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5 Keys to End Your Speech with a Great Call-to-Action

Yet many speakers miss a fantastic opportunity with a call-to-action that is wishy-washy, hypothetical, or ill-constructed. Even worse, some speakers omit the call-to-action entirely.

A poor call-to-action undermines the effectiveness of your speech; a great call-to-action stirs your audience to act enthusiastically.

In this article, we reveal the qualities of a strong speech call-to-action which will lead your audience to act.

What is a Speech Call-To-Action?

A speech call-to-action is an explicit appeal to your audience to take a specific action following your speech. A call-to-action is most often made at the conclusion of a persuasive speech.

“ If you have been persuasive and your audience is emotionally invested, the best time for action is now. ”

For example, you might call on your audience to…

… adopt a new business process
… sponsor an event
… attend an event
… fund a research initiative
… register to vote
… join a club
… train for a marathon
… read out loud to their children
… donate money to a charity
… travel to Saskatchewan
… buy a fire extinguisher
… eat more vegetables
… use public transit

Guidelines for a Strong Speech Call-to-Action

Your call-to-action and your approach to delivering it may vary according to your audience and your speaking style. While there is no rigid formula, there are a number of guidelines which will improve the effectiveness of your call-to-action.

Make your call-to-action clear and direct.
Have your audience act quickly.
Lower barriers to action.
Focus on benefits for your audience.
Customize your call-to-action for each person.

1. Make your call-to-action clear and direct.

Don’t hint. Don’t imply. Don’t suggest.

It’s not a whisper-to-think-about- action; it’s a call-to -action.

Use direct language, and eliminate wishy-washy phrases.

Instead of “Maybe you could think about joining…”, say “Join…”
Instead of “It would be good to train for…”, say “Train for… “

Don’t assume that your audience will “figure out” what needs to be done. (I have made this mistake in the past and regretted it.) If members of your audience walk out of the room thinking “Wow, this sounds great, but I’m just not sure what to do…”, your call-to-action was not clear enough.

2. Have your audience act quickly.

If you have been persuasive and your audience is emotionally invested, the best time for action is now. The longer it takes to initiate the action, the more likely that your audience will lose motivation.

So, an ideal call-to-action is one which your audience can act on immediately, perhaps even before they leave the room. If this isn’t feasible, then aim for actions which can reasonably be completed (or at least started) within hours or a day or two.

3. Lower barriers to action.

To help your audience act quickly, eliminate as many (trivial or non-trivial) barriers as you can.

For example, ask the following questions about your audience.

Do they need to sign up? Bring forms and pens and pass them out.
Do they need to read additional information? Bring handouts, or copies of books, or website references.
Do they need approval before they can act? Make the first call-to-action to organize the meeting with stakeholders.
Do they need to pay? Accept as many forms of payment as possible.

A common psychological barrier is the perception that the suggested action is too big or too risky. This is a legitimate concern, and is often best handled by dividing the call-to-action into several small (less risky) actions.

For example, “train for a marathon” may be too large of a call-to-action for a non-runner. A better call-to-action would be to join a running club or train for a shorter race.

4. Focus on benefits for your audience.

“ A poor call-to-action undermines the effectiveness of your speech; a great call-to-action stirs your audience to act enthusiastically. ”

Always frame your call-to-action in the audience’s best interest.

For example, don’t say this:

What I’d really like you to do is…
It would make me so happy if you…
My foundation has set a target of X that we can reach with your help…

Making you (the speaker) happy is (probably) not highly motivating for your audience.

Instead, say this:

Build your financial wealth by…
Make your community a safer place to live for yourself and your children by…
When you volunteer, you build your skills and gain valuable experience…

Surround the call-to-action with a description of how their lives will be improved when they act. Paint a prosperous vision.

5. Customize your call-to-action for each person.

Audiences don’t act; individuals act. Rather than addressing the group as a whole, focus your call-to-action on each individual in your audience.

Suppose your goal is to have a new business process adopted. Each individual in the room may play a different role in accomplishing this.

For the person who controls the budget, the call-to-action is to allocate the necessary funds.
For the personnel manager, the call-to-action is to delegate staff to work on the initiative.
For others, the call-to-action may be to attend in-depth training about the new process.

Audience analysis is critical . If you know who is in your audience, and understand their motivations and capabilities, you will be able to personalize the call-to-action for them.

Put it into Practice

By working on the planning and execution of the call-to-action in your speeches, you’ll become a more persuasive and effective speaker.

Look back to your last persuasive speech.

