, how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), absent letters that are heard anyway, popular in wordplay, the words of the week - mar. 22, 12 words for signs of spring, 9 superb owl words, 'gaslighting,' 'woke,' 'democracy,' and other top lookups, 10 words for lesser-known games and sports, games & quizzes.

Watch CBS News

Supreme Court wary of restricting government contact with social media platforms in free speech case

By Melissa Quinn

Updated on: March 18, 2024 / 8:43 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — The Supreme Court on Monday appeared wary of limiting the Biden administration's contacts with social media platforms in a closely watched dispute that  tests how much the government can  pressure social media companies to remove content before crossing a constitutional line from persuasion into coercion.

The case, known as Murthy v. Missouri, arose out of efforts during the early months of the Biden administration to push social media platforms to take down posts that officials said spread falsehoods about the pandemic and the 2020 presidential election. 

A U.S. district court judge said White House officials, as well as some federal agencies and their employees, violated the First Amendment's right to free speech by "coercing" or "significantly encouraging" social media sites' content-moderation decisions. The judge issued an injunction restricting the Biden administration's contacts with platforms on a variety of issues, though that order has been on hold.

During oral arguments on Monday, the justices seemed skeptical of a ruling that would broadly restrict the government's communications with social media platforms, raising concerns about hamstringing officials' ability to communicate with platforms about certain matters.

"Some might say that the government actually has a duty to take steps to protect the citizens of this country, and you seem to be suggesting that that duty cannot manifest itself in the government encouraging or even pressuring platforms to take down harmful information," Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson told Benjamin Aguiñaga, the Louisiana solicitor general. "I'm really worried about that, because you've got the First Amendment operating in an environment of threatening circumstances from the government's perspective, and you're saying the government can't interact with the source of those problems."

Justice Amy Coney Barrett warned Aguiñaga that one of the proposed standards for determining when the government's actions cross the bound into unlawful speech suppression — namely when a federal agency merely encourages a platform to remove problematic posts — "would sweep in an awful lot." She questioned whether the FBI could reach out to a platform to encourage it to take down posts sharing his and other Louisiana officials' home addresses and calling on members of the public to rally.

Aguiñaga said the FBI could be encouraging a platform to suppress constitutionally protected speech.

The legal battle is one of five that the Supreme Court is considering this term that stand at the intersection of the First Amendment's free speech protections and social media. It was also the first of two that the justices heard Monday that involves alleged jawboning, or informal pressure by the government on an intermediary to take certain actions that will suppress speech.

The second case raises whether a New York financial regulator  violated the National Rifle Association's free speech rights  when she pressured banks and insurance companies in the state to sever ties with the gun rights group after the 2018 shooting in Parkland, Florida. Decisions from the Supreme Court in both cases are expected by the end of June.

The Biden administration's efforts to stop misinformation

The social media case stems from the Biden administration's efforts to pressure platforms, including Twitter, now known as X, YouTube and Facebook, to take down posts it believed spread falsehoods about the pandemic and the last presidential election.

Brought by five social media users and two states, Louisiana and Missouri, their challenge claimed their speech was stifled when platforms removed or downgraded their posts after strong-arming by officials in the White House, Centers for Disease Control, FBI and Department of Homeland Security.

The challengers alleged that at the heart of their case is a "massive, sprawling federal 'Censorship Enterprise,'" through which federal officials communicated with social media platforms with the goal of pressuring them to censor and suppress speech they disfavored.

U.S. District Judge Terry Doughty found that seven groups of Biden administration officials violated the First Amendment because they transformed the platforms' content-moderation decisions into state action by "coercing" or "significantly encouraging" their activities. He limited the types of communications agencies and their employees could have with the platforms, but included several carve-outs.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit then determined that certain White House officials and the FBI violated free speech rights when they coerced and significantly encouraged platforms to suppress content related to COVID-19 vaccines and the election. It narrowed the scope of Doughty's order but said federal employees could not "coerce or significantly encourage" a platform's content-moderation decisions.

