how to end a business pitch presentation

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How To End A Pitch Deck Presentation

by Alejandro Cremades

How to end a pitch deck presentation? What’s the best way to end your pitch to leave a lasting impression on investors?

There have been volumes of new information coming out on how to get started with the right framework for a winning pitch deck, as well as how to get started trying to find investors to fund your startup.

In comparison, there seems to be almost little to nothing about how to finish a pitch deck presentation strong.

So, how do you end a pitch?

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Here is the content that we will cover in this post. Let’s get started.

• 1. It’s All About A Strong Finish
• 2. What’s The Purpose Of A Pitch Deck Presentation?
• 3. Set It Up Well From The Start
• 4. Use A Strong Recap
• 5. Open Up A Q&A Session
• 6. A Strong Closing Slide
• 7. Ask For The Sale
• 8. Be Clear About What You Want
• 9. Explain The Fit
• 10. Explain Why Now Is So Important
• 11. Ask For Advice
• 12. Get A Commitment
• 13. Anticipate The Sale
• 14. Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up
• 15. Make Sure That You Are Really Listening
• 16. Get Professional Help

It’s All About A Strong Finish

A great start is important. First impressions really do matter.

They can definitely set up and influence the rest of this opportunity. Though how you finish is even more important.

You can start out fantastically, but if you bomb at the close it is all for nothing.

How you end your deck and presentation can make all of the difference in the outcome of that pitch.

In fact, you might get off to a rocky start, but be able to finish even better.

You might be late to the pitch, spill coffee on yourself on the way there, have your tech glitch and laptop and backup crash , or even stutter and lose your place mid-pitch.

With the right ending, you can still nail it and get the funding. Don’t underestimate the importance and power of the end of your pitch.

What’s The Purpose Of A Pitch Deck Presentation?

Always start with the end in mind.

Crafting a pitch and deck should not just be about filling in blanks or other formats because you think you are supposed to or saw someone else do it that way.

In fact, instead of working chronologically focusing only on your first slide and introduction through to the end, and end up trying to squeeze in or rush the finish, you might benefit from looking at it in reverse order.

What is the outcome you really want to see most from this presentation?

Reverse engineer that from your close backward to ensure you have all the bases covered to lead to that.

It’s also worth considering your second or third ideal outcomes from this as well to set those up as options.

What are your priorities? Are they:

• Learning as much as you can from your audience?
• Getting the money? And if so what for?
• Enrolling more experienced people as backers and ambassadors ?
• Increasing your credibility and visibility?
• Letting the world know about your product?

In many cases funding is the primary driver. Yet, in many scenarios, the outcome of a pitch deck being presented is not getting a check handed to you on the spot.

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If you walk out with a signed, proposed term sheet, that is often as close to walking out with a check as you’ll get in most scenarios.

Though it is always good to believe and think big and bold too. Still, if the ideal outcome is a meeting or term sheet, that is what everything should be focused on achieving.

So you see, figuring out how to end a pitch deck presentation is critical for success.

Set It Up Well From The Start

Fundraising is about strategy. We’ve already touched on reverse engineering your pitch deck and presentation.

So, from beginning to end your deck and verbal pitch should be setting up a smooth finish.

From the introduction through to your closing slide your visuals, words, tone, and body language should all be leaving your audience with the same outcome in mind as you.

The battle is won before you even get to the close or ask.

This is done through subconscious branding with your color and font choices . How you present your team, and your financial projections.

Your slides should be checking off the investors’ boxes one by one, and overcoming their objections in advance.

In their minds it should be “check, check, check, okay we better get in and fund this thing before someone else does. We need to get them in for a real meeting to finalize the details and lock this up asap.”

That’s the goal to have in mind when planning how to end a pitch deck presentation.

Whether you’re planning a robust conclusion at the start or developing the final slide as you start at the top, you’ll need to know how to create a pitch deck. Check out this video I have created explaining how it’s done.

Use A Strong Recap

A pitch audience is only going to be able to remember one to three things from your presentation. That’s it.

Not only does this reinforce the importance of using a very short deck of slides and verbal pitch, but staying focused on those ones to three major points that will pivot them to taking the action you want them to.

Use your wrap-up time to quickly recap those stand-out points that put you ahead of the rest of the crowd.

Be sure you’ve covered the essentials for making a sale. The what, who, why, and why right now.

Open Up A Q&A Session

If you’ve been disciplined with your timing then you should have already budgeted time for questions and answers.

This is just as, if not more essential than the time you spend actively pitching and selling. There are three main purposes to the Q&A time.

• Learning from your audience and what is really important to them
• Overcoming their objections on the spot
• Building personal rapport, likability, and trust

Before walking into any pitch presentation you should already have a list of the most common questions your investors are going to ask.

As well as your answers and rebuttals to any outstanding objections.

A Strong Closing Slide

It is common to either have the financial ask  or a thank you as the last slide.

These are both acceptable options. Though it is probably most important to ensure you have your contact information prominently displayed on your final pitch deck slide.

Someone in your audience may have to rush out and leave. They could be in the back and unable to hear you well.

Or they may want to follow up privately. Whatever the case, having your contact information big and front and center means it can be captured with a screenshot, snapped with a mobile phone camera, or jotted down in a hurry.

It is also super easy for them to find your contact information if they have a link to your pitch deck hosted online.

The last thing you want to happen here is to fail simply because the convinced investors who really wanted to invest in your startup didn’t have your contact info handy.

That would be tragic. Especially, if they fund your competition instead, just due to this one factor.

Make sure to add this information when working out how to end a pitch deck presentation.

Ask For The Sale

You’ve got to ask for the sale. Everyone in the room knows the purpose of your pitching is to raise money.

They are there to invest their money that is burning a hole in their pockets. Be sure to ask for the sale.

Far too often in both formal and casual sales settings from car dealerships to retail stores, websites, and social and networking the bulk of sales are missed because of a lack of call to action.

You miss all of the shots you don’t take. Be sure to end your pitch deck presentation with a strong call to action and to buy in.

Be Clear About What You Want

Your pitch deck presentation should make it pretty clear how much money you need for your venture, as well as any other resources and help you are seeking.

However, you also need to end your pitch by being clear about what you want them to do as the next step.

This applies to having emailed out your pitch deck, as well as presenting it live in person or online .

What’s the next step they should take right now? Is it to send you funds on the spot?

Is it to use your calendar link to set an appointment for a more private investor meeting?

Or is it to simply pick up the phone, email, or text you? Be sure about the action you’re expecting when figuring out how to end a pitch deck presentation.

Explain The Fit

There are countless investment opportunities for startup investors, as well as sources of financing for entrepreneurs.

What makes the difference is the alignment and fit between a specific set of investors and founders.

Explain why you are the best fit, and how you are aligned better than the other options. From your own research, why have you chosen them as investment partners over others?

This can be more important than the amount you are raising, the terms of funding, and even the product.

Explain Why Now Is So Important

There are endless nice business ideas and investment opportunities. The difference between those that are just nice, and those that investors will take action on is the ability to confer a sense of urgency, and why this is the moment they must act.

This may be market timing, or your round becoming oversubscribed. Show them the pain of failing to act right now.

Ask For Advice

If you are afraid to ask for the sale or don’t feel your pitch has gone well, then ask for their advice. Most people like to share their opinions and to help.

Ask open-ended questions to get their feedback. Catalog that data and use it to tweak and improve your venture, pitch deck, and presentation for your next meeting.

Keep in mind that in fundraising storytelling is everything. In this regard for a winning pitch deck to help you here, take a look at the template created by Silicon Valley legend, Peter Thiel ( see it here ) that I recently covered. Thiel was the first angel investor in Facebook with a $500K check that turned into more than $1 billion in cash.

Remember to unlock the pitch deck template that is being used by founders around the world to raise millions below.

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Get A Commitment

It is easy for people to say that they like your invention or mission, and will buy or invest. Nailing them down to actually doing it can be something entirely different.

Don’t just take feeble and vague compliments. Don’t leave without a specific commitment to taking the next step.

That may be as bold as wiring you a certain amount of funds by 11 am on Monday morning, setting a follow-up call for tomorrow afternoon at 4 pm, or an investor meeting with other partners next Wednesday at 3 pm at their office.

Make sure to snag that commitment when working out how to end a pitch deck presentation.

Anticipate The Sale

If you are doubting yourself, your company, and your presentation it is going to show up in your pitch and closing.

It is going to be weak. You will self-sabotage yourself with your own words and body language.

Instead, exude confidence in having closed the deal. The next step is just nailing down the specifics or the mechanics of sending the funding and executing the paperwork.

Your attitude and projected confidence will make all of the difference in getting the results you really want.

Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up

90% of selling is in the follow-up. Get those commitments and then follow through.

Show up on time for those calls and meetings and with your updates or answers to questions, you said you would provide.

You have nothing to lose by continually following up until you get a yes.

In fact, the one difference between getting funded or not may be the startup that follows up that one more time after their competition gives up.

Make Sure That You Are Really Listening

Typically, the number one thing standing between you and the money your startup venture needs is you listening.

Investors will tell you what they want and how to get their money, or at least give you clues at a minimum. At least if you really listen.

Get Professional Help

If you are presenting and still coming up empty-handed, or just don’t want to blow important investment opportunities and presentations, invest in expert help.

It can pay the best dividends of anything you’ll do. It will show investors that you are serious about doing the best with their money too.

This can include getting pro copywriting help with your pitch script and supporting materials, expert deck design, and getting a pitch coach to help you with your verbal delivery.

You may find interesting as well our free library of business templates. There you will find every single template you will need when building and scaling your business completely for free. See it here .

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About the Author

Alejandro Cremades leads the vision and execution for Panthera Advisors as its Co-Founder and…

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How to End a Business Presentation & Get People to Act

Learn how to conclude a digital presentation with impact. Discover what should be on the last slide of the presentation and ditch the "Thank you" slide forever.

