What are some common mistakes to avoid when closing an event speech?

As an emcee, you have the responsibility of wrapping up an event speech with a strong and memorable closing. However, many emcees make some common mistakes that can ruin their impression and the audience's satisfaction. Here are some tips on how to avoid these pitfalls and end your event speech on a high note.

1 Don't ramble

One of the worst things you can do as an emcee is to drag on your closing remarks for too long. This can bore, confuse, or annoy the audience, who may have already heard enough from the speaker or the event. Instead, keep your closing brief, concise, and focused on the main message or takeaway of the event speech. Summarize the key points, thank the speaker and the audience, and invite them to take action or follow up as appropriate.

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2 Don't repeat yourself

Another mistake that emcees often make is to repeat the same information or phrases that they already said in the introduction or during the event speech. This can make your closing sound redundant, unoriginal, or unprepared. Instead, use different words, examples, or anecdotes to reinforce the main message or takeaway of the event speech. You can also use a quote, a statistic, a question, or a call to action to add some variety and impact to your closing.

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3 Don't apologize

A third mistake that emcees sometimes make is to apologize for their performance, their mistakes, or the event speech itself. This can undermine your credibility, confidence, and authority as an emcee. It can also make the audience feel uncomfortable, guilty, or disappointed. Instead, avoid saying sorry for things that are not your fault, that are beyond your control, or that are not noticeable or important. Focus on the positive aspects of the event speech, the speaker, and the audience, and express your gratitude and appreciation.

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4 Don't end abruptly

A fourth mistake that emcees occasionally make is to end their closing remarks without a clear or smooth transition. This can leave the audience hanging, confused, or unsatisfied. It can also create awkward silence or confusion about what to do next. Instead, signal your intention to end your closing remarks with a phrase like "in conclusion", "to wrap up", or "finally". Then, use a clear and confident voice to deliver your final sentence or statement. You can also use a gesture, a smile, or a clap to indicate that you are done and to invite the audience to respond.

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Ariane Goldet Camoletti

RÃ©dactrice en chef beautÃ©/ ConfÃ©renciÃ¨re/ Chroniqueuse beautÃ© Sud Radio ðŸ“» / Auteure livre Cosmetiques Iconiques/ðŸ’„ Angel YPB/ Pigiste pour 1nstant Webzine / Consultante stratÃ©gie de marques et de produits/
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Pensez Ã trouver non pas une conclusion mais une rÃ©flexion qui projette dans lâ€™avenir et ne ferme pas le dÃ©bat. Un joke, une note dâ€™humour, une citationâ€¦.

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5 Don't forget the speaker

A fifth mistake that emcees rarely but still make is to forget to acknowledge, thank, or introduce the speaker at the end of their closing remarks. This can be disrespectful, rude, or unprofessional. It can also make the speaker feel ignored, unappreciated, or embarrassed. Instead, always remember to mention the speaker's name, title, and affiliation at the end of your closing remarks. You can also compliment them on their speech, highlight their achievements, or invite them to join you on stage or in the audience.

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Ariane Goldet Camoletti

RÃ©dactrice en chef beautÃ©/ ConfÃ©renciÃ¨re/ Chroniqueuse beautÃ© Sud Radio ðŸ“» / Auteure livre Cosmetiques Iconiques/ðŸ’„ Angel YPB/ Pigiste pour 1nstant Webzine / Consultante stratÃ©gie de marques et de produits/
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Tout comme lâ€™orateur qui remercie les personnes qui lâ€™ont invitÃ© et qui nâ€™oublie pas de remercier le public pour son attention et dâ€™Ãªtre si nombreux.

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6 Don't neglect the audience

A sixth and final mistake that emcees sometimes make is to neglect the audience at the end of their closing remarks. This can be insensitive, impersonal, or ineffective. It can also make the audience feel excluded, bored, or unengaged. Instead, always address the audience directly, using "you" or "your". You can also ask them a question, invite them to participate, or encourage them to take action. You can also thank them for their attention, their feedback, or their support.

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Witti Repartee

Drag Performer, Mistress of Ceremonies and International Bingo Hostess
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A key point for modern audiences is to leave "Ladies and Gentlemen" in the past, as well as anything to the effect of "Ladies, Gentlemen, and those undecided." Our audiences are more and more diverse, and it's incredibly important to refer to them in ways that reflect the mission and tone of our organizations' work. Be general, but not generic. Know your audience and address them as a collective of individuals.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Marly Q Casanova

Kindness Influencerâœ¨TEDxðŸ—£ï¸Speaker, Facilitator & Host of Time to be Kind w/ Marly Q
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As a professional Emcee for 2 decades, I would also add â€¦ Donâ€™t forget to define SUCCESS! When designing your program, decide what success looks like and what you want your audience to walk away with from your event experience. I specifically ask my clients these 3 Qâ€™s. 1) What do you want your audience to KNOW? 2) What do you want them to FEEL? 3) What do you want them to SAY at the end of your event? Keeping this in mind when giving your opening and closing remarks is the true sign of a master Emcee.

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Aliesha Pulliam

Actor | Voiceover | Emcee | Veteran
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In my experience as an event host/emcee, it's important to give care and attention to your close just like you would for your opener or reviewing speaker bios. If the plan is to wing it, chances are you could make some of the mistakes called out in this article. For your prep, take time to identify the key points and takeaways you want to land during the close. It will help boost your confidence and keep you focused for a strong finish.

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Dana Negrey

ðŸŽVoice Actor ðŸ‘¨ðŸ»ðŸ«Voiceover Coach ðŸŽ™ï¸The most important part of a microphone is the person behind it. ðŸŽ§Source Connect'd Pro Studio
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During the wrap-up, I've found it's important to graciously mention anyone else, aside from the people the article's already identified. Doing so concisely, along with something along the lines of, "Also a heart-felt 'thank-you' to anyone I may have missed mentioning. Everyone's work was valuable in putting together this [insert appropriate adjective] event." In my experience, saying "Thank you and good night" (or something similar depending on the time of day) as final words are effective for not only leaving the crowd with a positive impression, but for cueing sound/video technicians and house staff that the event is over.

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What are some common mistakes to avoid when closing an event speech?

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1 Don't ramble

2 Don't repeat yourself

3 Don't apologize

4 Don't end abruptly

5 Don't forget the speaker

6 Don't neglect the audience

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

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