The justices in October agreed to decide whether the Biden administration impermissibly worked to suppress speech on Facebook, YouTube and X. The high court temporarily paused the lower court's order limiting Biden administration officials' contact with social media companies.

In filings with the court, the Biden administration argued that the social media users and states lack legal standing to even bring the case, but said officials must be free "to inform, to persuade, and to criticize."

"This case should be about that fundamental distinction between persuasion and coercion," Brian Fletcher, principal deputy solicitor general, told the justices. 

Fletcher argued that the states and social media users were attempting to use the courts to "audit all of the executive branch communications with and about social media platforms," and said administration officials public statements are "classic bully pulpit exhortations."

But Aguiñaga told the justices that the platforms faced "unrelenting pressure" from federal officials to suppress protected speech.

"The government has no right to persuade platforms to violate Americans' constitutional rights," he said. "And pressuring platforms in in backrooms shielded from public view is not using the bully pulpit at all. That's just being a bully."

The oral arguments

Several of the justices questioned whether the social media users who brought the suit demonstrated that they suffered a clear injury traceable to the government or could show that an injunction against the government would correct future injuries caused by the platforms' content moderation, which much be shown to bring a challenge in federal courts.

"I have such a problem with your brief," Justice Sonia Sotomayor told Aguiñaga. "You omit information that changes the context of some of your claims. You attribute things to people that it didn't happen to. ... I don't know what to make of all this because I'm not sure how we get to prove direct injury in any way."

Aguiñaga apologized and said he takes "full responsibility" for any aspects of their filings that were not forthcoming.

Justice Elena Kagan asked Aguiñaga to point to the piece of evidence that most clearly showed that the government was responsible for his clients having material taken down.

"We know that there's a lot of government encouragement around here," she said. "We also know that the platforms are actively content moderating, and they're doing that irrespective of what the government wants, so how do you decide that it's government action as opposed to platform action?"

The justices frequently raised communications between the federal government and the press, which often involve heated discussions.

Justice Samuel Alito referenced emails between federal officials and platforms, some of which he said showed "constant pestering" by White House employees and requests for meetings with the social media sites.

"I cannot imagine federal officials taking that approach to the print media, our representatives over there," he said, referencing the press section in the courtroom. "If you did that to them, what do you think the reaction would be?"

Alito speculated that the reason why the federal officials felt free to pressure the platforms was because it has Section 230, a key legal shield for social media companies, and possible antitrust action "in its pocket," which he called "big clubs available to it." 

"It's treating Facebook and these other platforms like they're subordinates," Alito said. "Would you do that to the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal or the Associated Press or any other big newspaper or wire service?"

Fletcher conceded that officials' anger is "unusual," but said it's not odd for there to be a back-and-forth between White House employees and the media.

Kavanaugh, though, said that he "assumed, thought, experienced government press people throughout the federal government who regularly call up the media and berate them." He also noted that "platforms say no all the time to the government."

Chief Justice John Roberts — noting that he has "no experience coercing anybody" — said the government is "not monolithic, and that has to dilute the concept of coercion significantly." Roberts said one agency may be attempting to coerce a platform one way, while another may be pushing it to go the other direction.

The NRA's court fight

In the second case, the court considered whether the former superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services violated the NRA's free speech rights when she pushed regulated insurance companies and banks to stop doing business with the group.

Superintendent Maria Vullo, who left her post in 2019, had been investigating since 2017 two insurers involved in NRA-endorsed affinity programs, Chubb and Lockton, and determined they violated state insurance law. The investigation found that a third, Lloyd's of London, underwrote similar unlawful insurance products for the NRA.

Then, after the Parkland school shooting in February 2018, Vullo issued guidance letters that urged regulated entities "to continue evaluating and managing their risks, including reputational risks" that may arise from their dealings with the NRA or similar gun rights groups.

Later that year, the Department of Financial Services entered into consent decrees with the three insurance companies it was investigating. As part of the agreements, the insurers admitted they provided some unlawful NRA-supported programs and agreed to stop providing the policies to New York residents. 