Dominika Krukowska

8 minute read

Short answer

What should be the last slide of a presentation?

The last slide of your presentation should be a next step slide with a call-to-action, not a thank-you slide. It should direct readers to act on what they have learned - by trying a product, donating, visiting a place, etc.

It’s also an opportunity to build a relationship with your audience by inviting them to connect with you on social media or book a call.Blog

Concluding your presentation with a thank-you slide is a bad idea

Imagine a general addressing his knights before a battle. He gives a moving speech that gets the men fired up. He describes the great purpose of their sacrifice and the glory of victory. The warriors are roaring and raising their swords.

Then the general tells them he thanks them for coming, turns, and goes.

With no idea where the enemy is or when the battle will take place the men take their gear and go home. The end.

That’s what happens when you end with a thank you slide. Your audience was hooked. They identified with your ideas, they were moved by your story, and they wanted more. But they didn’t know where to get it. You left them hanging.

This is where many presentations miss the mark.

What this means is that ending with a thank-you may leave potential connections, collaborations, or sales to simply drift away.

So contrary to common belief that is not how to conclude a presentation.

This blog post will show you how to use the last slide of your presentation to guide your audience toward meaningful actions for them and for you.

Let’s dive in!

What to say on the last page of a presentation?

You should end your presentation by saying what your audience should do with what you’ve told them. Whatever it is, make it immediate and easy to do.

Get them to take a small next step so that they will be more likely to be on their way toward a beneficial outcome for them and for you.

What you say at the conclusion of your presentation should guide your audience toward a clear next step.

Ask for something like booking a demo, signing up for a newsletter, or leaving their email for further communication, anything that starts them in the direction you’re aiming for.

Our analysis of 100K presentation sessions revealed an unignorable fact:

Presentations that contained a singular, clear next step had a conversion rate 27% higher than those that simply ended with "thank you".

Impact of adding next steps on avg. deck conversion rate for a demo call:

What are the main types of slides to end a presentation?

The final slide of a presentation is more than just a conclusion; it's your last chance to engage your audience and guide them toward action.

6 types of final slides:

• Thank you slide: A traditional ending, but often a missed opportunity.
• Quotes slide: Inspires your audience with a thought-provoking quote.
• Pricing slide: Clearly presents your product or service’s cost.
• Benefits slide: Summarizes the key advantages of your proposition.
• FAQ slide: Addresses common questions and resolves doubts.
• Next step slide: The most impactful type, guides your audience toward a clear action.

Now, let’s dive deeper into what goes into each of these presentation slides and see some real-life examples.

Best examples of how to end a presentation

The last slide you use to conclude your presentation should be gauged towards the original purpose for which it was made.

Ask yourself what was the goal for making the presentation in the first place, and choose the slide that best serves that goal.

Here are some of the most common examples of how to end a presentation:

Thank you slide

It's a common practice to end a presentation with a simple "Thank you" slide . It's polite, it's traditional, and it seems like the perfect way to wrap up. In reality, however, it can often be a missed opportunity.

When you end with a "Thank you" slide, you're essentially closing the conversation. You're not giving your audience any direction on what they should do next. This can lead to lost opportunities for both you and your audience.

Instead of a "Thank you" slide, consider using your final slide to guide your audience toward a specific action.

Whether it's trying a product, joining a cause, or connecting with you, a clear call-to-action can make a world of difference. It will turn a passive audience into active participants, and an informative presentation into an actionable one.

Here’s what a passive ‘Thank you’ slide looks like versus an actionable one:

Quotes slide

Knowing how to end your presentation with a powerful quote can leave your audience thinking about your message long after it ends, change their perspective, and even occasionally inspire someone to act.

The type of quote you choose should align with your presentation's purpose and audience.

Here are a few quote types to consider:

Inspirational quotes: These are great for motivating your audience or sparking creativity. Choose a quote from a well-known figure that aligns with your presentation's theme.

Industry expert quotes: Quotes from respected industry experts can add credibility to your presentation and reinforce your points.

Customer testimonials: If you're presenting a product or service, a positive quote from a satisfied customer can be very persuasive.

Company founders quotes: A quote from a company leader can provide insight into the company's values and mission.

Here’s an example of a quotes slide :

NOTE: A quote is good to help carry your message for longer, but it is not a good way to generate a desired behavior. If you want to influence behavior, your last slide must be clear and concrete with what you want your audience to do. A quote doesn’t provide such a clear path for action.

Pricing slide

This last slide is particularly useful for proposals, RFPs, SaaS decks, or big-ticket items.

A pricing slide should provide a clear, transparent breakdown of your product or service's cost. Ensure the pricing structure is easy to understand, and highlight any special offers or discounts.

To make it more effective, consider using data visualization components like tables or charts to present your pricing information.

Here’s an example of a pricing slide:

Benefits slide

A benefits slide is your chance to remind your audience of the value you're offering. It's about reinforcing your key message and making sure your audience understands what they stand to gain.

Use bullet points for clarity and emphasis, and try to tailor the benefits to the specific needs or pain points of your audience.

Remember, benefits are not just features; they're the positive outcomes your audience can expect. So make them clear, make them relevant, and make them compelling.

A benefits slide can be paired with a next step slide to use the benefits in order to spark the motivation to take the next step.

Here’s an example of a benefits slide:

A FAQ slide is the equivalent of ending your presentation speech with a Q&A session. It's about addressing common questions or concerns your audience might have.

This resolves doubts and saves you or your team the hassle of clearing some of these questions personally. It also shows that you understand and care about your audience's concerns.

Don't overdo your FAQs to the point that you're drowning your audience in information - keep it light and engaging and consider grouping related questions together.

Here’s an example of a FAQ slide:

Next step slide

A next step slide is your chance to guide your audience to the next step in your relationship, be it to advance in your buyer journey, get active in your community, or donate to your cause.

Here are the most common types of next step slides:

Contact slide: Make it easy for your audience to reach out to you. Make sure to provide your email, website, and social media details. Double-check that your contact information is up-to-date.

Calendar slide: If you want your audience to schedule a meeting, you can embed your calendar directly in your deck to make the process as seamless as possible.

Further reading slide: It’s particularly useful for white papers and case studies, as you can include links to external resources. This can help your audience understand your topic in greater depth and see the research or data behind your presentation.

Signup slide: If you're selling a product or service, invite your audience to sign up. Make the signup process simple and quick. This can be a great way to convert interested audience members into customers or subscribers directly from your sales presentation or product one-pager.

Sign document slide: For proposals and RFPs, provide a clear path for your audience to sign the necessary documents. Use secure and user-friendly digital signing tools. This can help you close deals more quickly and efficiently.

Subscribe slide: Invite your audience to subscribe to your newsletter, e-magazine, or e-learning platform. To make it more compelling, consider highlighting the benefits of subscribing or offering a freebie for new subscribers.

Donate slide: If you're representing an NGO or political campaign, guide your audience toward making a donation. To make it more effective, consider sharing how their donation will be used or telling a story that resonates with your cause.

Here’s an example of a next step slide:

What to avoid when concluding a digital presentation?

Don’t be vague: Be clear about the next steps or actions you want your audience to take.

Don’t overload them with Information: Don't drown your audience in details at the end.

Don’t conclude with a passive statement: Thanking your audience or giving a Tl;Dr style conclusion will leave your audience passive. Activate and engage them by making your final slide actionable. Don't forget to invite questions or further interaction.

No personal touch: Tailor your ending to your audience for a lasting impact.

How to encourage engagement at the end of my presentation?

To encourage engagement at the end of your presentation, prompt your audience to interact. Do this by including a call-to-action, like signing up for a newsletter, booking a demo, or following you on social media. Make it easy and enticing for them to stay connected.

How long should the conclusion of my presentation be?

The conclusion of your presentation should be concise yet impactful. Aim for 1-2 slides that summarize key points, inspire action, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. A great slide duo to conclude with is your Benefits slide followed by your Next step slide.

Create your presentation from a template

Your digital presentation is your ticket to impactful communication. Instead of grappling with static, uninspiring slides, why not transform your presentation into an engaging experience?

Turn your key messages into an immersive journey, captivating your audience from the first slide to the last with our interactive last slide templates .

Grab a template and end your presentation with a bang!

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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Closing Your Sales Pitch with Examples and Tips

• 27th Sep '23

• 21 minutes read

Do you want to end your sales pitch presentation with a bang? Knowing how and when to close the sale is essential for sales pitch success. With a winning conclusion, you can turn the tide of a business meeting and leave the client feeling impressed and willing to make a decision. Read on to learn how to end your sales pitch like a pro with examples and helpful tips on success.

What to Include in Your Final Sales Pitch Summary

Your final sales pitch summary should be concise yet comprehensive enough to provide the key details of your sales pitch in a brief overview. A few things to include in your summary are: 1. A description of the product or service that you are proposing: What is it and how does it benefit your customer? What are the features and benefits that are unique to your product or service? 2. Your pricing strategy for the product or service: What is the cost to the customer for your goods or services? What discounts and offers will you make available? 3. An explanation of your sales process: Will you handle all aspects of the sale? Do you need a team to assist you in certain parts of the sale process? 4. Information regarding your expected timeline: When will the product or service be delivered? Are there any deadlines for the customer to be aware of? 5. Any customer service requests: How will you respond to customer inquiries and issues post-sale? What kind of customer support policies do you have in place for your goods or services? 6. Testimonials or proof of your reputation: What has your customer base said about your services or products? Do you have any awards or recognition that shows others have trusted you? By including these elements in your final sales pitch summary, you will provide a comprehensive overview of your proposal and everything that it entails. This will help ensure that both you and your customer have a clear understanding of what is expected and how the sale will proceed.

Sales Pitch Closing Remarks that Seal the Deal

Closing your sales pitch with the right words can determine whether you’ll land the deal or not. When it comes to delivering an effective sales pitch closing, there’s a few key points you should remember. First and foremost, finish strong. Leave your prospect with a clear, concise and passionate summary of your main key points. Also, try to drive home the urgency of the deal. This could be because of a limitation of resources, a time-sensitive offer, or a limited-time special price. Then, be sure to reiterate the advantages of their decision to your product. Outline the value your offering brings to the prospect, rather than repeating what other people might think of your product or services. Finally, address any objections that have been raised throughout your call. Present a solution to the objections your prospect has stated. Ultimately, your goal in the closing sequence of your sales pitch is to show your prospect a solid solution. Connect your solution to your prospects' needs and goals. As you speak, remind them how your solution will help them and why your offer is the best one available. At the end of your sales pitch, reiterate the call to action. Specifically tell them what the next steps should be, and what will happen after they take that step. Then, ask some type of closing question that will help to ensure the prospect is taking the right steps. Giving an effective sales pitch closing is essential if you want your sales pitch to be successful. Using these tips, you can deliver a powerful and effective closing that leaves your prospect feeling more confident in their decision to purchase.

Closing Strategies for Your Closing Statements

At the end of any presentation, your closing remarks are a chance to sum up your message, create a lasting impression, and inspire your audience to take action. Though the body of your presentation should have already swayed your audience to your opinion, there are several effective closing strategies you can use to make sure the message resonates. A memorable story is one way to leave your audience with a lasting impression. Select a story that summarizes your overall message and resonates with your audience. Eliminate any distractions and draw people in with the story, as it gives them a concrete example to which they can relate. The Rule of Three is an effective strategy to create structure in your closing remarks. Summarize the main points of your presentation in three brief, powerful statements. For example, if you’re a consultant talking about marketing strategy, you can use the Rule of Three to summarize new research, the benefits of the strategy, and the next steps to implementation. You can leave people on a positive note and with a plan of action. Summarize the main points of your presentation and emphasize the most important aspects of your proposal. Invite your audience members to ask questions and offer their feedback. Finally, be sure to thank your audience for their time and attention. By following a few simple strategies and using your closing remarks to summarize your proposal, you can provide a powerful conclusion to your presentation. Through storytelling, the Rule of Three, and a plan of action, you can create a lasting impression and inspire your audience to take action.

End With a Clear and Bold Call-To-Action

As the popular saying goes, "all's well that ends well." When it comes to marketing, this means that sales and conversions are driven by having a clear and bold call to action at the end of your message. A call-to-action (CTA) is a piece of marketing phrasing that encourages people to take a desired action. It is a powerful way of prompting customers to take the next step to purchase your product, engage more deeply with your brand, and ultimately convert. A well-crafted call to action should be straightforward and should contain the main benefit that the customer will receive. It should be clearly communicated what you want the customer to do, such as sign up, buy now, and so on. Additionally, using powerful language such as "get" and "start" can also be used to grab the customer’s attention. For example, if you’re running an offer for a discount sign-up to your newsletter, you could use a call-to-action such as “Get 20% off when you sign up for our newsletter today.” This clearly communicates to the customer what they get and what they should do. Moreover, you should strive to make your call-to-action stand out by using prominent design elements. Whether you use buttons, colors, bolded phrases, or other design elements to make your CTA noticed, it should be easily discoverable to the customer. By having a clear and bold call-to-action, you are creating an opportunity for customers to take the next step to either engage with your brands or purchase your products. Ultimately, the call-to-action should be tailored to drive conversion and ensure your customers take the desired action. So, end your message with a call-to-action today and start driving conversions and revenue for your business!

With careful and targeted strategy, a clear and bold call-to-action can be an extremely effective way to influence customer decision and increase conversion rates. Here are a few pointers which can help businesses create a powerful call-to-action:

• Clearly Define Goals and Intentions
• Understand Your Audience and Segment Accordingly
• Utilize Short, Concise and Action-Oriented Messaging
• Include Color, Fonts, and Visuals To Support Your Message
• Test Different Variations to Optimize Performance Over Time

Tips for How to End a Sales Pitch

Sales pitches are an essential part of selling. When done right, they can be successful in helping businesses close sales and secure leads. However, there are certain key components that must be included in your presentation strategy to make it effective, and the ending of the pitch is just as important as the beginning. Here are a few tips to make sure your sales pitch ends with the desired outcome. First, make sure to end the presentation with a strong call to action. This can be in the form of making an offer, asking for an appointment or quickly summarising the benefits of your product or service. Be sure to verbalise your desired result at the end of the pitch and ask your buyer for a response. Make the buyer feel special and valued. It’s important to thank the buyer for taking the time to listen to you and for their consideration. In some cases, you may want to consider offering the buyer bonus incentives like discounts or giveaways as a way to show them you value their commitment. This can be a great way to sweeten the deal and help to move the sale forward. If you have a sample of your product or service you can offer to the buyer, consider presenting it in full at the end of the pitch. This will give the buyer an idea of the value they are getting should they decide to purchase. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate the craftsmanship and quality of your offering. When the buyer does commit to buying your product or services, it is important to reiterate in the closing all the details of the deal. Be sure to include the agreed pricing, the timeline and the discount or bonuses provided. In conclusion, a successful sales pitch does not end until you receive a positive response from the buyer. Use these tips and incorporate them into your sales pitch to make sure it ends with a satisfying outcome and you close the sale successfully.

3 Closing Questions to Ask a Prospective Client

If you’re on a sales call with a potential client, you need to ask the right questions in order to close the sale. Asking questions can help build relationships, increase customer understanding and trust, and provide you with valuable information to help you close the sale. Here are 3 closing questions to ask a prospective client that can increase your success rate. 1. What Is Your Budget for This Project? Knowing the client's budget for a particular project gives you a better understanding of their expectations and whether or not you can meet them. If the budget is not within your capabilities, it can help you avoid wasting time on a project that may not be profitable for your business. 2. What Is Your Timeline for This Project? Knowing the timeline for a particular project can help ensure that you meet deadlines and that your services are provided on time. It’s important to understand if there is a fixed start date or if the timeline is flexible so that you can plan accordingly. 3. What Is Your Decision-Making Process? Understanding the client's decision-making process gives you a better understanding of who will ultimately decide whether or not to move forward with the project. Knowing the timeline and process for getting to the final decision will help you navigate the sales process and close the sale. Asking closing questions can be a vital part of the sales process. Questions such as “What is your budget for this project?”, “What is your timeline for this project?”, and “What is your decision-making process?” can help you better understand the client's needs and provide valuable insight to increase your success rate.

What Repetition Can do for Your Closing Comments

When it comes to closing comments in a speech or presentation, effective use of repetition can be an incredibly powerful tool. Repetition can create strong emotional ties to an idea and create an effective, lasting impression. This is key for closing a speech or presentation because it leaves the audience with the main message. Repeating keywords and phrases helps drive the lesson home and has the potential to stick in the audience’s memories. For example, if the main takeaway message of your presentation is about the need to help the environment, you could end with a powerful phrase like: “Let’s all work together towards a more sustainable future.” This phrase repeats the idea of helping the environment and can easily be remembered. Repetition can also be used to remind the audience of what they’ve just heard, reinforcing the key points. If you have discussed a few ideas within your speech and the audience has only learned a few main points from them, you can use repetition to reinforce these points. For example, “Don’t forget, renewable energy sources, energy efficient appliances, and transportation alternatives can all play an important role in helping the environment.” Maintaining a consistent tone of voice and showing enthusiasm is an important element to consider when repeating closing comments. If your voice is upbeat and enthusiastic, it’s likely that the audience will remember the content better. Repetition can also be used to express a sense of positivity and motivation; try ending your presentation or speech with a statement like, “Let’s make a difference for the environment and leave this world better than we found it.” Effective use of repetition helps convey the key message of a speech or presentation and leave the audience with a memorable impression. Using positive, motivational language and repeating phrases throughout your closing comments can create an emotional connection and foster understanding of the main message. If used properly, repetition can be an incredibly powerful tool for closing a speech or presentation.

Repetition is one of the most effective ways to close a conversation or conference. Repetition can help create a lasting impression as well as emphasize key points that you want the audience to longer remember. Here are five key advantages of repeating your points when closing:

• Reinforce Key Messages
• Builds Sympathy
• Provide Closure
• Enhance Retention
• Strengthen Call to Action

How Vocal Tone Can Enhance Your Closing Paragraphs

In English composition, the closing paragraph plays an essential role, summing up the essay's main ideas and giving readers a lasting impression. To really make your ending stand out, it's important to use vocal tone — the writer's emotion and emphasis in the words — to enhance it. Start with a reflection of the essay's main ideas. This will serve as an effective conclusion to your essay. Take time to pause and create emphasis, allowing readers to fully absorb what you are saying. Reflect back on what has been discussed throughout the piece, and make sure to tie it all together within the closing sentence. Vocal tone can make your closing paragraph seem more sincere and meaningful, thus making it stronger. Softening your voice at the end can evoke feelings of understanding and completion, and adding a hint of enthusiasm to your voice can inspire readers to take action. Similarly, using a firm structure, and perhaps even raising your voice, will empower readers to stay in control and maintain the topics discussed. Remember to make sure that your closing paragraph is polite and kind. Readers don't want to receive orders or criticism; they want to feel respected and inspired. Use an appropriate tone to give readers the feeling that their time and attention has been worth it. One of the most effective ways to make your essay stand out is to create a powerful closing paragraph. Writing with vocal tone in mind will help you convey your ideas in a meaningful way. Take some time to reflect on the essay's main ideas, use vocal emphasis in a polite and kind manner, and maintain a firm structure to empower your readers. Doing this will help you enhance your closing paragraph and inspire readers to take action after they finish your essay.

9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Closing the Sale

Closing a sale is a great feeling; however, it is important to ensure that everyone’s needs have been met before finalizing the deal. Consider asking yourself the following questions to make sure you and your customer are completely satisfied. 1. Have all questions been answered? One of the biggest mistakes you can make when closing the sale is forgetting to answer any lingering questions the customer has. Ensure you have thoroughly gone through every query to ensure the customer is not left with anything unresolved. 2. Is now the best time to close? This depends on the situation and the customer’s needs. If the customer was at first interested but needs more time to make a decision, wait for them to come around. Forcing the customer into a purchase could hinder the sale. 3. Is the customer aware of all costs? Make sure you have gone over every additional fee or charge associated with the product or service. This will avoid any surprises on the customer’s end. 4. Have you offered the customer more than one option? This gives the customer more freedom to decide which route is best for them. By providing more than one way to make the purchase, you increase the chances of the customer closing the sale. 5. Have you recommended additional products or services? If there are any other products or services that could complement what the customer is buying, suggest them. This could lead to the customer buying more, resulting in a larger sale and more commission for you. 6. Is the customer’s budget considered? One of the most important aspects in the sale is understanding what the customer is willing to spend. Be mindful of this throughout the sale process. 7. Have you expressed your appreciation? Let the customer know that you appreciate their business by expressing your gratitude. This will likely make them feel welcome and respected, making them more likely to proceed. 8. Are payment plans available? Not everyone pays in full immediately. Offer payment plans and other payment methods to ensure the customer can make the purchase in the desired manner. 9. Is the customer’s satisfaction guaranteed? Most customers are comforted by the assurance of a good return policy. Promote the security this provides them and make sure the customer has all the information they need in the event of a product or service not meeting their expectations. Asking yourself the above questions will ensure everyone involved is at ease when closing the sale. Taking the time to ensure all aspects of the deal have been considered will save you time in the long run.

Check Your Ego at the Door Before the Close

When it comes to closing a deal, it’s important to recognize the value of the relationship and remain humble throughout the process. Having confidence in you and your abilities is important, however, when it comes to business, it’s important to check your ego at the door. Ego can get in the way of making the right deals for everyone involved. It can lead to a competitive nature where each party is focused on “winning” the negotiation rather than achieving an outcome that is beneficial for both parties. It can also make it difficult to listen to feedback, and can lead to decisions that are less than ideal. It's important to remember that the art of negotiation is about compromise and finding the best solution for everyone- not about trying to best the other party. Keep in mind that having genuine respect for your negotiating partner will lead to a better outcome and create a better working relationship. To avoid ego-driven mistakes, it’s essential to maintain a professional attitude throughout the negotiation process. If you show respect to the person you’re bargaining with, then you’re more likely to come to an agreement. Putting your own wants and needs aside, can help you focus on the mutual needs of the parties involved. Staying focused on the facts at hand during a negotiation can also help keep emotion and egotistical feelings from clouding your judgement. Keep an open mind, be ready to listen and be willing to compromise. At the end of the day, a solid business deal is based on respect and understanding, not on ego. Keeping your ego at bay and having respect for the other party involved are key elements for a successful negotiation and close.

Start Your Close With An Acknowledgement

Starting your close with an acknowledgement is a great way to signal the end of your conversation and show your appreciation for the person you’re speaking with. An acknowledgement isn’t a formal goodbye, but a way of expressively conveying your thanks and your eagerness for future engagements. Whether you’re in a business meeting, concluding a conversation with a colleague or friend, a proper acknowledgement is always a good idea. An effective close should reflect the respect you have for the person and the importance of the relationship. It’s important to remember that it’s a way of showing your appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to speak. Acknowledging someone with sincerity can create a positive emotional response and can help to build trust within the relationship. The best acknowledgement should be personalized to the specific conversation you’ve just had. Begin by thanking the person for their time, mentioning any specific topics that were discussed and expressing your desire to work together in the future. For example, if you were in a business meeting, you could start off with an expression of gratitude “Thank you for taking the time to meet today, I really appreciate your insights and all your help.” In addition, you can mention promises made during the conversation or actions to be taken afterwards. For example, “I can’t wait to begin working on the project and keep you updated with my progress.” Make sure to close by saying goodbye with enthusiasm and a smile. It’s important to keep in mind that to make sure that your acknowledgement is sincere in order to ensure that it has its desired effect. An expression of gratitude may seem small, but it can have a powerful impact on your relationship. Starting your close with an acknowledgement the right way is sure to leave a good impression.

In the age of online business, closing is an essential and often overlooked step in creating a successful customer experience. Whether you are completing a customer service call, sending a purchase order or closing a meeting, it is essential to properly thank your customer and show your appreciation for their business. In this article, we will look at two methods for starting a close and how to best acknowledge your customers.

Powerful Silence as a Closing Strategy

The importance of powerful silence as a closing strategy in a various situations cannot be overstated. Oftentimes, the simple act of staying silent can be the catalyst to a productive and successful conversation or meeting. First and foremost, a extended period of silence serves as a signal to evoke attention from the other individuals in the conversation. Keeping quiet can indicate to others that you are open to hear what they are saying or that you may have an important statement you are about to make. Using this tactic can also be a useful when two opposing parties are involved in a discussion and a resolution is nowhere in sight. The silence can pivot the conversation in a new direction and take it to a new level. The power of words has a tendency to capture the attention, and sometimes this attention might not always be good. By using silence, you can allow the importance of what you have said to sink-in with your listeners without diluting its effect because of too much talking. Furthermore, prolonged silent strategically communicates that you are in control and are making the caller think seriously about the conversation. It also reflects that you respect the other person’s points of view, as well as gives them the time to reflect upon your ideas. The effective use of powerful silence can be an effective tool in arguments, conversations, and generally in any sort of meeting. Keeping calm and juxtaposing it with silence can add a whole new dynamic to a discussion. Utilizing it the right way can be extremely advantageous as it is a non-confrontational and non-aggressive tactic, that can be used to get your point across in the best way possible.

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15 Ways for Ending a Sales Pitch Effectively

Are you looking to improve your sales pitch? One area that often gets overlooked is the ending. Many sales professionals focus so much on delivering a captivating presentation that they neglect to consider how to wrap it up effectively. But the truth is, the conclusion of your sales pitch is just as important as the introduction.

In this article, we will explore the importance of a strong conclusion, key elements of an effective sales pitch ending, techniques for ending your sales pitch, and common mistakes to avoid. Let's dive in!

1. Understanding the Importance of a Strong Conclusion:

When it comes to ending your sales pitch, you might wonder why it matters so much. After all, you've already presented all the necessary information, right? Well, think again. The conclusion is your last chance to make a lasting impression on your audience. It's the final opportunity to leave them with something that lingers in their minds. A strong conclusion ensures that your message resonates and increases the chances of converting leads into customers.

1. The Role of a Conclusion in a Sales Pitch:

• So, what exactly does the conclusion of a sales pitch do? It serves several crucial purposes. First and foremost, it reinforces your main points. By summarizing the key takeaways of your presentation, you ensure that your audience remembers the most important aspects.
• Additionally, a conclusion allows you to deliver a clear call to action. This is your chance to make a direct request or suggest the next steps you want your audience to take. By providing a specific and actionable request, you guide your audience towards the desired outcome.
• Last but not least, a well-crafted ending creates a sense of urgency. By conveying the idea that time is of the essence, you motivate your audience to act quickly. Whether it's a limited-time offer, a special discount, or an upcoming deadline, emphasizing urgency compels your audience to make a decision sooner rather than later.

2. Why a Strong Ending Matters:

• Now that we understand the role of a conclusion, let's explore why a strong ending matters. Imagine watching a thrilling movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. The plot thickens, the tension rises, and you eagerly anticipate the resolution. Suddenly, the screen goes black, and the credits roll without any resolution or closure. How would you feel? Likely disappointed and let down, right?
• The same concept applies to a sales pitch. A weak ending can leave your audience feeling unsatisfied and uncertain. It's like presenting a puzzle with missing pieces or a story without a satisfying ending. On the other hand, a powerful and impactful ending ensures that your message sticks and leaves a positive impression.
• A strong conclusion leaves your audience with a sense of fulfillment and closure. It reinforces the value of your product or service and establishes a clear path forward. By providing a memorable ending, you increase the likelihood of your audience taking action and becoming loyal customers.

2. Key Elements of an Effective Sales Pitch Ending:

An effective sales pitch ending is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on potential clients or customers. Here are nine key elements to consider for a successful closing:

1. Call-to-Action (CTA):

• Clearly state the next steps you want the prospect to take. This could be scheduling a meeting, signing up for a trial, or making a purchase.

2. Reiteration of Benefits:

• Recap the main benefits your product or service offers to remind the prospect of its value.

3. Addressing Objections:

• If there were any objections raised during the pitch, address them again and provide reassurance or additional information to alleviate concerns.

4. Personalization:

• Tailor your closing to the prospect's specific needs and pain points, making them feel heard and understood.

5. Sense of Urgency:

• Create a sense of urgency to encourage the prospect to act quickly. Highlight limited-time offers or exclusive deals.

6. Testimonials and Social Proof:

• Share success stories and testimonials from satisfied customers to build trust and credibility.

7. Offer Support and Assistance:

• Assure the prospect that you and your team are available to provide support throughout the process

8. Visual Aids:

• Utilize visual aids like charts, graphs, or demos to reinforce key points and make the closing more impactful.

9. Express Gratitude:

• Thank the prospect for their time and consideration, showing appreciation for the opportunity to present your offering.

10. Summarize Key Points:

• Briefly recap the main points of your pitch, emphasizing the most compelling benefits and features of your product or service.

11. Reinforce Value Proposition:

• Remind the prospect of the unique value your offering provides and how it addresses their specific pain points or needs.

12. Ask Open-Ended Questions:

• Engage the prospect by asking open-ended questions that encourage them to share their thoughts, concerns, or preferences.

13. Highlight Limited-Time Offers:

• Create a sense of urgency by emphasizing any time-sensitive deals, discounts, or bonuses available.

14. Create a Memorable Closing Statement:

• Craft a powerful closing statement that leaves a lasting impression and ties back to the core message of your pitch.

