What is the main purpose of the conclusion in a speech?

The main purpose of the conclusion in a speech is to summarize the main points and leave an impression on the audience. This final section is crucial because it reinforces the key messages the speaker has conveyed throughout the speech, ensuring that the audience retains the essential information. A strong conclusion also provides a sense of closure, helping to tie together the various elements discussed and emphasizing the speaker's main thesis or argument. By leaving a lasting impression, the conclusion can motivate the audience to engage with the topic further or act on the information presented.

In contrast, introducing new topics during the conclusion would confuse the audience and dilute the speech's primary message. Interacting with the audience would typically occur during the body of the speech, where engagement is encouraged through questions or discussions. Conveying unrelated anecdotes may detract from the focus of the conclusion, resulting in a loss of clarity and purpose. Thus, summarizing main points and leaving a strong impression is fundamental to ensuring the speech achieves its intended impact.