The NRA then sued the department, alleging that Vullo privately threatened insurers with enforcement action if they continued working with the group and created a system of "informal censorship" that was designed to suppress its speech, in violation of the First Amendment.

A federal district court sided with the NRA, finding that the group sufficiently alleged that Vullo's actions "could be interpreted as a veiled threat to regulated industries to disassociate with the NRA or risk DFS enforcement action."

But a federal appeals court disagreed and determined that the guidance letters and a press release couldn't "reasonably be construed as being unconstitutionally threatening or coercive," because they "were written in an even-handed, nonthreatening tone" and used words intended to persuade, not intimidate.

The NRA appealed the decision to the Supreme Court, which agreed to consider whether Vullo violated the group's free speech rights when she urged financial entities to sever their ties with it.

"Allowing unpopular speech to form the basis for adverse regulatory action under the guise of 'reputational risk,' as Vullo attempted here, would gut a core pillar of the First Amendment," the group, which is represented in part by the American Civil Liberties Union, told the court in a filing .

The NRA argued that Vullo "openly targeted the NRA for its political speech and used her extensive regulatory authority over a trillion-dollar industry to pressure the institutions she oversaw into blacklisting the organization."

"In the main, she succeeded," the organization wrote. "But in doing so, she violated the First Amendment principle that government regulators cannot abuse their authority to target disfavored speakers for punishment."

Vullo, though, told the court that the insurance products the NRA was offering its members were unlawful, and noted that the NRA itself signed a consent order with the department after Vullo left office after it found the group was marketing insurance producers without the proper license from the state.

"Accepting the NRA's arguments would set an exceptionally dangerous precedent," lawyers for the state wrote in a Supreme Court brief. "The NRA's arguments would encourage damages suits like this one and deter public officials from enforcing the law — even against entities like the NRA that committed serious violations."

The NRA, they claimed, is asking the Supreme Court to give it "favored status because it espouses a controversial view," and the group has never claimed that it was unable to exercise its free speech rights.

• Biden Administration
• Supreme Court of the United States
• Social Media
• Free Speech

Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com. She has written for outlets including the Washington Examiner, Daily Signal and Alexandria Times. Melissa covers U.S. politics, with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts.

More from CBS News

Biden forgives $6 billion in student debt. Here's who qualifies.

Biden signs $1.2 trillion spending package, averting shutdown

Judge says Trump can appeal decision keeping Willis on Georgia 2020 election case

Kamala Harris set to make first trip to Puerto Rico as VP as Democrats reach out to Latino voters

Senate passes bill to avert government shutdown, sending it to Biden to get signed into law

I n a 74-24 vote, the Democratic-run U.S. Senate in Saturday’s early hours passed a $1.2 trillion package of spending bills to prevent a partial government shutdown, sending the measure to President Joe Biden to get signed into law.

The Senate missed a deadline of midnight Eastern Time, but the Biden White House had said in a statement that it wasn’t closing agencies due to a funding lapse because passage of the spending package looked imminent.

The White House said its budget office “has ceased shutdown preparations because there is a high degree of confidence that Congress will imminently pass the relevant appropriations and the President will sign the bill on Saturday. Because obligations of federal funds are incurred and tracked on a daily basis, agencies will not shut down and may continue their normal operations.”

Just before midnight, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrats, had announced a deal with Republicans on amendment votes, paving the way for the spending package’s passage.

“We have just reached an agreement to complete the job of funding the government,” Schumer said in a floor speech. “It is good for the country that we have reached this bipartisan deal.”

The Senate then debated and voted on amendments before turning to passing the spending package.

Biden earlier this week had  promised to sign the package  into law immediately, and the Republican-controlled House of Representatives gave its OK on Friday morning, though not without some drama. Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia filed a motion that eventually might remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his post, saying he was supporting a “ trillion dollar Democrat wish list .” Greene  told reporters  that her motion is “basically a warning,” and she doesn’t want to “inflict pain” on the GOP and “throw the House in chaos.”