Did you make a clear and direct call-to-action?
Was your audience able to act quickly on it?
Did you make an extra effort to lower barriers to action?
Did you highlight the benefits for your audience?
Did you address individuals rather than the group with a personal call-to-action?

If the answer to any of the above questions was “no”, then how could your call-to-action have been improved?

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11 comments.

This is a great article. I found in it very useful tactics. thanks a lot.

Brilliant!… can’t wait to put into action. thank you

I really like your tips #3 & 4 about focusing on audience benefits and lowering barriers to action.

Not sure how the tip about personalising the call-to-action should work though. Might you have (say) 3 calls to action if there are 3 decision-makers in the audience?

Very useful to my line of work. Thanks. Keep it up

What would be a good call to action for drug abuse?

Thank you, I found this very helpful in some situations. I definitely recommend this.

My teacher sent me here It really helped. Thank you for taking your precious time to make something to help others even though you didn’t have to. It is very much appreciated

Thank you soooo much it really helped me on my essay for school thank you so much .😊😊😊

I am working on reframing a call to action for a speech THANK YOU for the help ahead of time

How do you write a call-to-action about global warming?

I appreciate your six minute articles Thank you

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5 Keys to End Your Speech with a Great Call-to-Action https://t.co/a8rputDpUk by @6minutes — @red_suraj Nov 6th, 2017

“A poor call-to-action undermines the effectiveness of your speech; a great call-to-action stirs your audience to a… https://t.co/VbYz3VcxvH — @ToppComm Jul 3rd, 2018

Ending a speech in a meaningful, impactful way is CHALLENGING! Luckily, we have helpful guidelines from @6minutes o… https://t.co/3z46iJn6Os — @speakupcamb Aug 7th, 2018

5 Keys to End Your Speech with a Great Call-to-Action https://t.co/8E7KimKeRE by @6minutes — Mel Sherwood – Pitch & Presentation Specialist (@MelSherwood_) Sep 7th, 2018

5 Keys to End Your Speech with a Great Call-to-Action https://t.co/vkMpPLLHwK by @6minutes — Marcie Hill (@Marcie_Hill) Sep 17th, 2018

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As a #publicspeaker, you want to see your listeners taking action because of you. To help your audience take action… https://t.co/d4Vf5nSgtS — @GregoryCNSmith Nov 14th, 2018

What is a Speech Call-To-Action? In this article, we reveal the qualities of a strong speech call-to-action which w… https://t.co/nrUtrhIzPS — Free You Up VA (@freeyouupva) Dec 29th, 2018

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How to Create a Powerful Call to Action in Your Speech

The Speaker Lab
May 29, 2024

When giving a speech, it’s common to have an intended goal in mind. For instance, you may be informing your audience about a topic, entertaining them, or persuading them to see an issue from your point of view. At times, speakers give a speech with the intent to call their audience to action. A well-crafted call to action turns passive listeners into passionate doers. But how exactly do you galvanize your audience? In other words, how do you craft an effective call to action in your speech?

The key is to make it clear, specific, and emotionally compelling. You need to tap into what your audience cares about and show them how taking action will benefit them. It’s not about what you want—it’s about what they need. In this post, we’ll explore the art and science behind creating a CTA that resonates, motivates, and inspires. So buckle up, because we’re about to take your speaking game to new heights!

What is a Call to Action in a Speech?

If you’ve ever found yourself fired up after listening to a powerful speech , ready to take on the world, you’ve likely experienced the impact of a well-crafted call to action. A call to action (CTA) is an explicit appeal to your audience to take a specific action following your speech. It’s that critical moment when you convert listeners to doers, bridging the gap between inspiration and action.

Types of Calls to Action in Speeches

Calls to action vary depending on your speech’s purpose and who you’re talking to. For instance, you might ask your audience to sign up for a newsletter, donate to a cause, or spread the word about an upcoming event.

Signing a petition
Volunteering time to an organization
Contacting elected representatives about an issue
Registering to vote
Changing a specific behavior

The key is to choose an action that is both relevant to your message and realistic for your audience to accomplish.

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Benefits of Using a Call to Action in Your Speech

So now you understand what a call to action is, but why use one in your speech? The truth is, a well-crafted CTA can make the difference between a speech that falls flat and one that inspires real change. That makes it a crucial element in your speech, especially if you’re giving a persuasive speech . Not only does a call to action highlight your main message, but it also provides a tangible way for your audience to demonstrate that they agree with what you’ve said. Let’s take a look at some additional benefits of a call to action.

