What is the primary function of a conclusion in a speech?

The primary function of a conclusion in a speech is to summarize the main points. A well-crafted conclusion serves as a final opportunity for the speaker to reinforce the key messages of the speech and ensure that the audience retains the essential information. By succinctly revisiting the key arguments or themes presented throughout the speech, the conclusion helps to tie together the various components and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Summarizing the main points also aids in enhancing the audience’s understanding and recall, making it easier for them to reflect on the speech’s content after it has ended. This reinforces the speaker's message and encourages the audience to take away the core ideas.

In contrast, introducing new ideas in a conclusion can create confusion as the audience may not have the context needed to fully understand these ideas at this point in the speech. Providing eye-catching visuals is typically a function of the presentation rather than the spoken content itself, and while entertainment can be a component of a speech, it is not the primary purpose of the conclusion. The conclusion's main goal is to succinctly encapsulate and reinforce the speech’s key points for the audience.