Departments and agencies that would be affected by any shutdown include the Internal Revenue Service, the Defense Department and the Transportation Security Administration.

While disruptive to government agencies and workers as well as Americans who depend on them, closures often don’t rattle investors that much. There have been six shutdowns since 1978 that lasted five days or more, and the S&P 500 stock index  gained in the four most recent ones .

• International

CNN projects Trump-endorsed Moreno wins key Ohio GOP Senate primary

By Elise Hammond and Aditi Sangal , CNN

Here's a recap of what happened in Ohio's key Senate primary and other state contests 

From CNN staff

Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who is seeking a fourth term, is set to face Bernie Moreno in November after CNN projected the Cleveland businessman's victory in the state's Republican primary. Donald Trump had endorsed Moreno, and the primary was this year’s first test of the former president's clout in a contested Senate race. 

It was the key race to watch Tuesday night as President Joe Biden and Trump  continued to pick up delegates in their respective presidential primaries in Arizona, Illinois, Kansas and Ohio. Trump also won Florida's GOP presidential primary. The candidates had already secured last week the threshold of delegates needed to clinch their party nominations.

Here's a recap of what happened Tuesday in House primary contests, some of which could help decide the balance of power in Congress:

• 9th District: Trump-backed Ohio state Rep. Derek Merrin will win the Republican nomination, CNN projects, setting up what is likely to be a highly competitive general election against Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the  longest-serving woman in congressional history .
• 6th District: Michael Rulli will win the Republican primaries for the regular election and the special election, CNN projects. He will be the heavy favorite against Democrat Michael Kripchak in both the  June 11 special election  and the November general election. Republicans are eager to fill the seat given their narrow margin in the chamber, which has at times made it difficult to advance legislative priorities.
• Ohio's 13th District:  Democratic Rep. Emilia Sykes will face off against former Ohio state Sen. Kevin Coughlin. Sykes, a former minority leader in the Ohio House, was unopposed in her primary while Coughlin, who had the backing of Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, easily won a three-way GOP contest. Read about other Ohio down-ballot races here and here .

California:

• 20th District: Trump-backed Republican state Assemblyman Vince Fong will advance to the special general election for the seat vacated by former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, CNN projects. A majority of the vote was needed to avoid a second round on May 21. The second spot in the special general election for the San Joaquin Valley seat is too early to call. Under California's election system, all candidates in the special election, regardless of party, ran on the same ballot.
• 7th District: Longtime Democratic Rep. Danny Davis will win his primary, CNN projects, fending off four challengers in his bid for a 15th term in this deep-blue seat in the Chicago area. 
• 17th District: Retired judge Joe McGraw will win the Republican nomination, CNN projects, advancing to take on Democratic incumbent Eric Sorensen in a seat the GOP is targeting this fall.
• 12th District:  The competitive Republican primary between incumbent Mike Bost and former state Sen. Darren Bailey for a conservative southern Illinois seat remained too early to call just after midnight Wednesday. Read about the state's other down-ballot races here .

Moreno thanks Trump and bashes Sen. Sherrod Brown in victory speech

From CNN's Aaron Pellish

In his victory speech Tuesday evening, Ohio Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno thanked former President Donald Trump profusely following his projected victory in the state’s primary.

“We have an opportunity now to retire the old commie and send him to the retirement home and then save this country because that's what we're gonna do,” Moreno said at his campaign’s watch party in Cleveland shortly after CNN projected him as the winner. “And I want to thank President Trump for all he did for me, for this campaign, for his unwavering support, for his love of this country. Because I don't think I've ever seen somebody who loves this country the way he does, so thank you to President Trump.”

Moreno said he spoke with his primary opponent, state Sen. Matt Dolan, who he said “congratulated me very graciously,” and thanked another opponent, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, for “running a good race.”

The Cleveland businessman also attacked Democratic incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown as a left-wing career politician, saying he betrayed middle class workers and supported “unfettered immigration.”

