Master Your Speech’s Closing – Seinfeld Style!

Remember that “Seinfeld” episode where George Costanza decides to leave every situation on a high note? He cracks a great joke, gets some laughs, and promptly walks out, leaving everyone wanting more.

While George might not be your typical public speaking mentor, he actually nails one of the most critical points of delivering a memorable speech: finish strong.

In the last 5 minutes of your presentation, there are 5 key things you must do to close like a pro. Here’s how you can apply them to ensure your message resonates long after you’ve left the stage.

 1. Review  

This isn’t about revisiting your entire speech, just the core framework. Highlight the main points—what you want the audience to truly remember. Did you discuss a process or key principles? Reinforce them. For example, if your talk focused on four pillars of success, recap them briefly and clearly: “Culture, operations, relationships, excellence—these are the keys to unlocking your full potential.”

2. Restate Your Core Message  

What was the intention you set at the very beginning? Restate it clearly. If your goal was to move your audience from being merely competent to becoming captivating and compelling, remind them of that journey. A simple, strong restatement cements the main takeaway.

3. Call to Action

Many speakers skip this part, but it’s crucial. What do you want your audience to do with the information? Give them an exercise: “Take 3 minutes to review your notes and circle the moments that resonated most with you. What will you take away from this? Who will you share this with next week?” Help them create accountability by having them plan their next steps, whether it’s discussing with a colleague or sharing insights with a friend.

4. Goodbye

Don’t just say, “Thank you,” and walk off. Finish big. Take them back to where you started, but with a final, emotional punch. Maybe it’s a personal story, a key insight you’ve saved for the end, or a memorable statement that ties everything together. Something as simple as, “No matter the challenge, someone always has your back,” can leave a lasting impression. Close with confidence, then step back and let the applause happen.

Take a page from George Costanza’s playbook—finish on a high note, and leave your audience wanting more. Execute these 5 steps, and you’ll not only leave a lasting impact but also set yourself up for that standing ovation.

Want to Master the Entire Presentation, Not Just the Ending? 

If you found this helpful, I’d love to invite you to my Stand & Deliver Bootcamp this October! At Stand & Deliver, I’ll be teaching you how to master not just the closing but every aspect of delivering a powerful, engaging presentation from start to finish.

Enrollment is now open, and I’d love to have you join us! This is a great opportunity to refine your skills and elevate your confidence on stage. Click the button below to learn more.

Learn more and reserve your spot at the Stand and Deliver Bootcamp.

Proactive, Productive and Profitable,

Dino Watt, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional)