Why the Ending Matters Most
It’s one of the oldest rules in showbiz – and one of the smartest tips for public speaking you’ll ever use.
Singers close with the hit.
Comedians aim for the biggest laugh at the end.
Magicians finish with the routine that makes jaws drop.
Why? Because the audience is most likely to remember how you made them feel at the end.
The Psychology: Why the Ending Dominates Memory
There’s a well-studied concept called the Peak-End Rule: people judge an experience largely by how they felt at its most intense moment and at the end.
That’s why finales matter.
If you want your message, pitch, or keynote to be remembered, engineer the finish deliberately.
That single idea – “Save your best trick until last!” — is one of my foundational tips for public speaking, and it works whether you’re presenting to ten colleagues or 2,000 conference attendees.
How to Apply It to Your Next Talk
1️⃣ Decide the Feeling You Want to Leave
Ask yourself: What emotion should they walk away with?
Pumped? Reassured? Inspired to act?
Write it in one sentence.
Your final story, demo, or call-to-action should deliver that feeling.
2️⃣ Put Weaker Material in the Middle
If a section is necessary but not electric, park it between your opener and closer.
Never let admin, logistics, or pricing be the last thing people hear.
That middle space is where you can safely include “must-cover” details without losing momentum.
3️⃣ Design a “Set List” for Your Talk
Think like a performer – you’re building an emotional arc:
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Open strong. Grab attention in 30 seconds with a crisp promise, a surprising stat, or a short story.
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Guide the journey. Create three clear beats that build momentum and connection.
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Close on the closer. Story, demo, or idea that lands your message and emotion.
Always save your best trick until last.
4️⃣ Signal the Landing
Phrases like:
“If you remember one thing, remember this…”
Prime the audience to lock in.
They’ll lean forward and remember your final point.
5️⃣ End on Action
Make the final 20 seconds the simplest call-to-action you can give:
One step.
One behaviour.
One choice.
That clarity creates movement long after you’ve left the stage.
Final Thoughts
If you want your talk to travel beyond the room, craft the last 90 seconds with the care of a chorus, a punchline, or a magic reveal.
It’s one of the best tips for public speaking to leave a lasting impact on your audience:
Design the finish first, build everything else to serve it, and always – save your best trick until last.