CNN Projection: Trump-backed Republican will advance to special general election for McCarthy's seat

From CNN's Kaanita Iyer and Ethan Cohen

The special election for the California seat that former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy vacated in December will head to a second round, CNN projects.

Republican state Assemblyman Vince Fong will advance to May 21 contest in California’s 20th District, CNN projects, failing to win the majority necessary to win the San Joaquin Valley seat outright. The second spot is too early to call.

Fong, a former McCarthy aide, has already qualified for the November general election against fellow Republican Mike Boudreaux, the Tulare County sheriff, after they emerged as the top two vote-getters in the regular primary election on March 5.

Under California's election system, all candidates run on the same ballot, regardless of party.

Besides the support of his former boss, Fong had the support of former President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson.  

McCarthy resigned from the House in December following his ouster as speaker. Republicans are eager to fill the seat given their narrow margin in the chamber, which has at times made it difficult to advance legislative priorities.  

The winner of the special election will serve through January 3, 2025, when the victor in the November general election will be sworn in.   

This post has been updated with additional details on the special general election.

CNN Projection: Biden and Trump win respective Ohio, Illinois, Kansas and Arizona primaries  

From CNN staff 

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will win their respective presidential primaries in Ohio, Illinois, Kansas and Arizona, CNN projects, as the candidates gear up for a November rematch.  

Trump will also win the Florida GOP presidential primary, CNN projects.

Biden and Trump won enough delegates last week to clinch their parties’ presidential nominations. Neither will officially become the nominee until the national conventions  vote this summer.  

This post has been updated with additional CNN presidential primary projections.

It's 11 p.m. ET and polls are closing in California's special primary

From CNN's Ethan Cohen and Molly English

It's 11 p.m. ET and polls are closing in California's 20th district, where voters are filling the vacant seat of former GOP House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who resigned from the House in December.

Former President Donald Trump-endorsed California assemblyman Vince Fong, a former McCarthy aide, and Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux, both Republicans, are top contenders in the contest.

They finished first and second in the March 5 regular primary for the seat and regardless of the results in the special, they’ll face off for a full-term in November.

Among the other candidates on the ballot are:

• Democrat Marisa Wood, who lost to McCarthy in 2022 and finished third in the regular primary
• Republican business owner Kyle Kirkland, who is second to Fong in fundraising but came up fourth in the regular primary with just 4.2% of the vote.

The district, which covers parts of California’s Central Valley between Fresno and Bakersfield, voted for Trump by nearly 25 percentage points in 2020.

More about the primary: Like in typical California primaries, all candidates are running on the same ballot, with the top two advancing to the special general election on May 21. However, unlike in regular California elections, if the top candidate wins more than 50% of the vote in the primary, they’re automatically elected to the seat and no general election is held. The winner of the race will serve the remainder of McCarthy’s term, which ends in January 2025. 

CNN projection: Republican Michael Rulli wins special and regular primaries for open GOP seat

From CNN's Shania Shelton and Andrew Menezes

Michael Rulli will win the Republican primaries for the regular election and the special election in Ohio’s 6th Congressional District, CNN projects, putting the state senator in pole position to succeed former GOP Rep. Bill Johnson.  

Earlier this year, Johnson  vacated the deep-red seat, which stretches along Ohio’s eastern border with West Virginia and Pennsylvania, to take a job as president of Youngstown State University. 

Rulli, a state senator from the Youngstown area, had the endorsement of former Ohio GOP Chairwoman Jane Timken, Ohio Rep. David Joyce, who represents a neighboring district, and the US Chamber of Commerce. 

He will be the heavy favorite against Democrat Michael Kripchak in both the June 11 special election and the November general election for the 6th District, which former President Donald Trump would have carried under its current lines by 28 points in 2020. Kripchak won both Democratic primary contests Tuesday.

The winner of the June special election will serve out the remainder of Johnson’s term through January 2025.  