Motivating the Audience to Take Action

The most obvious benefit of a call to action is that it motivates your audience to get involved. By giving them specific, concrete steps to take, you capitalize on the energy and emotion generated by your speech and channel it into something tangible. If you have been persuasive and your audience is emotionally invested, the best time for action is now.

Creating a Lasting Impact

A speech with a strong call to action can have an impact that lasts long after the applause dies down. By turning passive listeners into active participants, you ensure that your message endures and leads to real change.

Achieving the Desired Outcome

At the end of the day, your speech’s impact boils down to one thing: does it inspire action? A powerful, persuasive call to action is what gets people to change their minds, donate resources, or rally behind your cause.

Key Elements of an Effective Call to Action

Crafting an effective call to action is both an art and a science. While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, there are certain key elements that can help ensure your CTA hits the mark.

Clarity and Specificity

Firstly, your call to action should be crystal clear and specific. Use concrete action words and provide step-by-step instructions for your listeners. After all, the more detailed your CTA, the more likely your audience is to follow through.

Urgency and Immediacy

Secondly, create a sense of urgency with your call to action to prompt the audience to act right away. Capitalize on the momentum generated by your speech and strike while the iron is hot.

Emotional Appeal

Finally, your call to action should tap into your audience’s emotions and personal motivations. Connect the action steps to things they care about, and highlight how taking action will benefit them and the causes they believe in. When your message is relevant to your audience, they are much more likely to take action.

How to Create a Compelling Call to Action for Your Speech

Now that we know the key ingredients of an effective call to action, let’s explore some practical tips for creating your own compelling CTA.

Identifying the Desired Action

Start by clearly stating the action you want your audience to take. What is the one most important thing they can do to further your cause? In addition, make sure your CTA is specific, measurable, and realistic . For instance, if you want your audience to donate money, name a certain amount you’re hoping to raise.

Choosing the Right Words

Use clear, compelling action phrases when delivering your call to action. Start with a strong command verb and highlight the benefits of taking action. Keep it concise while creating a sense of urgency.

Delivering the Call to Action with Conviction

How you deliver your call to action is just as important as the words you choose. Convey confidence and conviction when asking your audience to take action. Use nonverbal cues like strong eye contact and a confident tone in order to drive your message home.

Measuring the Success of Your Call to Action

To really nail your speech, come up with a way to gauge the impact of your call to action. That way, if it’s not as effective as you hoped, you can make changes to future talks and achieve better outcomes.

Tracking Audience Response

To truly gauge the impact of your call to action, monitor how your audience reacts. Are they signing up, donating, or taking other measurable steps? These tangible actions are the best indicators of whether your CTA hit the mark and resonated with your target audience.

Evaluating the Impact of Your Call to Action

Go beyond the raw numbers and consider the broader impact of your call to action. How did the actions taken by your audience members advance your cause? What changed as a result of your speech?

Adjusting Your Approach for Future Speeches

To make your future speeches even more impactful, use the data you’ve gathered from tracking and evaluating your call to action. Analyze what aspects of your CTA worked well and pinpoint elements that could be tweaked. Ask yourself: Was my call to action specific enough? Did I effectively appeal to the right emotions and motivations to inspire my audience?

By continually honing your call-to-action skills, you’ll become an increasingly effective and persuasive speaker, able to inspire real change in your audience and the world. So don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted CTA, because it just might be the most important part of your speech.

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FAQs on Calls to Action in Speeches

What is an example of call to action in a speech.

“Let’s stand together and fight for change now” pushes listeners towards immediate collective action, aiming to inspire unity and determination.

What is a call to action example?

In marketing, “Click here to learn more about our eco-friendly products” guides customers directly towards engaging with sustainable choices.

What is the speaker’s call to action?

The speaker urges the audience towards specific behavior or thinking shift, like “Vote for cleaner parks in our community.”

How do I call an audience to action?

To motivate your audience, clearly state what you want them to do next. Use powerful words that evoke emotion and urgency.

A powerful call to action is the key to turning your speech into real-world impact. By making it clear, urgent, and emotionally resonant, you can inspire your audience to take that crucial next step.

Remember, it’s not about you—it’s about them. Connect your call to action to their needs, hopes, and desires. Paint a vivid picture of the change they can create by taking action.

Developing a strong call to action requires practice, but it’s a talent that will serve you well in every speech you give. As you keep polishing your method, you’ll notice your words starting to make a difference in people’s lives and the world around them. That’s the genuine power of a well-executed call to action.

Last Updated: May 24, 2024

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What Is a Call to Action in Writing?

Written by Rebecca Turley

How do you inspire readers to take action?

A Call to Action (CTA) in writing is your opportunity to motivate readers to take some type of action. Can your writing and accompanying CTA be compelling enough to motivate your readers to take the next step, make the next move?

That’s the million-dollar question.

Call to Action: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and How to Successfully Use It in Your Writing

So, what exactly is a Call to Action and how can you best utilize it as a writer?

A CTA in writing is a clear and direct message that should elicit a strong response from readers to do something . In marketing lingo, this something is called a “conversion” – turning observers into doers.

Think of it as a “hook, line, and sinker” moment – you want to inspire the reader to do what you want them to do. Maybe it’s subscribe to your online newsletter, book a service, or buy a product—a CTA is a one-liner that gets the job done. It can be an outstanding marketing tool that keeps your reader engaged and ready to act.

It may be a small, two-word phrase or as long as a sentence, but its goal remains the same: to provide your reader with direction on what to do next. You provided them with compelling, interesting text; now’s not the time to leave them hanging! Finish it off with a great CTA and you’ve accomplished your goal.

CTAs are most often used to make a sale by providing a direct path to the product or service you want them to buy. But they can also be helpful for building your customer base and generating leads for future sales. Most CTAs are used as hyperlinks that take the reader where you want them to go, but they can also motivate the reader to make a phone call, download a brochure, or complete a similar activity.

Creating an Effective Call to Action

Once you understand the goal of the CTA, it becomes rather easy to write one yourself. But there are some tried-and-true rules to follow to ensure your CTA is everything it can be.

A CTA is NOT:

Overly wordy

Start your CTA with a strong action verb .

A CTA doesn’t take time to get to the point. It accomplishes its goal by telling the reader exactly what to do.

Think “authoritative” when choosing your words for a CTA. Those action verbs should inspire and convince the reader to do something, so now’s not the time to underwhelm them. When choosing that action verb, think about how best to direct your reader:

Use words that excite and motivate the reader.

Get them motivated and curious to make the move. Think about persuasive language here, about intriguing your reader to want to know more or make a move. Persuasive language speaks to saving them money, saving them time, or improving their lives in some way:

Sign up to join the millions of others who are taking steps to save the planet!
Click here to start saving money today!
Call today to book your dream vacation!

Create a sense of urgency.

You can create a sense of urgency in a number of ways. Add an adjective, make a promise, or elicit FOMO.

Order yours today, while supplies last!
Get free shipping for a limited time!
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Call today and enjoy 50% off your purchase!

Eliminate wordiness.

You have one opportunity to capture their attention and motivate them to click. Don’t waste it by overloading your CTA with unnecessary words or confusing text. Think straightforward, clear, concise, and to the point.

If you aren’t getting the response you hoped for, switch it up.

You never really know if your CTA is going to be effective unless you give it a whirl. If you aren’t getting the response you hoped for, it never hurts to try another tactic. Remember that CTAs are not a one-size-fits-all approach, so you may need to experiment to find one that works best for your audience.

Need a little inspiration to create the perfect CTA? Here are popular CTA phrases designed to boost your conversion efforts.

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Adding a Secondary Call to Action: Another Tool in the Writer’s Toolkit

A secondary CTA is not simply reciting the primary CTA twice or rewording the primary CTA. It serves as another option for the reader.

Here’s a good example:

Primary CTA: Donate now to help save endangered white rhinos!

Secondary CTA: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on conservation efforts for the endangered white rhino.

The primary CTA is a great example of providing the reader with an immediate opportunity to act. But not all readers may be ready to pull out their wallets and make a donation. That’s there the secondary CTA comes in. You’ve captured the interest of the reader enough to inspire them to sign up for your weekly e-newsletter, which could translate into a donation somewhere down the road. Secondary CTAs provide the reader with another opportunity to take action, thereby allowing you to boost your conversion rate.

The secondary CTA should be featured less prominently than the primary CTA because you ultimately want the reader to click on the primary CTA. Remember: The primary CTA should be the most desired action you want your reader to take. A secondary CTA shouldn’t compete with the primary CTA; it should complement it.

But the secondary CTA is certainly an excellent option for those who don’t find the primary CTA appealing. The secondary CTA captures that reader who may have moved on from your website or blog without taking any action at all (i.e., lost conversions). By keeping your reader engaged and returning to your site with the secondary CTA, you’re naturally increasing your chances of enticing the reader to act on the primary CTA in the future.

Secondary CTAs may also be used to simply grow your social reach. A great example of a secondary CTA in this case is to simply encourage the reader to follow you on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. You can also encourage the reader to share your article or blog on their social media platform of choice. Either way, it’s a great way to boost your social media presence.