15. Be Confident and Enthusiastic:

• End your pitch with confidence and enthusiasm, conveying your belief in the value of your product or service.

Remember, ending your sales pitch is not just about wrapping up the conversation; it's about inspiring action and building a relationship with the prospect. Tailor your approach to each individual and be attentive to their needs and concerns.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ending Your Sales Pitch:

Here are the top 5 common mistakes to avoid when ending your sales pitch:

1. Unclear or Weak Call-to-Action (CTA):

• Failing to provide a clear and strong call-to-action can leave the prospect unsure about what to do next, reducing the chances of conversion. Be specific and assertive in your CTA.

2. Ignoring Objections:

• If objections are raised during the pitch, it's essential to address them directly in the closing. Ignoring objections may make the prospect feel unheard and unimportant.

3. Being Too Pushy or Aggressive:

• While it's important to be confident, being overly pushy or aggressive can turn the prospect off. Focus on persuasion and building a positive relationship instead.

4. Not Expressing Gratitude:

• Forgetting to thank the prospect for their time and consideration can leave a negative impression. Show appreciation for their attention and interest.

5. Neglecting to Customize the Close:

• Each prospect is unique, and a generic closing approach won't resonate with everyone. Tailor your closing to the prospect's specific needs and preferences.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a more effective and engaging sales pitch ending, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

In conclusion, the conclusion of a sales pitch is not to be underestimated; it is the pinnacle of the entire presentation, where persuasion culminates, and potential clients are motivated to take action. An effective ending reinforces the main points, delivers a clear call-to-action, and fosters a sense of urgency, leaving the audience with a lasting impression.

By avoiding common mistakes, such as being unclear in the call-to-action or neglecting objections, sales professionals can transform their pitches into compelling experiences that inspire trust, drive conversions, and forge long-lasting relationships with customers. Embracing the power of a strong conclusion, sales teams can confidently navigate the competitive landscape and achieve remarkable success in their endeavors.

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Home Blog Presentation Ideas Key Insights on How To End a Presentation Effectively

Key Insights on How To End a Presentation Effectively

A piece of research by   Ipsos Corporate Firm  titled “Last Impressions Also Count” argues that “our memories can be governed more by  how an experience ends than how it begins .” A lasting final impression can be critical to any presentation, especially as it makes our presentation goals more attainable. We’re covering  how to end a presentation , as it can certainly come through as an earned skill or a craft tailored with years of experience. Yet, we can also argue that performing exceptionally in a presentation is conducting the proper research. So, here’s vital information to help out with the task.

This article goes over popular presentation types; it gives suggestions, defines the benefits and examples of different speech closing approaches, and lines all this information up following each presentation purpose.

We also included references to industry leaders towards the end, hoping a few real-life examples can help you gain valuable insight. Learn from noted speakers and consultants as you resort to SlideModel’s latest presentation templates for your efforts. We’re working together on more successful presentation endings that make a difference!

Table of Content

A presentation’s end is not a recap

The benefits of ending a presentation uniquely, the power of closing in persuasive presentations, informative presentations: the kind set out to convey, call to action presentations: trigger actions or kickoff initiatives, a final word on cta presentations, real-life examples of how to end a presentation, succeeding with an effective presentation’s ending.

We need to debunk a widespread myth to start. That’s why the ending of the presentation calls for an appealing action or content beyond just restating information that the speaker already provided.

A presentation’s end is not a summary of data already given to our audience.  On the contrary, a wrap-up is a perfect time to provide meaningful and valuable facts that trigger the desired response we seek from our audience. Just as important as knowing how to start a presentation , your skills on how to end a PowerPoint presentation will make a difference in the presentation’s performance.

Effective ways to end a presentation stem from truly seeking to accomplish – and excel – at reaching a presentation’s primary objective. And what are the benefits of that?

Considering the benefits of each closing approach, think about the great satisfaction that comes from giving an excellent presentation that ends well. We all intuitively rejoice in that success, regardless of the kind of audience we face. 

That feeling of achievement, when an ending feels right, is not a minor element, and it’s the engine that should drive our best efforts forward. Going for the most recommended way of ending a presentation according to its primary goal and presentation type is one way to ensure we achieve our purpose. 

The main benefit of cleverly unlocking the secret to presentation success is getting the ball rolling on what we set ourselves to achieve . Whether that’s securing a funding round, delivering a final project, presenting a quarterly business review, or other goals; there is no possible way in which handling the best presentation-ending approaches fails to add to making a skilled presenter, improving a brand or business, or positively stirring any academic or commercial context. 

The best part of mastering these skills is the ability to benefit from all of the above time and time again; for any project, idea, or need moving forward.

How to end a PowerPoint Presentation?

PowerPoint Presentations differ by dimensions. They vary not only tied to the diverse reasons people present, but they also separate themselves from one another according to: a- use, b- context, c- industry, and d- purpose. 

We’re focusing on three different types of presentation pillars, which are: 

• Informative
• Calls to action

As you can guess, the speaker’s intent varies throughout these types. Yet, there’s much more to each! Let’s go over each type’s diverse options with examples. 

In 2009,   “The New Rules of Persuasion,”  a journal article published by The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce, determined that commercial persuasion was missing “the ability to think clearly about behavior goals and the mindset of starting small and growing what works.” Incorporating these thoughts is still equally valid in persuasive presentations today.

What hasn’t changed since, however, is this society’s good reminder that “the potential to persuade is in the hands of millions.” As they stated in that publication, “ordinary people sitting in dorm rooms and garages can compete against the biggest brands and the richest companies.” The proven reality behind that concept can be pretty inspiring.

According to this source, “ the first critical step in designing for persuasion is to select an appropriate target behavior. ” And, for behavior to occur, in their opinion, “three elements must converge at the same moment […]:  Motivation ,  Ability,  and  Trigger .” This theory signals a person is motivated through sensation, anticipation, or belonging when they can perform a particular action. This concept is at the backbone of setting the correct trigger to allow a group of people to react a certain way.

The above is of utmost importance as we seek to gear persuasive efforts. The more insight we get on the matter, the easier it is to define the precise actions that will effectively trigger a certainly required response – in any scenario.

Here are options on how to deliver a final punch in a persuasive presentation during different types of objectives:

Investment presentations

Whenever you seek funding,  that need  should be expressly clear during a pitch. Investors need to know what’s in it for them on a given investment. Highlight what interests them, and add what the  return for the investor  is. Mention dividends, equity, or the return method selected, for instance. Your final ask slide should show the exact amount you’re looking for during this funding stage.

Throughout, explain what an investor’s return on investment (ROI) will be. And make sure you do so according to provable calculations. Here, the goal is to display current figures and future opportunities in your speech.

You mustn’t make up this data. In this setting, presenters are naturally assessed by their ability to stay within real options fully supported by proven and concise reliable information.

Focus on showing an ability to execute and accomplish expected growth. Also, be precise on how you’re using any trusted funds . For that, mention where they’ll be allocated and how you foresee revenue after investing the funds in your idea, product, or company.

Pitch Presentations

Pitches are also another form of persuasive presentation. Presenters are expected to wow in new ways with them, be engaging in their approach, and deliver valuable, market-impacting data. When someone delivers a pitch, it seeks a particular kind of action in return from the audience. Being fully engaged towards a presentation’s end is crucial.

Make sure you give the presentation’s end a Call to Action slide in sales. You’re certainly looking to maximize conversion rates here. Bluntly invite your audience to purchase the product or service you’re selling, and doing so is fair in this context. For example, you can add a QR code or even include an old-fashioned Contact Us button. To generate the QR code, you can use a QR code generator .

According to  Sage Publishing , there are “four types of informative speeches[, which] are definition speeches, demonstration speeches, explanatory speeches, and descriptive speeches.” In business, descriptive speeches are the most common. When we transport these more specifically to the art of presenting, we can think of project presentations, quarterly business reviews, and product launches. In education, the definition and demonstration speeches are the norm, we can think in lectures and research presentations respectively.

As their name suggests, these presentations are meant to inform our audiences of specific content. Or, as  SAGE Flex for Public Speaking  puts it in a document about these kinds of speeches, “the speaker’s general goal is always to inform—or teach—the audience by offering interesting information about a topic in a way that helps the audience remember what they’ve heard.” Remember that as much as possible, you’re looking to, in Sage’s words, give out “information about a topic in a way that’s easy to understand and memorable.” Let’s see how we manage that in the most common informative presentation scenarios mentioned above.

Project Presentations

For projects, presentations should end with an action plan . Ensure the project can keep moving forward after the presentation. The best with these conclusion slides is to define who is responsible for which tasks and the expected date of completion. Aim to do so clearly, so that there are no remaining doubts about stakeholders and duties when the presentation ends. In other words, seek commitment from the team, before stepping out of these meetings. It should be clear to your audience what’s expected next of them.

As an addition, sum up, your problem, solution, and benefits of this project as part of your final message.

Quarterly Business Review Presentations (QBR)

By the end of the presentation type, you would’ve naturally gone over everything that happened during a specific quarter. Therefore, make sure you end this quarterly review with clear objectives on what’s to come for the following term. Be specific on what’s to come.

In doing so, set figures you hope to reach. Give out numbers and be precise in this practice. Having a clear action plan to address new or continuing goals is crucial in this aspect for a recent quarter’s start out of your QBR. Otherwise, we’re missing out on a true QBR’s purpose. According to  Gainsight , “If you go into a QBR without a concrete set of goals and a pathway to achieve them, you’ll only waste everyone’s time. You won’t improve the value of your product or services for your customers. You won’t bolster your company’s image in the eyes of key stakeholders and decision-makers. You won’t better understand your client’s business objectives.” As they put it, “Lock in solid goals for the next quarter (or until your next QBR)” and secure your way forward as the last step in presenting these kinds of data. Visit our guide on  How to Write an Effective Quarterly Business Review  for further tips on this type of presentation.

Research presentations

Your research has come this far! It’s time to close it off with an executive summary.

Include the hypothesis, thesis, and conclusion towards the presentation’s end.

How do you get the audience to recall the main points of all this work? Let this guiding question answer what to insert in your final slide, but seek to reinforce your main findings, key concepts, or valuable insight as much as possible. Support your statements where necessary.

Most commonly, researchers end with credits to the collaborating teams. Consider your main messages for the audience to take home. And tie those with the hypothesis as much as possible.

Product Launch Presentation

Quite simply, please take out the product launch’s roadmap and make it visible for your presentation’s end in this case.

It’s ideal for product launch presentations to stir conversations that get a product moving. Please don’t stick to showcasing the product, but build a narrative around it.

Steve Jobs’ example at the bottom might help guide you with ideas on how to go around this. A key factor is how Apple presentations were based on a precise mix of cutting-edge, revolutionary means of working with technology advancements and a simple human touch.

Elon Musk’s principles are similar. People’s ambitions and dreams are a natural part of that final invitation for consumers or viewers to take action. What will get your audience talking? Seek to make them react.

Lecture for specific classes / educational presentation

When it comes to academic settings, it’s helpful to summarize key points of a presentation while leaving room for questions and answers.

If you’re facing a periodic encounter in a class environment, let students know what’s coming for the next term. For instance, you could title that section “What’s coming next class,” or be creative about how you call for your student body’s attention every time you go over pending items.

If you need to leave homework, list what tasks need to be completed by the audience for the next class.

Another option is to jot down the main learnings from this session or inspire students to come back for the following class with a list of exciting topics. There’s more room for play in this setting than in the others we’ve described thus far.

Harvard Business Review  (HBR) concisely describes the need at the end of a call to action presentation. HBR’s direct piece of advice is that you should “use the last few moments of your presentation to clarify what action [an audience] can take to show their support.” And what’s key to HBR is that you “Also mention your timeframe” as, for them, “a deadline can help to urge [the audience] into action.” Having a clear view of specific timelines is always fruitful for a better grasp of action items.

In her book Resonate,  Nancy Duarte  explains that “No matter how engaging your presentation may be, no audience will act unless you describe a reward that makes it worthwhile. You must clearly articulate the ultimate gain for the audience […] If your call to action asks them to sacrifice their time, money, or ideals, you must be very clear about the payoff.”

Business plan presentations

Here, we need to speak of two different presentation types, one is a  traditional approach , and the second is what we call a  lean approach .

For the traditional business plan presentation, display each internal area call to action. Think of Marketing, Operations, HR, and even budgets as you do so. Your PowerPoint end slide should include the rewards for each of the areas. For example, which will benefit each area when achieving the targets, or how will the company reward its employees when attaining specific goals? Communicating the reward will help each of the responsible entities to trigger action.

On the other hand, for your lean business plan, consider a business model canvas to bring your presentation to an end. 

Job interview presentations

You can undoubtedly feel tons of pressure asking for a specific position. For a great chance of getting that new job, consider closing your case with a  30 60 90 day plan  as a particular hiring date. The employer will see its reward in each of the 30-day milestones.

Also, show off what you’ll bring to the role and how you’ll benefit the company in that period, specifically. Again, to a certain extent, we’re seeking to impress by being offered a position. Your differentiator can help as a wrap-up statement in this case.

Business Model Presentation

The pivot business model fits perfectly here for a presentation’s grand finale. The reward is simple; the business validated a hypothesis, and a new approach has been defined.

Though the setting can be stressful around business model presentations, you can see this as simply letting executives know what the following line of steps will need to be for the business model to be scalable and viable. Take some tension off this purpose by focusing on actions needed moving forward.

Your call to action will center around a clear business model canvas pivot here.

We need to work hard at ending presentations with clear and concise calls to action (CTA) and dare be creative as we’re doing so! Suppose you can manage to give out a specific CTA in a way that’s imaginative, appealing, and even innovative. In that case, you’ll be showing off priceless and unique creative skills that get people talking for years!

Think of  Bill Gates’ releasing mosquitoes  in a TED Talk on malaria, for example. He went that far to get his CTA across. Maybe that’s a bit too bold, but there’s also no limit!

Now that we can rely on a broader understanding of how to conclude a presentation successfully, we’ll top this summary off with real-life examples of great endings to famous speakers’ presentations. These people have done a stellar job at ending their presentations in every case.

We’re also going back to our three main pillars to focus on a practical example for each. You’ll find an excellent example for an informative speech, a persuasive pitch, and a successful investor pitch deck. We’re also expanding on the last item for a guiding idea on ending a pitch directly from Reid Hoffman.

Informational Presentation: A product launch of a phone reinvention

The first is what’s been titled “the best product launch ever.” We’re going back to the  iconic Steve Jobs’ iPhone launch  dated more than a decade ago. You can see how to end a presentation with a quote in this example effectively. The quote resonates with the whole presentation purpose, which was not “selling” the iPhone as a “hardware phone” but as the “hardware” platform for “great software.” Closing with a quote from a famous personality that summarizes the idea was a clever move.

Little words are needed to introduce Steve Jobs as a great speaker who effectively moved the business forward every time he went up on a stage to present a new product. No one has ever been so revolutionary with a calm business spirit that has changed the world! 

Persuasive Presentation: The best pitch deck ever

We’re giving you the perfect example of a great pitch deck for a persuasive kind of presentation. 

Here’s  TechCrunch’s gallery on Uber’s first pitch deck . 

As you can see, the last slide doesn’t just report the status to date on their services; it also accounts for the  following steps moving forward  with a precise date scheduled. 

Check the deck out for a clearer idea of wrapping up a persuasive business presentation. 

Call to Action Presentation: LinkedIn’s Series B pitch deck by Reid Hoffman

As mentioned before,  here’s  an expanded final sendoff! Reid Hoffman is an established entrepreneur. As a venture capitalist and author, he’s earned quite a remarkable record in his career, acting as co-founder and executive chairman of LinkedIn. 

We’re highlighting LinkedIn’s series B pitch deck to Greylock Partners mainly because these slides managed to raise a $10 M funding round. Yet, moreover, we’re doing so because this deck is known to be well-rounded and overall highly successful. 

LinkedIn may be famous now for what it does, but back in 2004, when this deck made a difference, the company wasn’t a leader in a market with lots of attention. As Reid highlights on his website, they had no substantial organic growth or revenue. Yet, they still managed to raise a considerable amount. 

In Reid’s words for his last slide, “The reason we reused this slide from the beginning of the presentation was to indicate the end of presentation while returning to the high line of conceptualizing the business and reminding investors of the value proposition.” In his vision, “You should end on a slide that you want people to be paying attention to,” which he has tied with the recommendation that you “close with your investment thesis,” as well. A final note from him on this last slide of LinkedIn’s winning pitch is that “the end is when you should return to the most fundamental topic to discuss with your investors.” Quite a wrap-up from a stellar VC! Follow the linked site above to read more on the rest of his ending slides if you haven’t ever done so already.

The suggestions above are practical and proven ways to end a presentation effectively. Yet, remember, the real secret is knowing your audience so well you’ll learn how to grasp their attention for your production in the first place.

Focus on the bigger picture and add content to your conclusion slide that’s cohesive to your entire presentation. And then aim to make a lasting final impression that will secure what you need. There is a myriad of ways to achieve that and seek the perfect-suiting one.

Also, be bold if the area calls for it. As you see above, there is no shame, but an actual need to state the precise funding amount you need to make it through a specific stage of funding. Exercise whatever tools you have at your disposal to get the required attention.

Also, being sure about whatever decision you make will only make this an easier road to travel. If your head is transparent about what’s needed, you’ll be more confident to make a convincing case that points your audience in the right direction.

Check out our step-by-step guide on how to make a presentation .

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How to End a Presentation – 3 Do’s and Don’ts.

Shahid shahmiri.

In this guide, How to End a Presentation – we will navigate the art of concluding your presentation with finesse. We’ll explore essential strategies to ensure your closing words are not only memorable but also drive home your key messages effectively. From powerful calls to action to avoiding common pitfalls that could undermine your presentation’s impact, we’ll provide you with practical tips and insights to enhance your concluding remarks.

Here are 3 Do’s and Don’t when ending your presentation:

There are several ways to effectively end a sales presentation . These include summarizing the main points of the dynamic presentation , usage of the best fonts , highlighting the key benefits of the product or service, addressing any remaining questions or concerns, and thanking the audience for their time and consideration.

It is also important to leave a strong and positive final impression, such as by offering a special deal or incentive for taking action. By following these steps, you can effectively close your sales and virtual presentation and increase the likelihood of making a successful sale.

Take a look at how  CustomShow could help  in your sales presentations.

Ready for a demo?

Let us show you how customshow does so much more than powerpoint & google slides for your business presentations..

Be a Freelance Blogger

Make REAL money blogging for hire.

By Sophie Lizard

7 Winning Ways to End Your Pitch, Query or LOI

Do you know what editors and potential clients do when they reach the end of your email?

You should.

How? Because they should be doing whatever you just told them to do!

The process of winning new clients through direct marketing is simple:

• Identify your ideal clients
• Get the right contact information
• Send them a message to introduce yourself as a freelance blogger
• If you’ve got an interesting idea for their blog, give them a brief description or outline at the same time
• They send you a message back if they’re interested (and the nicest people get back to you even if they’re not interested)

Do you see the yawning abyss there between Step 4 and Step 5?

That’s where you forgot to make shit happen .

Write Your Happy Ending

It’s not just you.

More than half of the bloggers I mentor say that they don’t know how to close an email when they’re seeking work.

If you don’t know how to close the email, then you don’t know how to close the deal .

Whether you think of your message as a pitch, a query or an LOI (letter of introduction), you need to include a call to action. So *ta-da!* here’s a list of successful ways to wind up your email…

1: “Does that suit your needs and budget?”

This is one of my favourite ways to wrap up a proposal (a service offer that includes pricing information). It’s straightforward, practical, and prompts the prospect to let me know if there’s anything they’d like me to change about the proposal –vital information for me if I want to win the gig.

2: “What do you think? Shall I send you a draft?”

This works well for guest post pitches as it’s low pressure, yet direct and focused on the recipient’s opinion.

3: “Shall I send you a more detailed proposal?”

If you’re emailing a potential client to outline what you can do for them, this is a good way to get a response from anyone who’s curious about your services or your rates.

4: “May I write this post for you?”

Keeping it this simple often works well at the end of a detailed, well-researched query.

5: “Let me know if you’re interested in any of these ideas and I’d be happy to write up a fully-fleshed pitch for you.”

Linda Formichelli suggests this call to action for hybrid query/LOI messages that include only brief descriptions of your ideas.

6: “If that sounds like a good fit for your blog, hit reply and let me know.”

An informal approach like this means you can be even more specific in your call to action, without sounding like a cheesy salesperson. Instead of just asking a question or saying “let me know”, your chatty “hit reply” tells the recipient exactly what you’d like them to do next.

7: “May I send you some clips?”

This is one of Carol Tice’s  tips for a winning LOI , because it gives your prospect a question that’s easy to say yes to.

Now, I don’t know if you remember the Underpants Gnomes from South Park… so here’s a distracting video. Don’t worry, it’s only 10 seconds long.

Sound familiar? “Phase 1: Send email. Phase 2: ??? Phase 3: Profit.”

If you don’t know what you want your prospect to do, then they don’t know either. 

Figure out the one thing you’d most like them to do. What will increase your chance of winning this gig?

It can be as simple as getting your prospect’s permission to send them something more, or something more complex like inviting them to Skype with you. That’s your call; research your prospects and try to find out what’s most likely to get a favourable response.

Now you know what you want them to do. So at the end of your email…

Then add your regards, thanks, or whatever signoff you normally use, and your name.

That’s it. Your email’s all wrapped up like bait on a hook a lovely gift with a bow on top. 😉

Featured image: Theresa Thompson

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About Sophie Lizard

Founder of Be a Freelance Blogger, creator of the free Ultimate List of Better-Paid Blogging Gigs and the Freelance Blogger's Client Hunting Masterclass . Hello!

June 9, 2013 at 4:49 pm

Your timing with this is so perfect! I just began Linda Formacelli’s “Writing for Magazines” course today. Nothing like being in the right place at the right time. I will add this to my course info.

Thanks for the reminder that the ending is the last thing readers see and so it had better be damn good. It is so easy to spend so much time on the lede and the rest of the pitch that the ending becomes an afterthought. Seems so obvious now that you’ve pointed it out:)

June 9, 2013 at 5:34 pm

Yep, that call to action is vital. The stronger it is, the better your chance of getting a reply, so don’t leave the recipient in any doubt about what to do next!

June 9, 2013 at 4:59 pm

What I like here, Sophie, is the fact that nearly all of your call-to-action suggestions are questions.

People pretty well feel obliged to answer if you them ask a question.

And because most of the above are also closed questions, requiring little more than a yes or no, you’re making it a doodle for your prospect to take things further.

So, too true: Ask them!

And make it a closed question while you’re at it.

June 9, 2013 at 5:37 pm

Exactly –if all they need to do is say “Yes, go ahead” then you’ve made it easy on them *and* guided them into the specific next step you want.

June 14, 2013 at 5:32 am

Yes, I too agree that clients often respond to close questions because it saves their time and they don’t bother that much while replying to such closed call to action letters.

Now, when it comes to pitching a prospective client then I must say Sophie that I love the very 1st call that you have suggested and it really works often – “Does that suit your needs and budget?”

The best thing about this call is that there is always a scope for negotiation about the rates and negotiation means that chances for winning a project increases manifold provided someone knows how to win negotiations in self favor without losing client.

In fact I have won lots of good clients through negotiation and all the rate deal was in my favor and I have even wrote some tips too on effective negotiation on my blog.

But the very important step of triggering these process is knowing the proper way of – how to close your pitch effectively to make the client say YES and Sophie, you really deserve more than thanks for sharing lots of effective ways that will help every freelancer.

Thanks again

June 9, 2013 at 5:09 pm

Great post and great examples of CTAs to close an email with! Bonus points for the South Park reference…that’s one of my all time favorite episodes. I *love* the gnomes “plan”!!!

June 9, 2013 at 5:39 pm

South Park is the bomb for random-but-true lessons in life and business. 😀

June 9, 2013 at 5:47 pm

Sophie, I must say this is a very useful article. While writing pitches, I usually use points 1, 2 and 6 . Most of the times, the person replies in positive tone.

June 9, 2013 at 9:06 pm

Glad to hear it! If you’re skilled at nudging your prospects into action, then you’ll rarely be short of work.

June 9, 2013 at 6:09 pm

Good post. I’ve used #7 for years and just about every response I get asks to see clips. I like 1 and 6 too. I’m trying to think up a way I can incorporate the 3 of them into the final couple sentences of my email. Hmmm. Gave me something to think about today!

June 9, 2013 at 9:01 pm

Ooh, love to hear what kind of triple-slam closers you come up with!

June 9, 2013 at 6:29 pm

This post is gold! Thanks Sophie. Making it easy to say yes = half the battle in closing the deal, right?

Right, Esther. Make *everything* as easy on your prospect as you can, and they’ll keep hiring you time after time. 😉

June 9, 2013 at 8:34 pm

Thanks for the mention, Sophie! But that tagline really originates with Linda Formichelli of The Renegade Writer.

June 9, 2013 at 8:58 pm

Thanks, Carol – I saw that you both suggested it in different blog posts, but I didn’t know which of you came up with it first. Linda kicks query ass!

June 10, 2013 at 2:32 am

Thanks, Carol, and thanks to you, Sophie, for the mention!

June 9, 2013 at 10:00 pm

Thank you for this, Sophie. It’s exactly what I needed. I use LOIs a lot in my marketing and the one thing I always struggle with is how to close the email. Now I can go back to my template and tweak it this week. 🙂

June 10, 2013 at 8:16 am

You’re welcome, Savannah. If you struggle with the closing, that means you’re over-thinking it. Sometimes the best thing to do is 1) step away from the email so that you’re not fretting over your words anymore 2) say aloud, “All I want you to do is…” and finish the sentence as quickly and simply as you can. For example, “…agree to read a full draft,” or “…confirm your budget will cover this.” 3) take the second part of what you just said and put it at the end of your email, tweaking the wording to keep it clear and polite

June 10, 2014 at 8:22 pm

Thanks for that specific “how to write your CTA” response, Sophie! I’m a champion over-thinker, and “step back and fill in your own blank” is a great end-around for it! 🙂

June 10, 2014 at 10:50 pm

You’re welcome! “Workaround” ought to be my middle name. I have a million silly tricks for getting past these mental blockages. 😉

June 9, 2013 at 11:55 pm

Your blog post confirms two universal truths, Sophie:

1. The simplest solutions are usually the best ones. 2. The easiest way to get what you want is to ask for it.

Having said the above, let me say this:

Even if we do close properly, some editors will go out of their way to leave us hanging. Just because they can.

There will always be rude and unprofessional people in the world who choose not to respond no matter what we do. But that’s no reason for us to conduct ourselves that way. How we do what we do says the most about us as freelance writers. Clear, concise and straight-to-the-point calls to action show decision makers that we know what we want and how to get it. A great way to prove that is by posing a simple question that requires a simple answer.

So ask and ye shall receive. But if you don’t ask, chances are pretty good that editors will give you what you didn’t ask for…

Stellar job as always, Sophie! 🙂

June 11, 2013 at 12:18 pm

Yep, editors are human. They just want to know what you’ve got and what it’s going to do for them!

June 10, 2013 at 12:12 am

Great tips, Sophie! Thanks for sharing.

You’re welcome, Larry. 🙂

June 10, 2013 at 12:42 am

Being honest about it Sophie, when I sent you my query, I just went ahead and asked you–Do you like this idea?

Then I attached my simple outline.

This was my call to action.–“Do you like this idea?”

Question: May I know why you allowed me to guest post on your blog?

[Dying to know your answer.:)]

June 11, 2013 at 12:24 pm

Because I liked your idea, Anthony. 😉

It was a good, low-pressure call to action: you weren’t asking me to give you anything more than a “yes, that sounds interesting”, and I wanted to see what you’d make of the idea.

Plus I’d only seen one post before that linked Gangnam Style with freelance writing attitude [that was on Carol Tice’s blog] so it was a relatively unique post rather than a generic “10 reasons to become a freelance writer” type of pitch. Like you said in the post, being different enough to stand out is important!

June 11, 2013 at 2:10 pm

Thanks Sophie! Now the reasons are clear to me. I can go and apply those principles I have used on my query. I’m positive, I’ll have bigger chances of clinching more opportunities to guest post on other big blogs.

Again, thanks for the awesome break.:)

June 10, 2013 at 4:56 am

Great advice! As someone who has spent many (many) years coaching salespeople, I’ve always said that if you’ve done all the right things throughout the process, the close should be a simple, non-event at the end. A logical next step of the process.

And as you said above… “Keeping it this simple often works well at the end of a detailed, well-researched query.”

You’ve given seven straight-forward ways to “just ask” at the end of a pitch. And the South Park clip made me laugh out loud – which is weird because I’m sitting here all alone. 🙂

June 11, 2013 at 12:46 pm

Thanks! As someone who’s learned by trial and error how to sell my services, it’s good to hear a sales pro supports my thinking.

P.S. The video is a test, Gary. You passed. 😉

June 10, 2013 at 5:43 am

Sophie, your posts always seem so timely. Great stuff here!

I find when I’m deciding how to end a pitch, I sum up what I was trying to accomplish in writing the pitch in the first place. I simply ask, “Are you interested? Do you want it? Can I send it? Does this sound good to you?” I ask myself, “What do you want to know?” and then I ask. Kind of like the tips in this post. 🙂

Always great stuff!

June 11, 2013 at 12:48 pm

Keep on doing that, Leslie, and you’ll be fine. You’re a natural closer!

June 10, 2013 at 8:06 am

Such great examples. I think we sometimes feel like we have to be clever or crafty when a simple, direct question works the best. I follow this practice in the rest of my life, now I just need to use it in my work life…thanks for the reminder.

Clear and easy beats clever. Every time. And you’re welcome!

June 10, 2013 at 10:23 am

When I study a good resource on how to send a great query, I pay a lot of attention to how to finish the email, and I have learned some nice tips. But I really like it that you’ve dedicated an entire post to it, because “writer’s block” does tend to creep up right towards the end. Thanks for this one!!! 🙂

June 11, 2013 at 4:44 pm

I know how that goes! It’s one of the most common problems people without sales experience have when they start trying to market freelance services.

June 10, 2013 at 10:29 am

I think there are three widely acclaimed approaches for writing last sentence in your marketing email; Offering something further Prompting to take decision Giving an impression that recipient will buy the product (it is quite tricky)

June 11, 2013 at 4:45 pm

Thanks Edson–love to hear more about how you tackle that third point!

June 10, 2013 at 3:07 pm

Hello Sophie, Thanks so much for this useful post. Often times I believe I have lost many opportunities because I failed to end my blog post or pitch the way I should have ended it. One of the major actions i will start implementing in my emails, posts and other communications is to concluded in a way that will compel my audience to take an action.

June 11, 2013 at 5:26 pm

Excellent, Joseph. Hope you’ll share your success stories with us!

June 10, 2013 at 7:32 pm

Thx so much, Sophie! These are wonderful examples, and this is the piece of the LOI or query that I often struggle with the most. My husband is always telling me that I stink at ‘asking for the sale’ — these closers will be great to help me do that eloquently and effectively. Thx!

June 11, 2013 at 5:30 pm

You’re welcome, Lori! Just think of it like you’re serving them tea and cake. 🙂 Find out what they like and then offer it to them without pressure (on you or them).

June 10, 2013 at 8:05 pm

I try to make my closing not just as a call to action, but also personalized for the magazine/website/business I’m interested in. For example, when I pitched print gaming trade magazines, I ended with “If you’re interested, I can send you some clips as fast as Mario zooms around the track in a cart.”

I didn’t do the work to see if it was an effective approach, but I’d say that with every 10 LOIs I sent out, I got at least 3 responses telling me “we don’t have room,” “we’ll keep your info,” or “yes, here’s an assignment.”

June 11, 2013 at 5:31 pm

Nice idea, Bree! I might give that a try.

June 10, 2013 at 11:42 pm

These are awesome ideas — I never really thought about how to “close” my email to people I’m trying to pitch even though I teach a writing class and always tell them to make sure they do a call to action in their cover letters.

June 11, 2013 at 5:33 pm

It’s always easier to spot other people’s weaknesses than our own, MaryBeth. 😉 That’s what makes your writer friends so invaluable!

June 11, 2013 at 3:04 am

These are great points Sophie. You definitely need a call to action at the end of every email. Your pitch is a marketing message and needs to be treated as such! I usually offer my contact information and suggest a Skype conversation or phone call to discuss in more detail.

June 13, 2013 at 11:53 pm

Live communication is always good if you can get it. You often have a better chance of winning the gig if you’ve spoken with the person doing the hiring, instead of just emailing them. Sounds like you’ve got this one nailed!

June 11, 2013 at 12:14 pm

Thanks so much for this, Sophie. Something so simple and obvious – yet so important. I can see that I’ve not always been super clear with my pitches and I’m sure this advice will help.

I’m going to check out Danny’s and Carol’s courses as well. Having just made the transition to full-time blogger and musician, I need all the help I can get on productivity! 🙂

June 14, 2013 at 2:18 am

Thanks, Leanne! Check out LiveHacked and Lifehack for a bunch of productivity tips (for writers, and for life in general). They’re good people.

June 14, 2013 at 2:20 pm

Good advice, Sophie. I am terrible at calls to action, both in pitches and in posts. I suppose something in me rebels at the idea of telling people what to do. But I agree, it’s so much more effective, and the way people read/skim online, they need something clear and unambiguous. I usually end with something vague like “I look forward to hearing from you”, but I’ll aim to be more direct next time!

June 15, 2013 at 6:18 pm

Glad to hear it, Andrew. 🙂 It’s much more effective to ask than to hope…

June 17, 2013 at 1:16 pm

These tips are really amazing and it is important for us to have a happy ending instead of losing the readers. Thanks for sharing.

July 8, 2013 at 5:10 pm

I have been referring back to this post repeatedly. Very helpful. P.S. Soon, I will have to track which ending was most helpful in landing assignments

July 17, 2013 at 7:20 am

Glad you found it so useful, Larry! 🙂

I have a ton of BAFB posts bookmarked as well. They’re timeless!

Thank you for commenting.

December 24, 2013 at 7:29 am

Amazing closings. I have chose a few that I would like to try out. I have been asking for a posting time frame at the end: Please let me know if you have time in your posting schedule to publish this article in the next week or two?

It has been working 🙂

January 14, 2014 at 2:27 am

I agree that the ending is as important as the rest of the query. In many ways it summarizes the reason for the query; which, in the form of a question, prods a reply from the potential client.

September 6, 2015 at 9:50 pm

Excellent tips, great post – like all BAFB posts, of course 🙂 I used #6 a while ago in an email and it helped land me an interview for the blogging job the same day (they replied 2 hrs later) 🙂

May 5, 2016 at 10:03 am

I find this post really helpful as getting better at queries/LOI’s is one of my main focuses right now, and this makes it so clear. Well done.

I couldn’t help but get distracted and start laughing at the Southpark scene, though. I’ve been referencing that scene randomly for however many years its been since the episode first aired. Any situation where I have an idea and outcome but no idea how to get there… I recite the 3 phases. Hahaha. 😉

June 6, 2016 at 5:47 pm

Thank you Sophie, I never thought of the ending as a continuation. I would have used, ” thank you for your time.” I realize now that would be an ending in itself. You options keep the conversation going.

It looks like there hasn’t been a response to these comments in a while. I want to respond to them anyway. I need to get in the habit of writing and actually hitting post.

Good luck to us all, Sandi

June 22, 2019 at 8:04 pm

death of porn

September 3, 2022 at 6:56 am

I wonder why such simple things are made so complicated. Is it needed? Pitching has become a model, robot-like. Pitching turned out to be some kind of trick; editors know it and like it. Otherwise, they would not feel so important. All these examples are nothing but puffing editors’ egos. And the readers they claim to care so much about are their last concern.

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What Makes a Great Pitch

• Michael Quinn

It’s all about reading the room.

A good pitch is a balancing act that can be adjusted to the currents in the room. A recent survey of HBR readers found — at least in this community — how important it is to understand not just what you are pitching, but who you are pitching to. The reason? The more senior your audience, the less you should rely on your deck and the more you should expect your pitch to be a conversation, showing your team’s authentic passion for the challenge or problem and their resilience for solving it creatively, together.

Pitching for new business is a make-or-break moment for many teams. You want to win the pitch, and so you develop a detailed slide deck, tout your credentials, capabilities and successes (case studies), and select your strongest presenter – possibly the leader of your team or company — to do all the talking. Right? Wrong.

• MQ Michael Quinn is the founder of Minor Nobles, the NYC-based consultancy offering workshops, webinars, rehearsals and 1:1 training to help teams and leaders update their behavior to win more pitches for new business and investment. He is also a faculty instructor for the Association of National Advertisers and host of the podcast, “Own The Room,” where top executives discuss their own experiences pitching and what they wish people would do more often, or avoid altogether, in pitches to them.

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Create a standout UGC pitch deck in PowerPoint

march 22, 2024

by Kate Shewaga

If you're a content creator looking to take your user-generated content (UGC) game to the next level, you're in the right place. In this post, I'll share my secrets for creating a customized Microsoft PowerPoint pitch deck that will help you connect with brands and businesses like a pro.

Why customization matters

In the booming world of UGC, it's essential to stand out from the crowd. One fantastic way to do this is by creating a tailored pitch deck that showcases your unique skills and style. Customization is key, and I'll walk you through the process using a template from Microsoft Create .

Choose your template

Start with a template so you can hit the ground running with a clean, polished design. Visit Microsoft Create and explore their PowerPoint templates and pitch deck templates . When you find a design you like, download it.

For this tutorial, I used the Light sales pitch presentation template. This sleek and professional template is the perfect starting point for your UGC pitch deck.

Personalize the cover page

First impressions matter, so make sure your cover page is on point. I always include the name of the brand I'm pitching to show that I've created this presentation specifically for them. It's a small detail that goes a long way in demonstrating your dedication and professionalism.

Customize colors and images

Next, it's time to make the template your own. I customize the colors to match my personal brand and incorporate professional photos I've taken myself. This helps the pitch deck feel authentic and shows off my unique style.

Showcase your work

To give brands a taste of what you can do, include a few concept ideas and sample videos you've created in their niche. I like to add multiple pages with videos of my recent work to highlight my skills and experience. Just remember to watermark any videos featuring products that brands haven't purchased yet!

Include testimonials and analytics

Social proof is powerful, so don't be afraid to include testimonials or analytics from your previous high-performing content. This demonstrates your track record of success and helps build trust with potential brand partners.

Wrapping up

Creating a short, informative PowerPoint pitch deck can be the secret sauce that makes your UGC pitch unforgettable. By customizing a professional template with your own colors, images, and work samples, you'll be well on your way to landing those coveted brand deals.

Head to Microsoft Create and start crafting your standout UGC pitch deck today!

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