Republicans are eager to fill the seat given their narrow margin in the chamber, which has at times made it difficult to advance legislative priorities. 

Ohio's 2nd District

Rulli isn't the only Ohio Republican seen as likely heading to Congress after winning a primary Tuesday in a deep-red seat.

Businessman David Taylor will win the GOP nomination in the state's 2nd Congressional District, CNN projects, putting him on a glide path to succeed retiring Republican Brad Wenstrup in the southern Ohio seat.  

Wenstrup, who was first elected in 2012, announced his retirement last fall, citing the “frantic pace of Washington” that has kept him away from his family back home. 

Among the 10 Republicans Taylor bested in the primary Tuesday was Derek Myers, a former local journalist whose campaign sent out a prepared concession statement hours before any election results had been released.

Myers said later that his campaign had prepared two statements, one in case he lost and a second if he won, and the former was "sent in error as it was being loaded into the media distribution portal, as a draft."

Myers officially conceded the race about an hour and half after polls closed.

CNN projection: Fall matchup set in Illinois' only competitive House election

From CNN's Kaanita Iyer and Andrew Menezes

Retired Judge Joe McGraw will win the Republican nomination in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, CNN projects, advancing to take on Democratic incumbent Eric Sorensen in a seat the GOP is targeting this fall.  

The 17th District, which snakes from Rockford through the Iowa border and down to Peoria and Bloomington, was drawn by Illinois Democrats to favor their party — Joe Biden would have carried it under its current lines by 8 points in 2020. But Sorensen won the seat in 2022 by roughly half that margin.

The general election in the 17th District is expected to be the lone competitive House race in Illinois this fall with the rest of the seats seen as safe for either party.

Sorensen, a former Rockford and Quad Cities meteorologist, was the first out gay person elected to Congress from Illinois. He succeeded Rep. Cheri Bustos, a former chair of the House Democratic campaign arm.

What to watch for in California's special election to fill Kevin McCarthy's vacant House seat

California is holding a special primary election in the 20th Congressional District to fill the vacant seat of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who resigned from the chamber in December. Polls are set to close at 11 p.m. ET.

Like in typical California primaries, all candidates will run on the same ballot, with the top two advancing to the special general election on May 21.

However, unlike in regular California elections, if the top candidate wins more than 50% of the vote in the primary, they’re automatically elected to the seat and no general election is held. The winner of the race will serve the remainder of McCarthy’s term, which ends in January 2025. 

Two candidates on the ballot in Tuesday's special election — Republicans Vince Fong and Mike Boudreaux — will face off in the general election in November for the district's full term. That primary was held earlier this month.

What to watch for:

• Fong, a Trump-endorsed California assemblyman, and Boudreaux, Tulare County's sheriff, are top contenders in Tuesday’s contest.
• Among the other candidates on the ballot are Democrat Marisa Wood, who lost to McCarthy in 2022 and finished third in the regular primary, and Republican business owner Kyle Kirkland.
• The district covers parts of California’s Central Valley between Fresno and Bakersfield. It voted for Trump by nearly 25 percentage points in 2020. 

It's 10 p.m. ET and polls are closing in Arizona

It's 10 p.m. ET, which means polls are closing in Arizona's presidential primaries.

The state, which is a key battleground state, helped deliver Joe Biden his 2020 win, and then helped Democrats win control of the Senate in 2020 and maintain it in 2022. Biden won Arizona by a margin of less than 11,000 votes.

What to know about the state demographics:

• In the 2020 general presidential election, 39% of the electorate identified as independents, and Biden won that demographic with 53% of the vote.
• Latinos constituted 19% of the electorate in 2020, compared to 15% in 2016, 18% in 2012 and 16% in 2008.

Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, is home to a majority of Arizona's registered voters. It has a sizable high-tech economy. The largely white-collar county traditionally leaned Republican. However, in 2020, the county accounted for 61% of the presidential electorate and Biden won 50% of those voters.

