How to Write a Conclusion That Leaves a Lasting Impression
Writing a powerful conclusion can transform a good piece of writing into something truly memorable. Whether you’re finishing up an essay, report, presentation, or blog post, the conclusion is your final opportunity to make an impact on your reader. Let’s dive into how to craft conclusions that resonate long after the reader has finished your work.
Understanding the Purpose of a Conclusion
A conclusion serves multiple critical functions beyond simply restating what you’ve already written. It’s your last chance to leave a lasting impression, connect with your reader, and ensure your main points stick.
What Makes a Conclusion Effective?
An effective conclusion doesn’t just summarize—it synthesizes your ideas into a cohesive final thought that resonates with readers. According to writing experts at Harvard University’s Writing Center, conclusions should “move from the specific to the general,” allowing readers to see how your specific arguments contribute to a broader understanding of your topic.
The most impactful conclusions:
- Provide closure to your writing
- Reinforce your key points
- Leave readers with something to think about
- Create a sense of resolution
- Connect to your introduction in a meaningful way
Common Conclusion Techniques
The “So What?” Technique
One of the most powerful ways to conclude is by addressing the “so what?” question. This technique helps readers understand why your topic matters in a broader context.
How to implement it:
- Explain the significance of your arguments
- Connect your points to larger themes or issues
- Show readers why they should care
The Full-Circle Method
Coming full circle by reconnecting to your introduction creates a satisfying sense of completion for readers.
How to use this method:
- Reference an anecdote, quote, or scenario from your introduction
- Show how your discussion has enhanced understanding of that opening point
- Create symmetry in your writing
The Call to Action
For persuasive writing, a call to action motivates readers to respond in some way to what they’ve read.
When to use it:
- Advocacy pieces
- Marketing content
- Persuasive essays
- Speeches
What to Avoid in Your Conclusion
| Common Conclusion Mistakes | Why It’s Problematic | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Introducing new information | Confuses readers and leaves loose ends | Synthesize information already presented |
| Simply restating the thesis | Wastes the conclusion’s potential | Add new insights about your thesis |
| Apologizing for limitations | Undermines your authority | Acknowledge limitations constructively if necessary |
| Overused phrases like “In conclusion” | Sounds formulaic and unoriginal | Begin conclusively without announcing it |
| Emotional manipulation | Can seem insincere | Appeal to genuine emotions related to your topic |
Tailoring Conclusions to Different Types of Writing
Academic Essay Conclusions
Academic writing requires conclusions that demonstrate critical thinking and scholarly insight.
Key elements:
- Restate thesis in a fresh way
- Synthesize main points rather than list them
- Connect to broader scholarly conversation
- Suggest implications for future research
Business Report Conclusions
Business audiences value clarity, actionable insights, and clear recommendations.
Essential components:
- Summarize key findings concisely
- Provide clear recommendations
- Include implementation considerations
- Address return on investment when applicable
Creative Writing Conclusions
In creative writing, conclusions often aim for emotional impact rather than logical closure.
Techniques for creative conclusions:
- Use powerful imagery that resonates
- Leave some elements to the reader’s imagination
- Consider a surprise ending that remains true to the story
- Create emotional resonance
Psychological Impact of a Strong Conclusion
The conclusion benefits from what psychologists call the “recency effect”—people tend to remember the last things they read or hear. Columbia University research shows that information presented at the end of a piece has a disproportionate impact on how readers evaluate the entire work.
Creating Memory Hooks
Memory hooks are elements in your conclusion that make your writing stick in readers’ minds.
Effective memory hooks include:
- Surprising statistics
- Thought-provoking questions
- Memorable analogies
- Emotional appeals
- Powerful quotations
The Revision Process for Conclusions
Writing a strong conclusion often requires multiple attempts and careful revision.
The Three-Step Revision Method
- Test for completeness: Does your conclusion address all key aspects of your thesis?
- Check for originality: Avoid simply repeating your introduction or main points.
- Read aloud for impact: How does it sound when spoken? Does it feel conclusive?
Professional Examples of Effective Conclusions
In Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
King concludes his iconic speech by painting a vivid picture of freedom:
This conclusion works because it:
- Uses powerful imagery
- Connects to universal values
- Ends with emotional resonance
- Provides a vision of the future
In Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Address
Jobs concluded his famous speech with:
“Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
This brief conclusion works because it:
- Distills his entire message into a memorable phrase
- Provides actionable guidance
- Uses simplicity for impact
- Leaves room for personal interpretation
Frequently Asked Questions
For most writing, aim for about 10% of your total word count. In a 1,000-word essay, that’s roughly 100 words or 1-2 paragraphs.
Generally, avoid introducing new citations in your conclusion. If you must reference something, it should be information already discussed in your main text.
Yes, a thought-provoking question can be effective, especially in persuasive writing, but ensure it reinforces your main point rather than introducing new ideas.