The conclusion of a sales presentation often presents a unique challenge, even for seasoned professionals. It's that final moment where you need to seal the deal, yet it can be the hardest part to get right.
In this piece, we'll unpack why the final moments are so crucial and how a weak close can unravel even the strongest narrative. More importantly, we'll share actionable strategies to help you create endings that resonate deeply and convert curiosity into commitment.
Ready? Let's explore the tactics that will make your closing moments not just an end but a new beginning…
Key Takeaways
- The way you end your presentation can be just as impactful as how you begin it. Make sure your closing is as strong as your opening.
- Have a call to action. Clearly state what you want your audience to do next. Whether it’s scheduling a follow-up meeting or signing up for a demo, your conclusion should drive them toward a clear action.
- Reinforce the main benefits and solutions you’ve discussed throughout your presentation. This helps solidify your message and ensures it stays top of mind.
- End on a personal note or with a story that relates to your audience. This can make your message more memorable and build stronger rapport.
- Rehearse your closing thoroughly. A smooth and confident delivery can make all the difference in how your message is received.
6 Top tips on how to end sales presentations
Closing your sales presentation effectively can transform a good pitch into a successful deal. Here are our top tips for ensuring your presentation ends on a high note, driving engagement and action.
Tip #1: Craft a clear, compelling call to action
Don’t leave your audience guessing what comes next. Your closing should include a strong, clear call to action. Whether it's requesting a follow-up meeting or inviting them to try a demo, make your next steps impossible to miss.
A powerful CTA isn’t just about telling your potential customers what to do next; it’s about making them want to do it. Frame it in a way that highlights the benefits they’ll gain by taking that step. For instance, “Schedule a demo today to see how you can boost your sales by 20%.” Inject that sense of urgency.
Enhance your understanding of crafting persuasive CTAs with our Complete Guide to Complex Selling 2024 and using the best proposal templates.
Tip #2: End with a memorable story
Cap your presentation with a compelling story that relates to your key message. Whether it's a case study or a personal success story, make it relevant and inspiring. Stories are not just entertaining; they make your pitch memorable and relatable, ensuring your message sticks long after you've left the room.
Share a narrative that illustrates the real-world impact of your solution. This could be a client's success story or an anecdote from your own experience that highlights your product's value. Make sure it's authentic and resonates with your audience's challenges.
Tip #3: Reinforce key benefits
Before you close, reiterate the main benefits of your solution. Summarize the top three benefits of your product or service in a way that's easy to remember. For example, “Our solution saves you time, reduces costs, and improves efficiency.” This concise recap reinforces why your offering is the best choice.
This technique, known as the "rule of threes," helps cement these benefits in your audience’s memory. Think “Friends, Romans, Countryman,” “Stop, Look and Listen,” and “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly”! It’s a literary device that can transform the ordinary into something more memorable and emotive. Plus, highlighting the advantages at the end keeps the critical points fresh in their minds as they consider your proposal.
Tip #4: Encourage questions
This is a game-changer for boosting engagement and directly addressing any uncertainties. When you invite questions, you’re not just showing confidence in your offer—you’re making the whole interaction personal. It’s like saying, “Hey, I’m here for you. What do you need?”
Encouraging questions is a clear signal you value your audience’s input and are ready for a two-way conversation. So, here’s the pro tip: anticipate what they might ask. Have those clear, concise answers ready. This way, you can transform a passive audience into active participants. Plus, it gives you the perfect opportunity to reinforce your key messages. It’s all about turning that engagement into a powerful dialogue that benefits everyone.
Tip #5: Use visuals to recap key points
A well-designed summary slide with visuals can make your key points more memorable. Use infographics, charts, or images to represent the main benefits and takeaways visually. These aids help reinforce your message and keep your audience engaged.
For example, a pie chart showing the cost savings or an infographic illustrating the process improvements can drive home your points more effectively than words alone. Ensure your visuals are clear, relevant, and aligned with your overall message.
Tip #6: Personalize your closing
Personalization can make your closing remarks resonate more deeply with your audience. Refer back to specific points of interest or concerns raised during the presentation or the questions. This shows that you’ve been listening and are addressing their unique needs.
For instance, “As we discussed, your team is looking for ways to streamline operations. Our solution addresses this by…” Personalizing your closing makes your audience feel valued and understood, increasing the likelihood of a positive response.
Want more helpful tips here? Read our expert insights on the sales process, effective sales meetings, and achieving sales excellence.
Additional advice on how to end sales presentations
To truly leave a mark with your sales presentations, consider these extra sales tactics, too. Each one is designed to enhance your closing strategy and ensure your final words resonate effectively with your audience.
Deliver a memorable closing quote
Cap off your presentation with a memorable quote that aligns with your message. This could be an inspirational saying from a notable figure or an impactful statement that sums up the value of your proposal. Quotes can elevate the perceived wisdom of your presentation and make your final words linger in the minds of your audience. (Oh, and think Henry Ford or Neil Rackham here, not Lady Gaga…)
The best sales presentation software can help you incorporate these seamlessly.
Recap with a powerful summary
Before you leave the floor, offer a succinct summary slide that encapsulates the key benefits of your proposal. This reinforces your points and helps retention, ensuring your audience walks away with a clear understanding of your message. This tactic is particularly effective in detailed or technical presentations where you've covered a lot of information.
Encourage reflective thinking
End your presentation by inviting your audience to reflect on how your solution can be integrated into their strategies or solve their specific problems. This encourages a deeper engagement with your content, moving the conversation from passive reception to active contemplation- critical in complex decision-making scenarios.
Highlight the next steps
Clearly outlining the next steps at the end of your presentation guides your audience on what to do next. This might include scheduling a follow-up meeting, signing up for a trial, or downloading additional resources. Providing a clear path forward ensures your audience knows exactly how to proceed and keeps the momentum going.
Use Qwilr to structure the ending of your presentation
The right ending can turn a solid presentation into an unforgettable one. With Qwilr, you can easily design impactful conclusions using our customizable templates and intuitive tools. Make sure your last slide leaves a lasting impression. Start using Qwilr today to enhance your presentation endings and drive better results.
For further insights on closing techniques and common pitfalls, check out our articles on how to close sales deals, common sales mistakes, and crafting effective sales presentations.
About the author
Marissa Taffer|Founder & President of M. Taffer Consulting
Marissa Taffer is the Founder & President of M. Taffer Consulting. She brings over 15 years of sales and marketing experience across various industries to a broad range of clients.
Frequently asked questions
The last slide of your sales presentation is your final chance to make an impression. It should succinctly recap the main points, include a clear call to action, and provide your contact information. Consider it your closing argument, an invitation for further discussion, and a reminder of why your solution is the best choice.
Ending with a quote can add a thoughtful touch to your presentation. Select a quote that reflects the essence of your message and inspires your audience. For example, "Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower" (Steve Jobs). This quote effectively underscores a presentation focused on innovative solutions.
Incorporating humor into your closing can lighten the atmosphere and make your presentation more memorable. Use a light joke or a witty remark that ties into your message. Ensure it's appropriate and resonates well with your audience's industry and culture to maintain professionalism while leaving them with a smile.
Pausing before your final statements can significantly enhance their impact. A well-timed pause allows your audience to digest the information and builds anticipation for your conclusion. Use this technique to emphasize your key points and leave a lasting impression.
Maintaining eye contact during your closing remarks is crucial. It helps establish a connection with your audience, conveying confidence and sincerity. Eye contact ensures that your final message is delivered with impact, personalizing the experience for your audience and reinforcing your call to action.