Democratic votes can be found in the university community of Tempe and in Phoenix’s Latino community. Aside from Maricopa County, Pima County — home to Tucson — often tilts Democratic as well.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

Mobile Menu Overlay

The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces Plan to Lower Housing Costs for Working   Families

Building and preserving over 2 million new homes to lower rents and the cost of buying a home

President Biden believes housing costs are too high, and significant investments are needed to address the large shortage of affordable homes inherited from his predecessor and that has been growing for more than a decade. During his State of the Union Address, President Biden will call on Congressional Republicans to end years of inaction and pass legislation to lower costs by providing a $10,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and people who sell their starter homes; build and renovate more than 2 million homes; and lower rental costs.  President Biden also announced new steps to lower homebuying and refinancing closing costs and crack down on corporate actions that rip off renters.

We are starting to see some progress. More housing units are under construction right now than at any time in the last 50 years, rents have fallen over the last year in many places, and the homeownership rate is higher now than before the pandemic. But rent is still too high, and Americans who want to buy a home still have difficulty finding one they can afford. That is why President Biden has a landmark plan to build over 2 million homes, which will lower rents, make houses more affordable, and promote fair housing.

Lowering Costs of Homeownership For many Americans, owning a home is the cornerstone of raising a family, building wealth, and joining the middle class. Too many working families feel locked out of homeownership and are unable to compete with investors for a limited supply of affordable for-sale homes. President Biden is calling on Congress to enact legislation to enable more Americans to purchase a home, including:

• Mortgage Relief Credit. President Biden is calling on Congress to pass a mortgage relief credit that would provide middle-class first-time homebuyers with an annual tax credit of $5,000 a year for two years. This is the equivalent of reducing the mortgage rate by more than 1.5 percentage points for two years on the median home, and will help more than 3.5 million middle-class families purchase their first home over the next two years. The President’s plan also calls for a new credit to unlock inventory of affordable starter homes, while helping middle-class families move up the housing ladder and empty nesters right size. Many homeowners have lower rates on their mortgages than current rates. This “lock-in” effect makes homeowners more reluctant to sell and give up that low rate, even in circumstances where their current homes no longer fit their household needs. The President is calling on Congress to provide a one-year tax credit of up to $10,000 to middle-class families who sell their starter home, defined as homes below the area median home price in the county, to another owner-occupant. This proposal is estimated to help nearly 3 million families.
• Down Payment Assistance for First-Generation Homeowners. The President continues to call on Congress to provide up to $25,000 in down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers whose families haven’t benefited from the generational wealth building associated with homeownership. This proposal is estimated to help 400,000 families purchase their first home.

The President isn’t waiting for Congress to lower costs for homebuyers and homeowners. Last year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reduced the mortgage insurance premium for Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgages, saving an estimated 850,000 homebuyers and homeowners an estimated $800 per year. And today, the President is announcing new actions to lower the closing costs associated with buying a home or refinancing a mortgage.

• Lowering Closing Costs for Refinancing. The Federal Housing Finance Agency has approved policies and pilots to reduce closing costs for homeowners, including a pilot to waive the requirement for lender’s title insurance on certain refinances. This would save thousands of homeowners up to $1500, and an average of $750, and the lower upfront fees will unlock substantial savings for homeowners as mortgage rates continue to fall and more homeowners are able to refinance. According to independent analysis , across the market title insurance typically pays out only 3% to 5% of premiums in claims to consumers, compared to more than 70% in other types of insurance. Homeowners can still purchase their own title insurance policies if they choose to do so.
• Lowering Closing Costs for Home Mortgages. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will pursue rulemaking and guidance to address anticompetitive closing costs imposed by lenders on homebuyers and homeowners.  These charges—which benefit the lender but not the borrower—can add thousands to the upfront costs of a mortgage.  Those upfront costs cut into the amount of homebuyers’ down payments and reduce homeowners’ available equity.

In the coming months, the Department of Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office will convene a roundtable of relevant industry stakeholders, including consumer advocates and academics, in order to discuss the title insurance industry and analyze potential reforms. Building on today’s announcements, President Biden is calling on federal agencies to take all available actions to lower costs for consumers at the closing table and help more Americans access homeownership.

Lowering Costs by Building and Preserving 2 Million Homes America needs to build more housing in order to lower rental costs and increase access to homeownership. That’s why the President is calling on Congress to pass legislation to build and renovate more than 2 million homes , which would close the housing supply gap and lower housing costs for renters and homeowners. This legislation would build on executive actions in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Housing Supply Action Plan that contributed to record housing construction last year.

• Tax Credits to Build More Housing. President Biden is calling for an expansion of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to build or preserve 1.2 million more affordable rental units. Renters living in these properties save hundreds of dollars each month on their rent compared with renters with similar incomes who rent in the unsubsidized market. The President is also calling for a new Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit, the first tax provision to build or renovate affordable homes for homeownership, which would lead to the construction or preservation of over 400,000 starter homes in communities throughout the country.
• Innovation Fund for Housing Expansion. The President is unveiling a new $20 billion competitive grant fund as part of his Budget to support communities across the country to build more housing and lower rents and homebuying costs. This fund would support the construction of affordable multifamily rental units; incentivize local actions to remove unnecessary barriers to housing development; pilot innovative models to increase the production of affordable and workforce rental housing; and spur the construction of new starter homes for middle-class families. According to independent analysis, this will create hundreds of thousands of units which will help lower rents and housing costs.
• Increasing Banks’ Contributions Towards Building Affordable Housing. The President is proposing that each Federal Home Loan Bank double its annual contribution to the Affordable Housing Program – from 10 percent of prior year net income to 20 percent – which will raise an additional $3.79 billion for affordable housing over the next decade and assist nearly 380,0000 households. These funds will support the financing, acquisition, construction, and rehabilitation of affordable rental and for-sale homes, as well as help low- and moderate-income homeowners to purchase or rehabilitate homes.

Lowering Costs for Renters President Biden is also taking actions to lower costs and promote housing stability for renters. The White House Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights lays out the key principles of a fair rental market and has already catalyzed new federal actions to make those principles a reality. Today, President Biden is announcing new steps to crack down on unfair practices that are driving up rental costs:

• Fighting Rent Gouging by Corporate Landlords . The Biden-Harris Administration is taking action to combat egregious rent increases and other unfair practices that are driving up rents. Corporate landlords and private equity firms across the country have been accused of illegal information sharing, price fixing, and inflating rents. As part of the Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing announced by President Biden on Tuesday, the President is calling on federal agencies to root out and stop illegal corporate behavior that hikes prices on American families through anti-competitive, unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices. In a recent filing , the Department of Justice (DOJ) made clear its position that inflated rents caused by algorithmic use of sensitive nonpublic pricing and supply information violate antitrust laws. Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission and DOJ filed a joint brief further arguing that it is illegal for landlords and property managers to collude on pricing to inflate rents – including when using algorithms to do so.
• Cracking Down on Rental Junk Fees . Millions of families incur burdensome costs in the rental application process and throughout the duration of their lease, from “convenience fees” simply to pay rent online to fees charged to sort mail or collect trash. These fees are often more than the actual cost of providing the service, or are added onto rents to cover services that renters assume are included—or that they don’t even want. Last fall, the FTC proposed a rule that if finalized as proposed would ban misleading and hidden fees across the economy, including in housing rental agreements. Last month, HUD released a  summary of banned non-rent fees within their rental assistance programs. These actions build on voluntary commitments the President announced last summer from major rental housing platforms to provide customers with the total, upfront cost on rental properties on their platform.
• Expanding Housing Choice Vouchers . Over the last three years, the Administration has secured rental assistance for more than 100,000 additional households. The President is calling on Congress to further expand rental assistance to more than half of a million households, including by providing a voucher guarantee for low-income veterans and youth aging out of foster care – the first such voucher guarantees in history. Receiving a voucher would save these households hundreds of dollars in rent each month.

Stay Connected

We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better.

Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden.